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History of Art

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is History of Art?

Illinois offers two distinct majors related to art history. The History of Art major in LAS, which results in a Bachelor of Arts degree, focuses on liberal arts courses, including literature and history. You’ll analyze and interpret visual cultures, both past and present, from around the globe. You'll learn skills that will help you in understanding a world based on visual communication. You’ll examine art, artifacts, and environments produced by contemporary and historical societies. You'll learn skills to appropriately research, write, and speak about your findings.

Career Options

  • Art conservation
  • Art history
  • Design theory
  • Education
  • Museum work
  • Research

Post-Graduation Success1

83% employed or continuing education

58% employed after graduation

21% attending graduate school

4% volunteering

$35,560 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: AbbVie, Caterpillar, CRC Insurance Services View All

Sample grad school destinations: Northwestern University, New York University, University of Chicago View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.3 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

75% four-year graduation rate

89% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the My Next Move website.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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