Major in Art History

Three people examine artist photographs in a museum display case
Margaret Mariani, Claire Finley and Cadmael Tapia Zapata look through the art of Andy Warhol in pullout drawers Manetti Shrem Museum. These students are assisting in creating a digital record of the entire art collection of the Jan Shrem and Maria and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, February 20, 2026. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

About

As a student majoring in art history, you will begin with courses that survey the arts of Asia, Europe, and America. More specialized lecture courses and proseminars follow in global art and visual culture from ancient times to the present day.

You are also encouraged to complement the major with advanced work in related disciplines such as classics, religion, history, philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies and foreign languages. Contact undergraduate staff advising for more information about the major.

The student majoring in art history begins with courses that survey the arts of Asia, Europe and America. More specialized lecture courses and proseminars follow in Ancient, Medieval, Islamic, Renaissance, Baroque, Modern and Contemporary American, European and Asian art and culture. At the same time, students are encouraged to complement the major with advanced work in related disciplines such as classics, religion, history, philosophy, literature, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, American studies, East Asian studies, and foreign languages.

A major in Art History develops critical thinking and the integration of research and knowledge. It provides an excellent grounding for professions as diverse as law, medicine, and business. The major prepares students for advanced study in Art History, Architecture, and Cultural Studies. It also serves as the foundation for careers in teaching, arts administration, museums, galleries, historic preservation, art libraries, publishing, journalism, advertising, art conservation, and art investment. As the world becomes increasingly flooded with images, critical visual “reading” skills become more and more important for a wide variety of careers.