History of Art and Architecture

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art and Architecture


What is History of Art and Architecture?

Creating works of art and architecture is one way that people have explored their world and themselves. The history of art and architecture as a discipline investigates the relationship between visual and architectural forms and the people who produce them.

This is a creative and interpretive field, grounded in the humanities and connected to history, the visual arts, literature, anthropology, archaeology, psychology, and philosophy. To go into this field, you should be interested in how ideas are expressed visually, in cultures other than your own, in historical forces, and how people cope with evolving cultural circumstances.


What are the features of Miami's program?

Practicum work: Art and architectural history majors have the opportunity to attend national conferences and work on publications that prepare you for professional expectations.

Broad exposure: Miami's Department of Art, accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, brings together students of varied interests and talents: students who are studying to be practicing artists, students who are preparing to be art teachers, and students who are concentrating on art history. Often, art classes are composed of students from each of these three areas. This enriches and broadens exposure to different points of view.

Multidisciplinary: This is a multidisciplinary program offered with the Departments of Art, Architecture and Interior Design, and Classics.

Study abroad: Although study abroad is valuable to any student, history of art and architecture students can benefit especially from this rich experience. Through our Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg, you have the opportunity to study abroad, earn regular Miami credit, and live in the heart of Western Europe. A wide variety of courses is offered, all designed to take advantage of the European location. Because travel is part of the program, you have many opportunities to see the great museums of Europe and to experience the ancient artistic traditions of the continent.

Top-notch facilities: The Department of Art is housed in three buildings, containing spacious studios, seminar rooms, and classrooms specifically designed for specific areas of study. We are proud of the Wertz Art and Architecture Library and extensive Visual Resources Collection as well as the main campus research facility, King Library. We also have several excellent gallery spaces suitable for both professional and student exhibitions.


Are there special admission requirements?

Yes, all degree programs within the School of Fine Arts have special requirements, and admission into a specific program is considered at the departmental level. For this major, an entrance essay is required.


What courses would I take?

This major provides an introduction to the history of visual arts in all major periods for Western and Asian cultures. Like all Miami undergraduates, art majors also receive the benefits of a liberal arts education by completing the Miami Plan for Liberal Education. This well-rounded course of study providing a foundation for life in a rapidly changing world is not something you would get in a specialized art school or in some other universities.


What can I do with this major?

Graduates are prepared for careers as museum curators, gallery directors, art critics, preservationists, visual resources librarians, and corporate curators, among others. You may need additional training for some of these careers. Miami faculty will helps students locate schools that offer master's and doctoral programs.


Who can I contact for more information?

For general information about Miami University, please contact:

Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo

For specific information on the History of Art and Architecture major, please contact:

Department of Art
124 Art Building
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-2900
art@muohio.edu
www.muohio.edu/art