BA in Art History- Visual Arts (Barnard) in New York United States | Columbia University

The Art History department explores the evolution and application of visual expression. Across cultures and eras, humanity has conveyed identity and ideology through artistic mediums. Whether monumental temples or delicate teacups, patchwork quilts or massive steel sculptures, these creations reveal our collective past and how we mold our surroundings.

Our curriculum, encompassing both historical study and hands-on practice, sharpens students' observational skills and analytical perspectives. History courses examine how art emerges from the interplay of individual vision, technical innovation, and societal influences. Studio classes empower students to work with these dynamics through diverse media, from classical drawing techniques to contemporary digital tools.

The Visual Arts Concentration within the Art History Major allows students to blend scholarly research with creative production. This track includes the option to complete a studio-based thesis rather than a traditional written project. Our faculty—active artists themselves—provide personalized guidance to Visual Arts students, helping them craft programs that balance personal artistic goals with academic expectations.