Art History

Overview

The study of art history expands visual literacy, deepens critical reading and writing skills, and increases students' abilities to think across fields. The Art History program of Case Western Reserve University is profoundly multidisciplinary, and enhances awareness of cultural diversity around the globe, throughout time. Students majoring in art history have a wide variety of career opportunities. 

Graduates with a strong background in art history are employed as college and university professors; as museum professionals (in curatorial, educational, and administrative positions); as art librarians and archivists; as development officers; as journalists; as art gallery or auction house staff members; as art conservators and restorers; as art specialists in the diplomatic service and at all levels of government; and in other careers in industry, film, and television. Some of these specialties require additional study and professional preparation beyond the bachelor’s degree. Other art history majors who have fulfilled the required prerequisites go on to attend law, medical, or business school. Increasingly, familiarity with global visual culture is desirable for those pursuing careers well outside the field (for example, engineering students).

The graduate programs in art history are offered as part of the exceptional joint program in art history of Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Most classes, undergraduate and graduate level, are held in the museum, and some courses are offered or co-taught by museum curators who hold adjunct appointments in the department. Students taking advanced-level courses use the museum’s extensive research library, and all students have an opportunity to study original works of art in the museum’s superb collections and conservation laboratories.