Art History

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What is Art History?

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

92% employed or continuing education

49% employed after graduation

43% attending graduate school

$43,704 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Ebony Law (2), Kirkland & Ellis (2), Rantoul Township High School (2) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Marquette University 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 Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.7 years to degree

96% first-year retention rate

74% four-year graduation rate

82% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Anthropology - LAS

Art and Art History - FAA

Art Education (K-12) - FAA

History - LAS

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 Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² 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.