Art History

Learn how to look closely, think critically and conduct research into the context of artmaking through the Bachelor of Arts in Art History in Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. In this 123-credit undergraduate program, you will build an understanding of art and visual culture from an inclusive, global perspective by encouraging awareness of human creativity as a fundamental form of expression in a world where visual literacy is paramount."¯"¯

As an art history major, you will learn from a large, accomplished faculty with specializations ranging from the ancient to the contemporary who represent a diverse array of global cultures–including arts of Africa and the African diaspora, the Islamic World, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas. The Art History bachelor's program's small class sizes facilitate individual mentorship and strong faculty support while facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration with studio art faculty and majors. The program also offers the possibility of exploring professional paths such as arts administration and curatorial studies, along with the latest scholarly methods such as Digital Humanities–a data and technology driven cultural history with tremendous potential for careers in the arts. 

Art History majors at Tyler have access to the outstanding resources of a tier-one"¯public research university, and opportunities for studio practice in world-class facilities. As a vibrant center of art, culture, history and the humanities, Philadelphia becomes an extended classroom offering a rich array of galleries, museums and public art, as well as easy access to thriving arts centers in New York and Washington, D.C."¯The Art History program's flexible degree requirements easily supports double majors as well as studying abroad at Temple's"¯Japan"¯or"¯Rome"¯campuses, giving students an opportunity to investigate visual arts amid different cultural landscapes. 

In today's image-driven media culture, the aptitudes developed through art history support an array of professional applications. Graduates with a BA in Art History embark upon successful careers in auction houses, cultural organizations, galleries and museums or launch futures in advertising, business, community leadership, environmental activism and publishing. They also earn placement in the most competitive graduate programs.

Every year, Tyler students benefit from exposure to scores of architects, artists, designers, professionals and scholars who are at the top of their fields. Students meet with these inspiring individuals through class visits, demonstrations, lectures and more, including three diverse lecture series–Critical Dialogues, Architecture and Environmental Design (AED) Presents and Laurie Wagman Visiting Artist in Glass–and two major speaker programs–the Jack Wolgin Visiting Artist Program and the Knowles Architecture Alumni Lecture.

Art history students regularly secure internships with prestigious arts institutions and organizations, including  

• • Barnes Foundation, 

  • Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 

  • Guggenheim Museum,

  • ICA Boston,  

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art,

• • Weitzman National Museum of Jewish History,  

  • Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology,  

  • Philadelphia Museum of Art,  

  • Smithsonian Institution, and

  • Vox Populi Gallery.

Temple Contemporary, Tyler's visionary center for exhibitions and public programs, offers opportunities for students to observe curatorial practice. Students can also connect with a plethora of art centers, arts projects, collections, design firms, programs, studios and workshops and through internships, residencies and other opportunities listed in Tyler's biweekly newsletter, The WHAT. 

Pursuing a degree in art and design will teach you how to be a dynamic thinker and problem solver–two of the most valued skills that today's employers seek in new hires. Arts programs teach creative ways of making, seeing and thinking. Students learn versatility and technical skills while becoming adept in traditional practice and new technologies. Students enter a competitive workforce at the head of the pack, ready to use their skill sets and creativity to tackle society's toughest challenges. 

A bachelor's degree in art history will prepare you for a breadth of career paths and set you up for success as a creative professional. A few career opportunities include 

• art historian or archivist, 

• curatorial consultant or art critic, and  

• gallery director or conservator/restorer. 

Career Services 

Tyler career coaches specialize in the types of jobs available in the arts and built environment, mentoring students on everything from cover letters and résumés to career advice and interviews. 

Temple's Career Center"¯is another resource that empowers students to find pathways to future success. The Career Center offers comprehensive career development services, from résumés and interviews, to finding internships and jobs.

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.