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.

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Annual Art History Student Symposium

The Student Art History Symposium takes place every spring. Eight to ten students are selected to present their research papers to an audience of peers and faculty. Past research has been on topics such as Eastern European public sculpture and Banksy's street art.

This event serves as an opportunity to have your work recognized and critiqued by a wider audience. Each year one undergraduate student is chosen to represent the department at the annual regional symposium to renowned art historians from the Front Range.

Why Study Art History At DU?

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    Students refine their writing while developing analytical and critical skills, both of which are assets when securing employment.

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    The University’s Vicki Myhren Gallery and Madden Museum of Fine Art give students opportunities for hands-on experiences that supplement their classroom learning.

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    We introduce students to internationally renowned visiting artists, curators and scholars to expand their professional network.

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Degree Requirements

  • To major in Art History, you will complete 60 credits. This includes 48 credits in art history and 12 credits in studio art.
  • For distinction in the major you will need to maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA in the major, 3.5 cumulative GPA, complete three 3000-level art history courses and complete a senior paper.
  • BA students may combine majors or minors within the School of Art and Art History, but no reduction in total credits will be allowed.
  • For the secondary major you will complete 60 credits.
  • For the Art History minor you will complete 24 credits, including a World Art class and five electives.

See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for full program requirements.

Application Information

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Ready to gain a strong, wide-ranging understanding of Art History?

Immerse yourself in the rich history of artistic expression.

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