Art History

Through Saint Louis University's undergraduate program in art history, students learn the essential skills of critical analysis, research and communication via examining the social context in which art was historically – and continues to be – created. SLU's art history faculty members offer a broad field of study that ranges from the earliest civilizations, the Western canon of art and the art of world cultures to the beginnings of modernity and the most current movements in contemporary art.

Art history is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates essential skills from various humanities disciplines such as history, philosophy, theology and economics, and students analyze artworks and the societies that have affected the disciplines.

Additional highlights include:

• In the Jesuit tradition, art history faculty at SLU educate the whole person about humanistic values as expressed through the history of art.
• At SLU, art history courses offer intimate class sizes with individualized attention from faculty.
• SLU art history students engage with arts and cultural institutions locally and nationally through class visits, field trips, internships and employment.

1. Graduates will be able to contextualize artwork.
2. Graduates will be able to conduct research and critically analyze source materials.
3. Graduates will be able to apply the principal methodologies of art history to analyze a work of art, an artist, a patron, a place or a text.
4. Graduates will be able to articulate the importance of observing art in person.

Send transcripts of all secondary work.

Find out from your admission counselor what secondary credentials are required. We’ll evaluate how you’ve done in school up to this point, so please send all transcripts for secondary work, along with their English language translations.

Submit proof of your English language proficiency.

These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score. All of our international applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency, and these tests can help us make that determination.

If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

Many SLU graduates work in art-related institutions such as galleries, auction houses and museums, as well as in marketing, advertising, law, journalism and other fields that require an understanding of the visually based culture and the ability to express intelligent, well-researched opinions. Others have continued their studies in internationally recognized graduate programs. All have developed critical thinking and communication skills that aid them in pursuing the career of their choice.