Why earn a Bachelor of Arts in Art History at Washburn?
In the Washburn Art History program you will learn how to analyze, research, interpret, and discuss works of art from around the world. As soon as you declare your major in Art History, you’ll be paired with a faculty advisor-mentor who will help you craft a program of study that will enable you to pursue a career in curatorial or academic fields. You will graduate with either internship or research experience. (And you can do both!) Hands-on learning, our robust internship program, and travel opportunities within the US and abroad ensure a wide range of experiences.
Is the Bachelor of Arts in Art History right for me?
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History is the right option if you want work in a museum, gallery, college, library, arts center, auction house, or research and publishing setting. You'll take foundational art history survey courses, then choose specific periods and places for advanced study. You'll also receive training in theoretical approaches, studio practices, and curatorial practices, from collections management to designing an exhibition. Art History is a research and writing-intensive discipline, which means you will learn how to conduct qualitative research, analyze works of art, and write about material culture.
If you want to focus specifically on making art in a studio practice or plan to pursue a Master of Fine Arts, consider the BFA in Studio Arts. If you want to be an Art Educator, the BFA in Art Education with teaching licensurer is right for you. If you want to combine art with another field of study, consider the BA in Art.
Year 1
Fall: WU 101, Math 112 or higher, English 101, Art 101: Survey of Art History Prehistoric to Medieval, Art 120: Digital Design OR Art 140: Drawing I (15 credits total)
Spring: Art 102: Survey of Art History Renaissance to Contemporary, Introduction to Museums, and 3 general education courses (15 credits total)
Gain experience: General education courses complementary to an Art History major include: archaeology, anthropology, art, history, sociology, theatre, music, philosophy, religious studies, and others. Join the Washburn Art Club and participate in events, like “Throwing Night.” Attend Art Department Field Trips, First Fridays in the NOTO Arts District, and exhibition openings and gallery talks at the Mulvane Art Museum.
Get connected: Explore study abroad opportunities, particularly those involving a foreign language! Join campus clubs that support your interests. Volunteer on campus or in the community. Consider a minor in Museum and Curatorial Studies, English, or history. Travel to regional museums, such as the Beech, Spencer, and Nelson Atkins art museums, and pursue internships that support your career goals.
Year 2
Fall: Modern Language 101 (BA degree requires the equivalent of 101 and 102 level), 1 Art History elective, RG 101, 102 or 105, 2 general education courses or 3 if you don’t need a language. (15 or 16 credits total)
Spring: Modern Language 102 (BA degree requires the equivalent of 101 and 102 level), 2 Art History electives, 1 general education non-major elective, 2 general education courses or 3 if you don’t need a language. (15 or 16 credits)
Gain experience: Consider taking even more language classes. Participate in Art Club. Volunteer for High School Art Day. Volunteer at Mulvane Art Museum. Meet regularly with your Art faculty mentor and advisor.
Get connected: Study abroad or plan to next year! Participate in an academic or professional conference. Continue to attend art events and lectures at regional museums. Volunteer on campus or in the community. Attend Washburn events.
Year 3
Fall: English 300, 1 upper division Art History elective, 3 general education courses (15 credits total)
Spring: 2 upper division Art History electives, 2 general education courses, Art 402: Professional Practice, 1 general education non-major elective (15 credits)
Gain experience: Apply for the Irwin Blitt Curatorial Fellowship. Share your work at Apeiron or Research Day at the Capitol. Present your creative research at an academic or professional conference. Apply for a scholarship or a competitive grant. Meet regularly with your Art faculty mentor and advisor to discuss your plans after this degree and investigate graduate schools.
Get connected: Study abroad! Participate in student government, or as an officer in campus organization. Coordinate a campus activity. Volunteer on campus or in the community. Attend Washburn events. Visit prospective graduate programs.
Year 4
Fall: Art 401: Internship OR Art 312: Art History Research, 1 Art History elective, 3 general education non-major electives (15 credits)
Spring: 1 Art History elective, 4-5 general education non-major electives (16-17 credits)
Gain experience: Apply for a Washburn Transformational Experience grant to share your research with the public. Present your work at Apeiron or Research Day at the Capitol. Refine your graduate school writing samples. Attend regional museum events and workshops.
Get connected: Join professional organizations to build your network. Present your research at the conferences of those groups. Meet regularly with your Art faculty mentor and advisor to discuss your plans after this degree. Apply for jobs, internships, residencies, or graduate school.
Graduate school can prepare you for careers as
Curator
Collections Manager
Art History Professor
Auction House Buyer
Archivist
Art Librarian
Art Conservator
Arts Administrator
Art Critic
Grant writer
Much more
Internship or research
100%
of our Art History graduates complete an internship or a directed research project.Our alumni have gone to graduate programs at
King’s College, London
The Ohio State University
University of Iowa
Arizona State
Indiana University
University of Montana
And more
Cost and Financial Aid
Each year, the Washburn Art Department offers thousands of dollars in scholarships for incoming and continuing full-time Art, Art Education, and Art History majors. The application deadline is typically early February for the following academic year. Limited funds may be available at fall enrollment. Work study and studio assistant positions are also available. All programs in the Art Department are offered as Traditional Undergraduate courses.
Art Scholarships
Current Students
Art Facilities
GET IN TOUCH WITH Art Department
Art Department
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Phone: 785.670.1125
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
art@washburn.edu
