It allows us to see connections between time periods and cultures that are not always clear when studying history through texts and other sources.
Studying art history makes so many experiences richer: travel is more interesting when you know something about the visual culture of the areas you visit; even watching movies and television becomes a more interesting experience when you are primed to pick up on the obvious and subtle references to art and history.
But even more importantly, our contemporary culture is overwhelmingly visual. Of course humans have always been a visual species, but we take in more visual information in a week now than earlier humans did in their entire lives. We are inundated with visual information. Being trained to parse images, separate the good from the bad, and recognize propaganda and emotional manipulation when we see it is absolutely vital. By studying the past, we can understand what is being done in the present to manipulate viewers—some of it positive, some negative.
Being an Art and Design student, you’ll take a minimum of five Art History courses, establishing a thorough and expansive visual foundation for your major degree of study. You may even add a Minor in Art History to continue your learning experience. Beyond our five core courses, you may take additional special topics classes covering areas such as Women in Art, Art in the South, African-American Art, or even the History of Music Videos.
But even more importantly, our contemporary culture is overwhelmingly visual. Of course humans have always been a visual species, but we take in more visual information in a week now than earlier humans did in their entire lives. We are inundated with visual information. Being trained to parse images, separate the good from the bad, and recognize propaganda and emotional manipulation when we see it is absolutely vital. By studying the past, we can understand what is being done in the present to manipulate viewers—some of it positive, some negative.
Being an Art and Design student, you’ll take a minimum of five Art History courses, establishing a thorough and expansive visual foundation for your major degree of study. You may even add a Minor in Art History to continue your learning experience. Beyond our five core courses, you may take additional special topics classes covering areas such as Women in Art, Art in the South, African-American Art, or even the History of Music Videos.
Career Possibilities
Where will Art History take me?
- Archaeologist
- Art / School Therapist
- Art Law (copyright, ownership, import/export legalities, repatriation, etc.)
- Curator
- Gallerist
- Art Restorer
- Professor
- High School Art History Teacher (especially AP)
- Consultant for Film and TV
Hear From Our Alumni
What makes this field of study unique from other courses, and quite possibly, other institutions, are the professors. The professors have extensive backgrounds in research and make standard lectures into interactive discussions. Their sincere interest in the subject is obvious and contagious. Additionally, the rigorous curriculum and emphasis on understanding the content make this course different.
Diane L.
Graphic Design • 2026
Over the last three years, Art History has become my favorite area of study at Anderson University. I have learned about artists I had never encountered, their methodologies of practice, and the history and lore behind amazing and mundane pieces of art. I think the best way to study humanity is through the lens of art history because this area of study is the intersection between history, literature, psychology, and art.
Lillian W.
Art History Minor • 2026
My area of study in art history has benefited me in various ways... I am now proficient in the critical analysis of art styles throughout history, evaluating art in the context of which time period, culture, and socio-political background from which it originated, as well as the various techniques that developed through each period of art.
Victoria K.
Art Education • 2026
What has made all of the art history classes I have taken unique is that they are unlike any other history class. It allows you to view history in visual terms as we focus on specific works of art. The classes are more about discussion and trying to analyze works rather than just being told information. Because of this, the classes are fast-paced, but I always feel like I learn so much. The values that I have drawn from the art history classes are an awareness of society, a respect for culture and expression, and an understanding of arts' role in the world.
Emeli B.
Graphic Design • 2026
1 / 5
Breadth & Depth of Exploration
While many Art and Design programs require only one or two courses in art history, we require five classes, each of which is designed to build on the others to provide a holistic view of global art history from earliest prehistory to contemporary movements.
2 / 5
Structured Course Sequences
Our program is special because of its dedication to providing a structured sequence of classes giving you a thorough foundation for upper level classes and establishing a shared visual vocabulary.
3 / 5
Personal Interaction with Professors
Our program stands out for its low professor-to-student ratio, which allows us to know you personally, foster enduring relationships beyond graduation, and demonstrate genuine care for your individual growth and development.
4
/ 5
Multifaceted Perspectives
Each art historian contributes a distinctive combination of experiences, career trajectories, and professional expertise while the diversity of perspectives from the different student majors (studio art, art education, graphic design, and interior design) means that class discussions and student observations are varied and interesting.
5 / 5
Understand Visual Language
In an image-saturated world, having skills of historical awareness, analysis, and reflection will help you view the world with engagement and attention by learning to look carefully and with contextual understanding.