Art History

The study of Art History and studio art provides a historical, cultural, and social context for the comprehension, evaluation, and creation of visual art. The centuries-spanning study of masters both attracts and produces interests as diverse as the styles, forms and wider cultural impact of the art that grabs our attention.

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Did You Know?

• Nearly 90% of recent graduates declaring their primary major in Art History have also declared a second major and/or a minor or minors.
• Every three years, Wake Forest offers an opportunity believed to be unique nationally. Students travel to New York to purchase contemporary works of art for a collection housed on campus.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Art History include:

• History of World Architecture
• Classics of World Cinema
• History of Photography
• Early Italian Renaissance Art

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

The Department of Art offers small class sizes, one-on-one instruction, careful mentoring, interdisciplinary flexibility and a strong commitment to the liberal arts. Studying art at Wake Forest can prepare you for a career that combines the study of art with a wide variety of other interests.

Example additional opportunities for Art majors include:

• Exhibit work at START Gallery in Reynolda Village, Hanes Art Gallery, or downtown Winston Salem venues.
• Curate exhibitions, exhibit and sell your work, and gain experience in a professional gallery setting at START: WFU Student Art Gallery.
• Seek internships in museums and cultural organizations.
• The Management in the Visual Arts course offers business and art students the opportunity to travel to New York City for an exceptional and privileged look into the inner workings of the “Art World”.
• The Art Department’s Annual Overnight Trip to Washington DC is an immersive art experience.
• Honors in Art History offers the opportunity to develop an original research project and thesis.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

• Ability to analyze works of art
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Research skills as demonstrated in papers and exams
• Time management skills
• Visual analysis

Clubs & Organizations

Art History students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

• Reynolda House
• START Gallery
• Hanes Art Gallery

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Art History majors include:

• Advertising Professional
• Architect
• Art Advisor
• Art Dealer
• Art Educator K-12
• Art Historian
• Art Therapist
• Art Writer
• Artist
• Conservator
• Curator
• Exhibition Design
• Fashion Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Interior Designer
• Marketing Professional
• Medical Illustrator
• Museum Educator
• Professor
• Visual Resources Librarian

In addition to work at art galleries in New York, Washington, Atlanta, Dallas and Venice, among other cities, Art History majors have thrived in careers in finance (Fidelity Investments); fashion design (Kate Spade New York); architectural design (United States Capitol); law (United States Department of Justice); marketing (Campbell’s Soup); and dozens of other fields.

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