Requirements for the Major and Minor

Requirements for the Major

There are no prerequisites for entry into the department, but most students declare a major in art history after taking one or two of the department’s introductory survey courses (ARTH 1051 and 1052). None of these courses, however, is required for majors.

For a degree in art history, students must complete 30 credits above the 1000 level. Courses taken at any time during the student’s career can be counted, including those earned while studying abroad, in summer session or in architectural history courses. By the time of graduation, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 in major courses. (A student who does not maintain an average of 2.0 or better in departmental courses will be put on probation, and may be dropped from the program.) No course graded below C- may count for major credit.

Distribution Requirements:
At least one course at the 2000 level or above in each area (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, Modern, Non-Western); a minimum of two 4000 level seminars (ARTH 4051 and ARTH 4591); and three electives within the department. At least two of the non-seminar courses must be at the 3000 or 5000 level. Courses in Architectural History at the 2000 level or above may fulfill any of the course requirement. One course in Studio Art at the 1000 level or above may be substituted for one of the electives. An Arts Administration (ARAD) course may count as one of the electives, but it does not fulfill a seminar or a 3000 level requirement. The University Museum Internship (ARTH 4951, ARTH 4952) may also count as elective credit.

Requirements for the Minor

There are no prerequisites for a minor in art history. A student must complete 15 credits in the department, beyond the 1000 level. Courses taken at any time during the student’s career may be counted toward the minor. At the time of graduation, a student must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor courses.

Minors must take at least one course in four of the five areas: Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, Modern, and Non-Western. At least one course must be at the 3000-level or higher. The declaration form for the minor can be found here.

Art History Course Listings

Distinguished Majors Program in Art History

New Declarations

Student who wish to declare a major or a minor in art history should contact the Department Office in Fayerweather Hall in order to be assigned an advisor. (phone: 924-6123, or Department Office).

Director of the Undergraduate Program

Sarah Betzer, 316 Fayerweather Hall (434) 982-2345; sbetzer at virginia.edu