Art History

KCAD offers two tracks for Art History majors: a traditional academic-based curriculum and a studio-based program, which allows you to build upon design and fine art experiences as an enhancement to their scholarly expertise in art history.

In both tracks, a foundational global survey sequence introduces you to a chronology of periods, artists, styles, patronage, and themes while you develop the skills of visual and critical analysis. Then, mid-level courses will continue to deepen your knowledge of global art and add more theoretical context to your study of art history. Finally, advanced seminars provide opportunities to study more focused art historical topics within smaller classes that stimulate lively discussion, intensive research, and critical writing.

You'll also round your education out with a wide range of general education courses that will stimulate your curiosity, broaden your perspective, and inspire new creative expressions. KCAD's flexible General Education Pathways model empowers you to direct your learning by exploring subjects you find most engaging and relevant.

While earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art History you will learn about a diverse range of artists and designers, how to visually analyze works of art and design, and apply cultural/aesthetic concepts to works while using a variety of art historical methods. You will learn to think and write critically, and place art/design objects in a cross-cultural, global framework. In addition, you will be able to read, evaluate, and apply scholarly research from a variety of disciplines and critical approaches. Thus, you will emerge from the program prepared for professional art history careers and/or graduate studies.

KCAD's Art History degree program offers a global study of art and design through a socio-cultural approach covering a broad range of historical periods and related cultural themes. Specialized classes explore the art of particular regions and cultures as well as the history of design disciplines—from graphics and interiors to fashion and illustration—and a survey of design history.

Separate studio and academic tracks within the Art History major provide breadth and flexibility, allowing you to focus on your individual interests. The studio track is for those who want the added hands-on experience of studio foundation courses plus a studio minor. The academic track is for those who prefer to deepen their understanding of the cultural context of art/design through extensive liberal arts/sciences courses. Whichever track you choose, the KCAD Art History faculty tailor class topics and teaching styles to student needs, and their knowledge reflects current art historical concepts and practices.

Both the studio and academic tracks in the Art History program allow for students to pursue a specific interest in fine art or design through a minor in nearly any KCAD undergraduate degree program. See the minors page for more information. 

Art historians concern themselves not only with art production and art objects, but also with related cultural and aesthetic issues. As a result, there are many professional opportunities for KCAD Art History graduates. 

Possible careers include: 

• Art Historian
• Visual Resource Curator
• Museum Curator
• Archivist
• Museum Educator
• Estate and Art Appraiser
• Gallery Representative
• Researcher/Editor
• Manager of Corporate Art Collection
• Historic Preservation
• Art Conservation
• Museum Studies
• Art Law
• Exhibition Assistant
• Art Handler
• Art Educator
• Art Writer/Critic