Minor in Art History

Our students become adept critical thinkers who understand the major artistic traditions of the world, methodologies used to study art, artistic media and techniques, and who apply this knowledge as art historians, archivists, curators, museum staff and educators.

Art history is crucial for today’s interconnected planet where people across cultures interact with each other on an increasingly visual level. The minor in art history emphasizes knowledge and awareness of the major artistic traditions of the world; varied methodologies used to study art historically; and artistic media and techniques.

  • Learn to think and write critically about art in its cultural contexts
  • Understand how to interpret historical and critical information about works of art, artists and related issues
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

Classes are taught in the 170,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Visual Arts Complex located at the heart of the CU campus, which includes the CU Art Museum​

Further your education through graduate seminars, teaching opportunities, museum internships and scholarly fieldwork­­&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Learn from and study in our permanent collection at the CU Art Museum’s Collection Study Center

Be successful.

The minor in art history allows you enter the workforce with an understanding of art, history and culture from around the world.  

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Art historian, archivist, curator, museum support staff and educator are some common jobs of our graduates; museums, philanthropic institutions, government and educational institutions also employ our students

 

A degree in arts and sciences helps develop critical thinking and writing abilities, skills that more than 90% of employers value

(The Association of American Colleges & Universities)

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a minor in art history, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in art history coursework. The minor is open to all undergraduate students, regardless of college or school.

Courses topics include:

  • History of world art
  • Global and U.S. art
  • Ancient, Asian, pre-Columbian or Native American art
  • Medieval, early modern, or colonial Latin American art
  • Modern art, contemporary art or theory of art

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.  

Be inspired.

The Department of Art and Art History has an extensive list of alumni working and performing in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

(BA'88)
Founder and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill

(MFA ceramics, '08)
Artist designer for Hatch Designs LLC who has sold her work to Anthropologie, Galison, Chronicle Books, Quarry, Graphique de France and more

(BFA'00)
A sculptor living in Los Angeles who has had solo exhibitions at L.A. Louver and other galleries; in 2014 he was artist-in-residence at Fullerton College, Fullerton, California

('37)
An animator with Walt Disney Animation Studios who worked on such films as Pinocchio, Fantasia and Bambi

Dexter Williams

(MA'80)
Director of fixed income markets at Capital Group Companies in Los Angeles

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover