Frequently Asked Questions
For Prospective Art History Students

What are the career skills that I will develop?

The career skills that art history majors develop include those of visual and historical analysis, communications, human relations, research and education. In the area of analysis students learn identification, comparative analysis, critical thinking and interpretive skills. In communications, students learn to convey ideas in written and spoken form, to present and defend complex theories and to accurately describe sophisticated works of art. In the area of human relations students learn to interpret the values and beliefs expressed in the world’s many cultures, to explain aspects of the present by referring to relevant examples from the past, to participate in groups and to develop sensitivity to a variety of cultural viewpoints. In the areas of education and research students learn to work with primary sources, to gather and organize information, to analyze information in relationship to important contemporary theories, to examine evidence for claims and to evaluate the research of others.

What are the career opportunities for Art History majors?

Based upon these skills, the career opportunities open to art history majors reflect a significant sector of the economy that is not currently addressed in the School’s offerings. This includes the areas of museum management, curatorship, archiving, art education, art criticism, arts programming, reporting and publicity, exhibition design, consulting, collection management, librarianship, arts appraisal, events planning, volunteer coordination, archeology, historic preservation and commercial gallery employment. An art history major at the undergraduate level is an excellent basis for further academic study in the visual arts, and many students in the major may elect to apply to graduate school. Because art history involves critical thinking and advanced writing skills, it is another path to those careers enjoyed by graduates from related disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Art history education is enhanced by study abroad, and the skills gained through this experience afford students additional career options.

The potential employers of art history graduates include museums, government agencies, design firms, colleges and universities, restoration firms, appraisal firms, magazines and newspapers, historical societies, corporations, antique dealers, auction houses, art galleries, community and arts organizations and federal or state historical parks.

Opportunities in these fields are expected to grow as fast as the national average of job growth in other fields.

What Northern’s strengths in art history?

Northern’s art history curriculum presents particular strengths. It includes several courses in non-Western art, such as Japanese and Native American, that are not a common part of the curriculum elsewhere. In addition, the required core survey is global in scope. The curriculum also includes one of the few courses in integrated design history (graphic, product, furniture) in the State. These specialized courses will be appealing if you want a major with a focus on non-Western, modern and applied arts (functional arts, often developed in business contexts).

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Art and a Bachelor of Science in Art History?

The Bachelor of Arts at Northern requires foreign language study. In addition, because it is a general requirement of the discipline of art history, it is highly recommended that students take at least one foreign language (preferably French or German) through the intermediate 202 level. In order to graduate with a BA, the student must complete this foreign language requirement. The BS does not require foreign language study.

Does the school require a writing sample before you can be accepted into the art history major?

If you are accepted into the University, you will be able to pursue an art history degree within the School. However, we recommend developing a strong writing portfolio while in the program in preparation for graduate studies or art-history-related careers.

What special equipment is required for Art History majors?

There is no specific equipment required for the Art History major. As a major in the School of Art and Design, you will have access to a Macintosh laptop computer for educational purposes and personal use.

Should you have any additional questions please contact:
Dr. Steven Leuthold at sleuthol@nmu.edu or 906-227-2194