About the Art History Program
The Art History Program embraces a hands-on approach to research and the study of art and visual culture. Courses cover the history of the fields of art offered at WT: graphic design, sculpture and ceramics, painting and drawing, and photography, as well as surveys of general art history, modern art, and contemporary art. Thematic courses also focus on regional topics and campus-to-community connections, such as Art of the New West or Art within Reach, based on lessons taught at area museums and local sites, from Cadillac Ranch to the Palo Duro Canyon. The art history curriculum also involves travel, local and regional, as well as national and international. We believe our art students deserve to experience as much art in person as possible.
Program Requirements & Resources
- See WT Catalog: "B.A./B.S. Art - Art History Emphasis" for complete degree requirements
- See Advising Degree Checklists for more details
Career Opportunities
MUSEUM ROLES:
- Curator: Researching, acquiring, and managing art collections for exhibitions.
- Registrar: Keeping track of artwork details and provenance.
- Archivist: Maintaining and organizing museum records and documents
- Collections manager: Overseeing the care and preservation of art collections
- Exhibition coordinator: Planning and executing exhibitions
- Educator/docent: Leading tours and educational programs for visitors
GALLERY ROLES:
- Gallery director/owner: Managing a gallery, selecting artists, and promoting exhibitions
- Gallery assistant: Supporting the gallery director with day-to-day operations
- Social media/marketing for arts institutions
ACADEMIC ROLES:
- Art history professor: Teaching art history courses at universities (Ph.D.)
- Art/History Teacher (requires teaching license for K-12)
- Researcher: Conducting scholarly research on art and visual culture
OTHER OPTIONS:
- Art appraiser: Evaluating the value of artworks for insurance or sale
- Art critic/writer: Writing reviews and analysis of art exhibitions
- Art consultant: Advising clients on art acquisitions
- Heritage preservation specialist: Working to protect cultural heritage sites
- Auction house specialist: Assisting with the sale of artworks at auction
- Non-profit and grant-writing
