Art History and Criticism

Faculty member pointing to artwork on projection screen
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Criticism provides a broad foundation in analyzing and researching, writing and discussing art in its various contexts. Explore artwork through traditional approaches of field research and writing as well as creative or curatorial work, allowing you to take an active role in your community and broaden your career possibilities.

The Nebraska Difference

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Over $1 million in scholarships offered to fine and performing arts students each year

Participate in a study abroad experience

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Small student-to-faculty ratio

Dig site in Turkey

Program Features

Customize Your Degree 

The art history and criticism major provides you with a humanistic foundation for analyzing and understanding the visual arts, from the ancient to the contemporary. Tailor your college experience to match your career interests by adding minors and double majors, including pre-law and pre-health. 

Work 1-to-1 With Campus Museums 

Find student jobs and internship opportunities at any of the campus museums, including the Sheldon Museum of Art and Great Plains Museum. 

Study Abroad to Explore Archeological Sites 

The School of Art features built-in opportunities to study abroad. Earn degree credit by working on an archeological site in Europe. 

Students work on preserving artwork

Notable Courses

Cave Paintings to Cathedrals (AHIS 101)

Survey of the history of western art, from the earliest times to the end of the Medieval period.

Visualizing Crisis: Art and Ecological Collapse (AHIS 381)

Addresses the artist's role in social and ecological crises, paying particular attention to art, journalistic and design projects since 1970.

Renaissance to Modern Art (AHIS 102)

Survey of the history of western art, from the Renaissance period to the twentieth century.

Classical Art and Archaeology (AHIS 211)

Introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece and Italy.

Greek Art and Archaeology (AHIS 314)

Art and archaeology of ancient Greece, from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period.

European Art of the Twentieth Century (AHIS 346)

European art from 1870 to 1945, focusing on the development of the avant-garde and on the relationship between art and its historical context.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
  • Gallery internship, New York City
  • Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska

Careers

  • Art history professor, Louisiana State University
  • Curator of collections, University of Wyoming Art Museum
  • Registrar of acquisitions, Minneapolis Institute of Arts
  • Executive director, Nebraska Arts Council

Graduate Schools

  • Ph.D. in art history, University of Texas at Austin
  • M.A. in art history, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Ph.D. in art history, Boston University
  • M.A. in art history, University of Michigan

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Art History and Criticism major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Chris Watson
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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