Major in Art History/Arts Management

There are very few undergraduate programs for people who love the visual arts and want a career in the arts, but do not want to become artists. Many undergraduate schools provide art history programs that, however, do not give students the theoretical and practical skills necessary for work in an art museum, commercial gallery, or an arts non-profit organization.

USF's Art History/Arts Management Major offers students the knowledge, skills and life experience they will need to become successful professionals in the art world and to prepare those who plan to continue their studies in graduate programs in Arts Management, Museum Studies, or Art History.

In addition to courses in art history, museum studies, design, and professional practice, the program offers three required internships at a fine arts museum, a commercial gallery, and an arts non-profit organization.

Requirements for the Major (48 units)

Required Core Courses

• VA - 101 Survey of Western Art History 1
• VA - 102 Survey of Western Art History 2
• VA - 120 Art Fundamentals
• VA - 155 Visual Communication
• VA - 200 Museum Studies 1
• VA - 300 Museum Studies 2
• VA - 420 Art and Business

Non-Western Art History Electives (Choose at least one)

• VA - 307 Asian Art
• VA - 308 African Art
• VA - 316 Filipino American Arts

Art History Electives (Choose at least one for four units)

• VA - 305 Modern and Contemporary Art
• VA - 306 Women and Art
• VA - 363 The Triumph of Impressionism
• VA - 390 Special Topics
• ARCD - 101 History of Architecture 1 or
• ARCD - 102 History of Architecture 2 or
• ARCD - 203 History of Architecture 3 or
• ARCD - 204 History of Architecture 4

Internships (Complete all three)

• VA - 421 Museum Internship
• VA - 422 Commercial Gallery Internship
• VA - 423 Non-Profit Arts Internship Or can be replaced with
• VA - 487 Art Outreach: Artist as Citizen A or
• VA - 488 Art Outreach: Artist as Citizen B

Learning Goals for the Major in in Arts History/Arts Management

• Students will gain solid historical knowledge of the objects of art and principal artists of all major periods, and their associated theories, analysis and criticism. This includes broad understanding of the cultural diversity of art movements from prehistoric times through contemporary culture, both locally and globally.
• Students will gain an understanding of basic visual principles, concepts, media, and formats in the various fine art disciplines, and the ability to apply them to meet a specific objective. This includes an ability to think critically and propose creative solutions to aesthetic problems.
• Students will gain a deep appreciation and knowledge of how to use their skills to work with diverse communities both locally and globally to create social change. This includes the acquisition of professional skills that will serve them as post-graduate students, professional practitioners, educators, and community leaders.
• Students will gain knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, technologies, and processes sufficient to conduct advanced research or project work. This includes the mastery of bibliographic research and understanding of the digital tools and processes necessary to develop that research.