Art History

The study of the history of art at UVM usually begins with courses surveying the broad range of visual expressions found in cultures around the world. Students are introduced to numerous methodological approaches–contextual, formal, and iconographic–which enable them to understand the richness and layered meanings of works of art. For those who choose to major in this humanities discipline, mastery of a foreign language through the intermediate level, and at least two courses in studio art, provide additional tools useful in responding skillfully to works of art.

UVM art history majors have continued their studies in art history at the graduate level and are now teaching at major universities, like Harvard and Stanford, or finding success in professional positions in museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the New Museum, the Barnes Collection, among others, as well as auction houses, publishing and related fields. Still others have combined their studies in art history with postgraduate study in areas such as law or library science and have continued into careers combining these preparations. Some have used the major as a way to sharpen their analytical skills in thinking and creative problem solving and have then gone on to pursue seemingly unrelated careers in fields such as medicine or business. No matter what path they have followed after graduation, most students have commented on the quality of the art history program at UVM noting how it has enriched their lives and sharpened their visual responses to the world around them.

Students who complete the art history major are expected to be able to:

• Identify and utilize fundamental approaches to the analysis and interpretation of art
• Recognize and articulate the significance of the major achievements in the history of art
• Read advanced scholarship in the history of art, and incorporate this scholarship into independent intellectual work studying a particular monument or art historical problem
• Demonstrate advanced writing and oral presentation skills through the completion of a substantive research project. The project should include appropriate use of primary and secondary sources, clear and well-organized writing, and the development of an evidence-based argument

High school/Secondary school Information

We will need the following documents from your school:

• Official secondary school transcript sent by your school (official English translation required)
• If available, first quarter grades or mid-year grades

• Curator
• Art Historian
• Appraiser
• Researcher

You may choose between the following applications: the COALITION APP or the COMMON APP

There is no advantage/disadvantage to using either application format.