College of the Arts
School of Art
www.kent.edu/art

About This Program

Discover the beauty and significance of art with the Art History program. Our bachelor's degree provides a comprehensive education in the history and theory of art, preparing you for a wide range of careers in the arts and humanities. With a curriculum that spans cultures and time periods — as well opportunities for internships, study abroad and research with faculty experts in their fields — you will develop a deep understanding of the power of art and its impact on society. Read more...

Contact Information

• Gustav Medicus | gmedicus@kent.edu |
  330-672-1364
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students or graduates who have not attended another college or university since Kent State may complete the reenrollment or reinstatement form on the University Registrar’s website.

Transfer students with more than two studio courses should submit a portfolio of work for proper placement. The director of the School of Art may impose additional requirements considered reasonable and necessary. Transfer credits are evaluated consistent with the state Transfer Articulation Guidelines (TAG), although each student will be evaluated individually in terms of their ability to perform within the program. Transfer students should make every effort to complete admission requirements before the deadlines and to see an advisor in the School of Art for an evaluation of the portfolio and for schedule planning before registration.

Transfer students visit the admissions website for transfer students for more information.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

Students must complete one language through the intermediate II level. If students are placed in or test out of the intermediate II level, they may take another language or general electives to fulfill the remaining requirements. Students seeking information on placement options should visit the Foreign Language Placement policy.

³

Students may elect an established minor or a block of approved courses chosen in consultation with an advisor in lieu of an established minor. Students not choosing a minor must have all their coursework approved in writing by the School of Art and the College of the Arts.

Graduation Requirements

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of art from a range of historic and cultural traditions.
2. Observe, describe and interpret art objects, events and concepts within their cultural context.
3. Engage with a variety of methodologies and theories relevant to different fields of art history.
4. Demonstrate an advanced level of written and/or oral analysis.
5. Become engaged citizens of a global community and recognize the role of art and cultural production as they foster communities, reflect identities and understand social systems.

Program Policies

Dual Degree/Double Major

No-Credit Courses

Some courses do not generate credit within particular programs. ARTH 12001 does not generate credit for majors within the School of Art, but can be used to fulfill Kent Core requirements. Check course descriptions carefully for more information.

Physical Activity and ROTC Courses

No more than 4 credit hours of Physical Activity, Wellness and Sport (PWS) courses or the first 16 credit hours of ROTC courses—Aerospace Studies (ASTU) and Military Studies (MSCI)—may apply to the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Veterans who have completed a minimum of one year of active duty may receive PWS credit for military basic training according to branch of service, as follows:

• Army and Marine Corps, 3 credit hours;
• Navy and Coast Guard, 2 credit hours;
• Air Force, 1 credit hour.

Requirement Audit

Upon completion of 60 credit hours, each student is required to contact the College of the Arts Advising office to obtain a current evaluation of progress toward completion of the student’s chosen degree program. Requirement evaluations are not a substitute for meeting with a faculty advisor. Students may access GPS (Graduation Planning System) audit through their FlashLine account which provides them with information about their academic progress. Questions about GPS audits are answered in the College of the Arts Advising office.

Transfer Students to the School of Art

Transfer students with more than two studio art courses should submit a portfolio of work for proper placement. The director of the School of Art may impose additional requirements considered reasonable and necessary. Transfer credits are evaluated consistent with the state Transfer Articulation Guidelines (TAG), although each student will be evaluated individually in terms of their ability to perform within the program. Transfer students should make every effort to complete admission requirements before the deadlines and see an advisor in the School of Art for an evaluation of the portfolio and schedule planning before registration.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History provides students with an understanding of major art and cultural achievements across historical periods, geographic regions and significant movements. The program fosters visual literacy, critical thinking, creative problem-solving and research development and writing competencies. Students are prepared for careers in non-profit and art organizations, graduate study in art history or museum studies and lifelong advocacy for the arts.

Study Abroad/Study Away Opportunities:

• Travel to New York and Paris
• Study Abroad in Florence, Italy, either for a full semester or a summer