Art History
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Art historians explore how individuals and societies have used the visual arts to convey important ideas and values throughout history.
Overview
This program emphasizes an understanding of the social, critical, and cultural contexts that have shaped visual arts throughout time. It focuses on analyzing and interpreting visual material, preparing students for careers in museums, galleries, education, and cultural institutions.
You will study a variety of courses, including introductory surveys of art history, specialized courses focusing on specific historical periods or geographical regions, and thematic courses that explore conceptual themes in art. You will gain a solid foundation in art historical methods and theories, enhanced by opportunities for hands-on learning through internships and independent research projects. The program encourages engagement with visual media from a global perspective, enriching your understanding of art's role in society.
Pursuing a major in art history includes access to experienced faculty, small class sizes, and a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum. The program's emphasis on individualized attention and experiential learning ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. With its strong academic foundation and opportunities for practical experience, this major fosters a passion for understanding and interpreting the visual arts.
Department of Visual and Media Arts
gvsu.edu/vma
1105
Alexander Calder Art Center
(616) 331-3486
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,130.02 | 10% |
| $ 47,601.77 | 25% |
| $ 63,746.44 | 50% |
| $ 80,287.79 | 75% |
| $108,220.52 | 90% |
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 31,218.17 | 10% |
| $ 31,846.33 | 25% |
| $ 38,345.37 | 50% |
| $ 47,477.53 | 75% |
| $ 68,301.56 | 90% |
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Operations Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 13,895.75 | 10% |
| $ 24,976.37 | 25% |
| $ 42,189.46 | 50% |
| $ 74,848.29 | 75% |
| $144,546.53 | 90% |
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 35,365.52 | 10% |
| $ 42,463.02 | 25% |
| $ 52,581.99 | 50% |
| $ 68,102.94 | 75% |
| $ 93,409.54 | 90% |
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
94%
Graduates Employed After Graduation
25%
Of Students Participate in Research or Experiential Learning with Faculty
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
-
Art History Merit Scholarship
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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