BA in Art History in New York United States | New York University

Recognized by New York Times art critic John Russell as the nation's top undergraduate art history program, NYU's art history department was founded to deliver a comprehensive and challenging education in art's diverse historical and theoretical dimensions—a commitment its faculty passionately upholds. Students explore worldwide artistic traditions from ancient times to today. The curriculum covers ancient, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, modern, contemporary, East Asian, South Asian, Islamic, Latin American, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art, examining not just painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography but also printmaking, manuscript illumination, decorative arts, and urban design elements. This program stands among the few undergraduate departments nationally with robust course options in conservation and museum studies. New York City's wealth of museums, galleries, and architectural landmarks creates an unparalleled environment for firsthand visual arts education. Additionally, art history courses are available at NYU's global study centers in cities including Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, and Prague.

Students can pursue majors or minors in art history or urban design and architecture studies. To deepen their artistic understanding, art history majors are encouraged to complement their studies with a studio art minor through Steinhardt School. The department produces its own student publication (Ink & Image) and features an honors program requiring a senior thesis with oral defense. Graduates frequently secure positions in museums, galleries, auction houses, and cultural nonprofits, while those pursuing advanced degrees often become curators, conservators, or university-level art historians. Urban design and architecture studies majors gain strong foundations for graduate work in architecture, urban planning, and historic preservation.