BA in Art History - Visual and Cultural Studies in Rochester United States | University of Rochester

The Department of Art and Art History focuses on providing a well-rounded education in both the practice and historical analysis of visual arts. Students have the option to pursue majors, minors, or course clusters in either art history or studio arts.
At Rochester, we foster technically skilled artists with a deep appreciation for art's cultural significance. Our students learn from distinguished faculty members who are active practitioners influencing both local and global art scenes.
What sets our department apart is its emphasis on visual culture rather than conventional art history. Our curriculum includes period-specific courses spanning ancient to modern art, along with specialized studies in photography and architecture. The visual studies program examines cultural imagery, expanding beyond traditional artistic boundaries through thematic exploration. We bridge theory and practice via internships, international study programs, and engagement with Rochester's thriving arts community.
Alumni from our department embark on diverse professional journeys and graduate studies—from graphic design and education to historic conservation and legal fields, independent artistry to advisory roles. Essentially, our programs cultivate critical thinking, creative synthesis of concepts and media, along with strong writing, research, and analytical abilities—skills that prove essential in all life pursuits.
Art history majors can tailor their studies through multiple pathways aligned with personal interests and professional aspirations.
These structured frameworks accommodate different student approaches to exploring art and visual culture, enabling interdisciplinary course combinations for customized majors within our department.