Bachelor of History of Art at The Ohio State University
The History of Art at The Ohio State University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of History of Art
History of Art
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
History of art is a constantly evolving discipline devoted to the study of visual arts throughout history and across the globe. Ohio State’s Department of History of Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country, offering a wide array of courses in the history and criticism of art, architecture and the decorative arts, video, cinema, and film.
Courses at the 2000 and 3000 levels introduce students to the major monuments of world art and the fundamental principles of art historical investigation and interpretation. In more advanced courses (4000 level and above) students develop a deeper understanding of selected movements of world art and of art historical theory and methodology. Instructional emphasis at this level is focused less on the acquisition of factual knowledge than on the development of analytic and interpretive skills through sustained exercises in critical reading, original research, and oral and written argumentation.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in history of art within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Curriculum
The History of Art major requires 39 credit hours (13 courses) in art history. The core curriculum is composed of four courses (12 credit hours):
- a writing seminar (HA4001)
- a course in art historical theory and methodology (HA4010)
- a senior capstone research seminar (HA4016)
- either a course in artistic materials and techniques (HA4005) or a studio course taken in the Department of Art.
In addition to these core courses, nine additional courses are required. Students must take at least two courses in each of the following three areas of study (with at least 4 courses at the 4000-level or above):
- Mediterranean/European Art before 1700
- Modern Art of Europe and the United States after 1700
- Global Art (Asia, Africa, and Central and South America).
Finally, students must take two additional courses at the 4000- or 5000-level in a chosen area of concentration and one additional elective course at the 5000-level.
It is strongly recommended that students take courses in foreign languages appropriate to their areas of interest.
Study abroad
The history of art program currently offers summer study abroad programs in France, Italy and Japan. Learn more about study abroad opportunities in the department at history-of-art.osu.edu/study-abroad.
Students can explore additional study abroad options through the Office of International Affairs and with an undergraduate advisor in the Department of History of Art. Many study abroad courses may be counted towards the history of art major or minor and range from year-long to lasting a single semester, session or summer.
Internship
Sudents are eligible for internships at the Wexner Center for the Arts, the Columbus Museum of Art, and a number of art galleries and historic houses in the area.
Honors and Scholars
The Department of History of Art offers a number of Honors courses, the formats of which are designed to be especially challenging intellectually. Honors students work closely with their faculty advisors and enjoy the benefits of smaller class size and priority scheduling. Majors in history of art who complete an Honors thesis graduate with distinction.
Visit honors-scholars.osu.edu for more on the Honors Program.
Research
Students pursuing history of art are encouraged to conduct independent research, in addition to the research that is incorporated into many upper-division courses in the department.
Both Honors and non-Honors students may complete a senior thesis, which consists of original research in the history of art under the supervision of a faculty advisor, and which may count towards the major. Students may also pursue independent study projects with faculty.
Student organizations
Students may participate in the many extra-curricular activities (e.g. lectures, workshops, museum visits) organized by HAUS, the History of Art Undergraduate Society, as well as GILD, the Group for the Intellectual Life of the Department.
Possible careers
Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history of art may expect to find employment in a wide variety of cultural and arts organizations, such as publishing firms, art galleries, libraries and museums.
Many graduates also use their skills in critical writing, thinking and research to enter fields such as non-profit management, education, journalism and marketing.
Many specialized professions in art history—most notably museum curators and university professors—require advanced degrees. Graduates of the history of art program are regularly accepted into some of the most prestigious graduate programs in the country.
Career counseling and job placement
Ohio State’s professional counseling staff specializes in personal development and academic growth. In addition, Ohio State’s career and job placement offices around campus offer help in career planning and, as students move closer to graduation, resume writing, writing application letters and job placement. These offices can help students match interests and strengths with a promising career. Ohio State recognizes that students’ needs for career support services vary and offers special services for disabled students, veterans, minority students and international students.
Program objectives
The history of art program will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Introduce GE students, potential majors and newly declared majors to the basic ideas and major monuments of world art.
- Help students develop a basic understanding of art historical methodology and historiography.
- Help students develop a full understanding of the major artistic movements, artists and works of art within the specific historical eras and/or geographical regions.
- Develop within advanced students an understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of the discipline.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of History of Art at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of History of Art at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of History of Art at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus