The art history major focuses on the vast changes in art and design over centuries of time, geography and cultures. Students in the program become well-prepared for advanced study leading to an M.A. or Ph.D. in art history or related disciplines such as classics, history, literature, music, archaeology, library science, foreign language, museum studies and anthropology
An active study/intern abroad program in London, along with many short-term travel opportunities throughout the world, enhances the art history curriculum. Integrating courses such as Architecture and Interior Design, Modern Art, World Art, Art Criticism, and American Art, the major is designed for students interested in becoming an art history professor, gallery director, museum curator, museum technician/preparator, museum registrar, museum conservator, art reviewer/critic, travel guide/writer/consultant, fine arts fund raiser/grant writer, archaeology excavation specialist, art librarian, and special collections librarian.
The Dorothy Meyer Ziv Art and Design Building houses several smart classrooms for state of the art wireless internet viewing of images and resources. The facility also houses a professional gallery and specialized studio space. Outstanding library resources include the MSJ collection, the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU) collection, the entire college library system of the state of Ohio through Ohiolink, the Public Library of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Art Museum.
An art history minor is also offered and gives students an appreciation for the long and varied history of visual communication.