BSc in Art History in Philadelphia United States | Drexel University

Art History examines visual and material culture—including artworks, design pieces, mass media forms, and their surrounding environments—to uncover the meanings they convey. This discipline investigates the historical evolution of images and artifacts, their global circulation, and their interactions with aesthetic, social, political, economic, and religious contexts. Students cultivate skills in visual analysis, argumentation, academic research, clear communication, and historical awareness. Given its cross-cultural and interdisciplinary nature, art history offers profound insights into our diverse world, revealing the deep connections between art, design, and society.

Drexel's undergraduate Art History program integrates the university's acclaimed co-op experience, allowing students to gain six months of professional work in museums, galleries, auction houses, and other arts-related fields while completing their degree. Philadelphia's vibrant arts scene includes renowned institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Mural Arts, Institute of Contemporary Art, PAFA, and The Fabric Workshop. Drexel University houses seven notable collections, such as the Founding Collection of art and design, the Robert & Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection, and the Polish Poster Collection, while also managing the Atwater Kent Collection, Philadelphia's historical archive. The Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, Paul Peck Alumni Center Gallery, and Rincliffe Gallery host rotating exhibitions year-round. Through co-ops and coursework, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, enabling students to study objects firsthand. Beyond museum visits and work placements, students have curated shows, conducted gallery tours, contributed to exhibition catalogs, and authored interpretive wall labels.