The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Art History

Because the history of art is engaged in problems of historical analysis and the interpretation of culture, it provides students with a broad background in the humanities consistent with a liberal arts and sciences education. The undergraduate degree program is designed to prepare students for competitive placement in graduate schools across the country. As students progress through the program, they become familiar with historical relationships between art objects and society, learn techniques of formal analysis, study patterns of patronage, and absorb methods for interpreting the meaning of paintings, sculptures, and buildings. In the course of their studies, art history majors develop their research abilities and writing skills. See the Undergraduate Bulletin (pdf) for more information.

Graduating with Honors in the Art History major

School of Art and Art History students who are members of the University of Iowa Honors Program may enroll in the school's honors program. Honors students must maintain a cumulative University of Iowa GPA of at least 3.33 (contact the University of Iowa Honors Program for more information). Honors students in art history must complete the requirements for the BA in art history with a GPA of at least 3.50 in art history courses.