Programs & Degrees
A Program for Every Pursuit
At the School of Art & Art History, we combine small classes and individualized instruction. Whether you're studying to be an art curator or conservator, printmaker or photographer, ceramic artist or sculptor, our expert faculty and staff are devoted to your academic and creative success.
In tandem with the vibrant arts communities in Denver and Boulder, we connect students with local museums, artists, curators and scholars, providing opportunities for hands-on learning. The intensive, customizable nature of our programs helps ensure students can pursue a wide range of careers after graduation.
- MAJORS
- Your major is your chosen academic discipline, typically requiring four years of study. In addition to taking classes related to your field, you’ll take in liberal arts courses designed to diversify your learning and ensure you come out of college a well-rounded individual prepared for various professional pursuits. Some students choose their major immediately upon beginning school, while others decide after spending time determining the direction they wish to follow.
- MINORS
- A minor is a student’s secondary academic discipline. It requires a set framework of classes, though it’s less intensive than a major. Minors can either complement a major or give the student the opportunity to study a field in which they’re interested but do not wish to pursue as a major.
- DUAL-DEGREES
- A dual degree is a program of study in which students simultaneously pursue their undergraduate and graduate degrees, reducing the time required to achieve both. Typically, students complete their undergraduate studies after three years, as opposed to four, and take two more years to complete their graduate degree.
- Master's
A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study. To pursue a master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Many degrees are specialized to prepare you to enter the job market as a highly qualified applicant or work as an educator in your field.
- Doctoral
A doctoral degree is the highest achievable graduate degree, preparing students to work in the upper echelons of their field as either practitioners or educators. Many doctoral candidates complete a dissertation, thesis or project based off original research, defending their work in front of a committee of experts. Others take rigorous coursework that prepares them for professional practice and licensure.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art
About this Program
Students who receive a BA from DU's renowned art program develop a well-rounded foundation in the practices and history of visual art. We offer broad education and training in art techniques, theory and criticism, and you'll gain experience with a range of media from painting to ceramics. Meanwhile, you'll develop valuable historical context as you work to find your artistic voice. Upper-level electives allow you to specialize in whatever captivates you, whether that's portrait photography or screen printing.
As part of this major, you're required to complete a minor or an additional major. This flexibility allows you to acquire relevant skills in related areas across the university. Students who earn a BA can double major in journalism to prepare for a career in media or advertising, in art history to prepare for a curatorial career, or even in business for a career in nonprofit arts management. Many alumni have gone on to pursue graduate study or employment in a range of art-related fields.
The School of Art and Art History also offers a BFA in Studio Art.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History
About this Program
Explore the rich history of artistic expression with a BA in art history. As a student, you’ll extend your critical thinking skills through engaging coursework while diving into your own unique areas of interest. Whether you take a course on Islamic mosques, Medieval saints or women and art, you'll explore how the visual arts reflect and shape cultures. We’ll help you combine classroom skills with career-relevant experience to form a diverse, solid and professional skill set.
Denver’s many art institutions allow us to offer both academic knowledge and hands-on experience. Students frequently work on projects at the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Students also have access to employment, volunteer and classroom opportunities at the University of Denver’s Vicki Myhren Gallery and the Madden Museum of Fine Art.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History
About this Program
A master’s in art history is perfect for students who wish to cultivate a deep understanding of the ways in which art and aesthetics develop and affect individuals and societies. Students have the option of pursuing a museum studies concentration within the program. You'll work closely with professors and internationally recognized visiting artists, curators and scholars. You'll also take part in scholarly research on your topic of choice. A wealth of class options will allow you the flexibility necessary to find what moves you, whether that means delving into the connections between art and technology or focusing on a specific cultural sphere or movement.
While we offer courses in most areas of world art, the program has a special emphasis on the arts of Europe, the Americas and Islamic art. Museum collections in Denver include the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Clyfford Still Museum and the Western Center for Conservation of Fine Arts, where you'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an art historian. Our graduate community also works with emerging and established artists through the University of Denver's Vicki Myhren Gallery and the Madden Museum of Fine Art.
Many MA students go on to complete PhDs at universities such as Cornell University, University of California-Berkeley and University of Delaware.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History
About this Program
Our accelerated dual-degree program allows advanced undergraduate art history majors to simultaneously pursue bachelor's and master's degrees. During their junior year, students can apply for one of the limited spaces in this competitive program under the guidance of their Art History Advisor. You'll develop a deep and refined understanding of how art shapes and reflects cultures on individual and societal levels. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with faculty, curators and visiting artists as you explore historical periods and cultures. The program culminates in a master's level research project.
Upon program completion, students can pursue further graduate studies or work in fields such as education, curation, publishing and more. An optional concentration in Museum Studies opens up further employment options in museums and galleries.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Art History — Museum Studies
About this Program
Students in our art history graduate program may pursue a museum studies concentration. In addition to earning a master’s degree in art history, you will take courses with curators and conservators from the region’s art institutions. During your studies you can gain experience handling art, hanging exhibitions and curating exhibits in our Vicki Myhren Gallery and Madden Museum. Classes taught on-site in Denver’s museums allow you to meet professionals from museum directors to collections managers and find a museum career that suits your skills and interests. Students in the museum studies concentration also conduct an individually-tailored internship in a regional or national art institution giving you hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Alumni now hold positions at distinguished venues as curators, consultants, administrators, registrars, collection managers and museum educators.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Pre-Art Conservation
About this Program
History depends on those who preserve the cultural heritage of ancient and modern civilizations around the world. DU's bachelor of fine arts degree in pre-art conservation combines studio art, art history, language, chemistry and conservation techniques. We'll help you explore artistic styles and concepts while you learn how to protect cultural artifacts for future generations.
Many students work with Italian conservators in Florence, Italy during their junior year. Additional hands-on experience includes internship opportunities at major institutions, such as the Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Western Center for the Conservation of Fine Arts and Mountain States Art Conservation. This rigorous program can lead to careers in conservation and museum curation.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Studio Art
About this Program
Chart your own artistic course with a bachelor of fine arts in studio art. In our program, you'll be exposed to multiple mediums and can choose to concentrate in ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture or continue working in multiple modes. We also encourage collaboration with creatives in film, theater, dance and other areas.
Your instructors will provide you with essential tools and guidance as you develop your unique aesthetic. With your peers, you’ll practice the art of critique and learn to give and receive constructive feedback. In art history seminars, you’ll learn from the masters, turning your aesthetic inclinations and aversions into critical analysis. At the end of their program, students exhibit their work professionally in the Vicki Myhren Gallery. Our art BFA graduates go on to become professional artists, educators and arts managers.
