Art History

Our department provides the background for a life-long appreciation of art and the framework for conducting an examination into the history of art. As an Art History major, you will connect to countless fields, including an exploration into religious beliefs, political ideals and human rights, and philosophical principles. You’ll gain an understanding of art history as a universal language and a global business. 

The Art History major provides a foundation for any type of career that requires the ability to read and write, identify and solve problems, and think critically. You’ll take a wide range of classes to introduce you to an array of methods and approaches covering different historical periods, cultures, and media. Among our diverse courses include The Art of Asia, Latin American Art, and Contemporary African-American Art History. 

To further your knowledge, you will regularly visit local art museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Danforth Museum.  

As a student in our department, you’ll have access to our private collection of artifacts as well as free access to the Danforth Art Museum. The Danforth, located near campus, merged with Framingham State University in 2018 as a cultural resource serving the region by enriching our community through exhibiting, collecting, and teaching through dynamic and responsive programming. Many recent graduates have interest at the Danforth as well as various local museums.  

Graduates of our program go on to become Collection Managers, Gallery Directors, Museum Archivists, Exhibit Designers, and more!  

Framingham State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).