What is Art History?

Art History examines the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future. In studying Art History, you will learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture.

Art History Degree(s)

Art History, BA

Western Art History students learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture, examining the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future.

Contact

Art Major Information,
ArtInfo@wwu.edu | 360-650-3660

Art History at Western

Western Art History students learn to interpret and analyze art and visual culture, examining the histories of art in cultural context, visual communication in the world today, and the impact of visual technology in the future. 

As art historians in-training, students explore why culturally significant objects came to exist, what purpose they served, and how they continue to captivate us. By studying human expression through an engagement with culturally significant objects, images, and ideas, artists and historians document the changing world.

The Art History Department here at Western has redefined the way I experience visual culture, including fine art, film, and advertising. I feel prepared to understand and participate in the current dialogue of the art world.

Emily Zach

Art History Student

Explore Courses

  • A/HI 201 - Zen and the Art of Tea
  • A/HI 305 - Western Gallery Workshop
  • A/HI 348 - Art and Ecology
  • A/HI 497N - African Textiles

Hands-on-Experience and Internships

Beyond the Classroom

Art history students have unique opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience for a future career in the art world. Faculty assist students in handling and installing artworks, learning and expanding research skills, and improving critical analysis and essay-writing abilities.  

Western Art Galleries

Students play an active role in the operations of Western’s three galleries, including the Western Gallery and two student run galleries—the Viking Union and B galleries. 

Research

Art faculty encourage students to explore the academic world through research assistantships—an invaluable experience for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the field.

Internships

While in the department, students have a chance to do internships with local businesses, learning about how to employ their burgeoning skills in various art-related fields.

Study Abroad

The Department of Art offers many opportunities to travel abroad and domestically. Students participate in unique, life-changing encounters with art and art history.

My Art History degree has been incredibly beneficial and relevant to my career in marketing. WWU’s Art History program taught me how to think critically, communicate effectively, and analyze visual design in ways others do not. Almost a decade after graduating, I’m still so happy I decided to major in Art History

Marisa Ellis

Art History Alumni

What can you do with Art History?

A degree in Art History prepares students for a future as a teacher, museum educator, gallery curator, visual resource librarian, art critic, scholar, and other careers that require creative problem solving and knowledge of visual language.

Western Art alumni have gone on to pursue their passions, including: 

  • Robert McCauley: National Endowment for the Arts fellowship recipient and professional painter
  • Eugenie Tung: Head teacher for the Joan Mitchell Foundation Education Program
  • Jim Goldberg: Author of seven books, National Endowment for the Arts and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient, and professional photographer
  • Virginia Troy: Associate professor of Art History at Berry College

Art History careers

  • Art Consultant
  • Curator
  • Gallery or Museum Director
  • Art Critic
  • Architectural Conservator
  • Art Dealer
  • Art Historian
  • Researcher
  • Visual Resource Librarian
  • Arts Administrator
  • Museum Educator