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Two students looking at artworkThe study of the history of art at UVM usually begins with courses surveying the broad range of visual expressions found in cultures around the world. Students are introduced to numerous methodological approaches—contextual, formal, and iconographic—which enable them to understand the richness and layered meanings of works of art. For those who choose to major in this humanities discipline, mastery of a foreign language through the intermediate level, and at least two courses in studio art, provide additional tools useful in responding skillfully to works of art.

UVM art history majors have continued their studies in art history at the graduate level and are now teaching at major universities, like Harvard and Stanford, or finding success in professional positions in museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the New Museum, the Barnes Collection, among others, as well as auction houses, publishing and related fields. Still others have combined their studies in art history with postgraduate study in areas such as law or library science and have continued into careers combining these preparations. Some have used the major as a way to sharpen their analytical skills in thinking and creative problem solving and have then gone on to pursue seemingly unrelated careers in fields such as medicine or business. No matter what path they have followed after graduation, most students have commented on the quality of the art history program at UVM noting how it has enriched their lives and sharpened their visual responses to the world around them.

 

Major requirements

Beyond the classroom

UVM internWe offer a limited number of internship support awards, each of which may provide up to $1,000 of support for a student wishing to pursue professional training in the field through an extracurricular internship. Such internship experiences typically happen during the summer but might instead take place during other breaks in a student’s academic career; or, in some instances, might occur post-graduation.

The department is especially eager to support students who have secured internships at prestigious institutions and/or internships that will offer considerable learning opportunities. Internships outside of the Burlington area, especially internships in major metropolitan areas or abroad, will be given preference, as they normally entail higher living and travel costs.

For further information and information on applying for an internship grant, contact artdept@uvm.edu

On-Campus Art Museum

Assyrian ArtA cultural treasure prized for more than 80 years, the Fleming Museum houses Vermont's most comprehensive collection of art and anthropological artifacts, and presents innovative exhibitions of contemporary and historic art from around the world. Located right on campus, the museum serves as a laboratory for student curators interested in learning how to develop exhibitions. The Museum's diverse collections and exhibitions provide primary source materials for many fields of study, and challenge students to think critically and creatively in a dynamic learning environment.

 

Careers

  • Curator
  • Art Historian
  • Appraiser
  • Researcher

Where alumni work

  • Columbia University
  • Duke University
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Sotheby's
  • Stanford University

Graduate Schools

  • New York University
  • Rutgers University
  • Stanford
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Pittsburgh

Related Information

Learning Outcomes for Art History majors

Students who complete the art history major are expected to be able to:

  • Identify and utilize fundamental approaches to the analysis and interpretation of art
  • Recognize and articulate the significance of the major achievements in the history of art
  • Read advanced scholarship in the history of art, and incorporate this scholarship into independent intellectual work studying a particular monument or art historical problem
  • Demonstrate advanced writing and oral presentation skills through the completion of a substantive research project. The project should include appropriate use of primary and secondary sources, clear and well-organized writing, and the development of an evidence-based argument