Art History

About the art history major

As an art history major at Herron, you'll learn how to write and to talk about art in the context of history, science, language, culture, and tradition, exploring major movements from Prehistoric to the last two decades. Through visual analysis, historical research, and defined theoretical perspectives, you'll interpret works of art and make connections between social and cultural contexts across history and throughout the world.

Skills and abilities this major develops: research, critical thinking, analysis, fine art skills, and cultural competency (Herron School of Art and Design, 2017).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

Herron’s student organizations will help you build professional and personal relationships within your discipline.

Career services

Guidance from Herron Career Services is tailored to your needs at all levels throughout your journey—including internship and networking with alumni.

Study abroad

Herron's study abroad programs are a powerful way to discover the historical impact of art and design in the world and over time while making memorable friendships.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,700 openings for archivists, curators, and museum workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IU Indianapolis First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary for Herron graduates was $34,677, and the median was $35,000.

The national median annual salary for archivists, curators, and museum workers was $50,120 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Art history majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Art conservation/historic preservation
Art history and related fields (e.g., anthropology, archaeology, history)
Arts administration
Law
Library science
Museum studies

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Argumentative writing
History of art
Islamic, African, and Asian art
Myth and reality in Greek art
Prehistoric through contemporary art
Problems in art history
Senior capstone

Possible careers

Archivist/preservationist
Art journalist
Art librarian*
Community program coordinator
Museum educator
Professor*

*These careers require additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Colleges/universities
Historical societies
Libraries
Museums or community art centers
Online or print publications

Complementing interests

AArtistic

EEnterprising

SSocial

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

IU Herron School of Art and Design

College Art Association (CAA)

Herron Career Services

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment