Art — Art History Concentration

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In person

Tuition & fees

Costs include tuition, fees, & other costs such as books. New England residents may qualify for a tuition break. See cost details

Financial aid

On average, 92% of enrolled students who file a FAFSA receive an offer. 91% of offers include scholarships, grants, waiver, and/or work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

  • Develop an understanding of how art is embedded in wider concerns of culture, history, politics, and science.
  • Gain real-world experience with local businesses, community art organizations, practicing artists, galleries, museums, studios, and cultural institutions through our internship program.
  • Prepare for a wide range of careers in areas such as museum and gallery work, art criticism, and teaching.
  • Enjoy a low student-teacher ratio, mentorship, and peer learning from dedicated and attentive faculty, who are all practicing artists or art historians.
  • Study in a program that is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
  • Immerse yourself in impactful events including our lecture series and artist-in-residence program, which brings a nationally recognized artist to teach and produce work.

Expected career outcomes

An art student takes a tour on a field education trip.

Enhance your growth

Field education is at the heart of our program, and it’s an integral part of putting creative research into practice while achieving individualized academic goals. We provide opportunities with local businesses, community art organizations, practicing artists, galleries, museums, studios, and cultural institutions.

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Enjoy a sense of community

Students benefit from individualized mentorship, a low student-teacher ratio, and peer learning from dedicated and attentive faculty, who are all practicing artists or art historians.

An older artist gives a lecture to an audience.

Program requirements

Our program combines studio experience with an introduction to the historical analysis, practices, and theories of the discipline. We offer period courses such as Classical, Asian, 19th century European, American, and Modern Art, and topics courses such as Cross-Cultural Perspectives, and Art as Social Action.

Two students view a piece at an art exhibition opening reception.

Creativity in practice

The USM Art Gallery is known for its rich blend of contemporary art exhibitions, lectures, events, and Artist-in-Residence community projects. In addition, it regularly showcases art students’ multidisciplinary projects in a range of media.

Exterior shot of the USM art department.

National accreditation

Our program is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which is a special recognition for art college programs.

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Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

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Do you live in New England?

You may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.

Check eligibility
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Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

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