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Art History, B.A.

Program Overview

In our contemporary global society, where images dominate, students of art history develop critical tools to understand visual culture. As a discipline, art history encourages appreciation of works of art and instills a vivid awareness of the social and historical context in which these works were produced. The B.A. in Art History builds sharp analytical skills and broad cultural literacy, preparing students for a wide range of careers.

The B.A. in Art History provides the flexibility to add a minor or double major. Our art history majors have gone on to become museum curators, digital media archivists, university professors, gallery directors, and art advisors. Complete the form below to learn more!

Department of Art & Art History

Program Contact

Jim Frakes

Professor of Art History and Program Coordinator

jffrakes@charlotte.edu

Still trying to decide?

Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.

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Ready to apply?

Join us as we explore the development of human creativity and the cultures of people near and far, past and present. There is no portfolio submission to apply for this major. Start your application now to join our creative community!

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Art History Honors Program

Once you are an enrolled Art History student, you may apply to be part of the Departmental Honors Program in Art History. To be considered, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and a GPA of 3.25 in Art History courses. These GPAs must be met at the time of application and maintained through graduation.

Explore Honors Programs
Steps to earn honors in art history
  1. Find a faculty advisor: Speak with an Art History faculty member about your interest in the Honors Program and your potential research topic. Secure their agreement to serve as your thesis advisor.
  2. Take Honors Art History Methods (ARTH 3115): Enroll in this course after confirming your advisor. You must earn an A in the course. While enrolled, you will complete your Application for Admission to Candidacy (required to move forward in the program).
    • This application must be submitted to the Honors College by the deadline the semester before you plan to complete your thesis (typically the semester before ARTH 4700). The Honors Faculty will review your proposal, and you may be asked to make revisions.
    • While the form is completed during ARTH 3115, it is your responsibility to ensure it’s submitted on time. You cannot take ARTH 4700 until this process is complete.
    • For deadlines and submission details, visit the Honors College Graduation Process page. Missing this deadline will result in ineligibility to graduate with honors.
  3. Take Problems in Art History (ARTH 4090): Earn an A in this advanced seminar.
  4. Complete your thesis (Honors Art History Thesis: ARTH 4700): Conduct in-depth research and write an original thesis. Present your thesis to a committee of three faculty members (at least two must be Art History faculty). Note: You may take ARTH 4090 and ARTH 4700 in sequence or at the same time, depending on your schedule.

B.A. in Art History at a Glance

Students may consider adding another major or minor to complete the B.A. in Art History. Students who only complete the B.A. in Art History (without a second major or minor) often need to complete some elective credit hours to meet the total credit hour requirement. The program is housed in the Department of Art & Art History. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design.

Delivery
On-Campus
Total Credit Hours
120 Credit Hours
Major Courses
39 Credit Hours

Study Abroad Opportunities

The study of art history comes to life through immersive experiences in some of the world’s most culturally rich destinations. Our study abroad programs offer Art History students the opportunity to explore masterpieces, historical sites, and vibrant art scenes firsthand. Students in the Department of Art & Art History have many opportunities to complement their classroom learning through study abroad programs each year.

Explore opportunities
  • two students looking at a large framed painting in a museum in Italy

    Art, Film, & Language Summer Study Abroad Program in Italy

  • Creative Pilgrimage to Ireland Summer Program

  • two students in ceramics studio

    Exploration of Historical and Contemporary Ceramic Art Spring Break Program in Limoges and Paris

  • art studio with easels with a window showing cows in a pasture

    Semester At E. Geppert Academy Of Fine Arts & Design (Spring Semester, Ongoing) in Poland

  • three students sitting outside on a European street

    Medieval Pilgrimage Sites and the Contemplative Life Spring Break Program in France

  • outside of a museum

    Exploring Cold War Era Art & Architecture Spring Break Program in Berlin & Prague

Explore Art at UNC Charlotte

The Department of Art & Art History is one of five creative units in the College of Arts + Architecture, an artistic community that is unique in the Carolinas.

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Visit us

The Department of Art & Art History invites prospective students to discover more about our programs and facilities by attending an Open House or In-Person Tour date.

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student sitting at a art exhibition

“Even though Charlotte is such a large school, the feeling of camaraderie is so strong in our department and in my majors. With my degree in Art History, I hope to become an art museum curator with a specialty in Southeast Asian cultures or a creative director in the art historical realm.”

Jonah Sanderson
B.A. in Art History and B.F.A. in Graphic Design

Discover other programs of art study

Register for an In-Person Campus Visit

Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.

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Explore Official University Catalog

Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.

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