Art history is arguably the most expansive field a student can pursue. It is the study of human civilization across time and culture through the physical things that they make--paintings, sculptures, architecture, graphic and decorative arts, film, performance, and others. As a discipline, art history considers how these works of art signify ideas, beliefs, practices, and social identities of the groups and individuals that made, viewed, or used them. Students of art history learn how to understand these works of art through research and analysis of aesthetic issues, cultural contexts, and artistic practices. They ultimately acquire specialized expertise in the important roles played by visual media in our own society and that of cultures from around the globe.
The Art and Architecture History major and minor at Miami University prepares students for a wider range of career options than what many might realize. The content of the history of art will be essential knowledge for anyone looking to work in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions; attend graduate school in art history or related fields; and teach art history at the high school and college level. However, the skills acquired through the study of art history are highly desired by a much broader range of employers, whether related to the arts and humanities or not. Consider the following skills* and how they are honed through the study of art history:
Developing tools to assess the function of images in an increasingly visual world.
Comparatively analyzing works of art to understand their styles, functions, and artistic value.
Recognizing why works of art look the way that they do and how they communicate information.
Understanding the functions of created objects from various times and across cultures.
Identifying a culture’s values and beliefs by studying the objects created in that culture.
Explaining our own contemporary culture by exploring those of others.
Gathering, examining, and analyzing evidence in images and primary sources.
Assessing information and judging its relevance and importance.
Expanding the horizons of knowledge through novel interdisciplinary investigations.
Writing and speaking critically about topics related to created objects.
Interpreting and organizing complex and often ambiguous information.
Developing sound arguments supported by logically ordered evidence.
Studying art history at Miami helped me gain practical experience that I use every day as I forge a path in the museum world. Working with professors who are passionate about their areas of expertise and learning with hands-on instruction inspired me to think about how art impacts our lives beyond the context of the gallery. I’m so grateful for the research skills I gained at Miami because they helped me land the position where I am today.
Lydia Jasper '20
Curatorial Assistant at the Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, Mississippi
As an art history major at Miami, I was able to develop invaluable critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills through the exploration of a discipline that I have always loved. These skills are essential for one’s development into a well-rounded young professional. The faculty in the art department are extremely passionate about the content they teach and are committed to fostering learning and growth among Miami students. The most memorable highlight of my time studying art history was the completion of an undergraduate thesis my senior year. It is an achievement that I speak of often, and an experience that I will never forget!
Ben Krautheim '21
Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, MD
The Art and Architecture History program was the necessary foundation I needed to pursue a career in the arts industry. The program provided a vast yet holistic understanding of art history that has continued to prove to be irreplaceable in both my professional career and graduate studies. I have found that the program provided me with a thorough education of the subject as well as practical skills whether I choose to pursue curatorial work, a career in an auction house or gallery, or educational programming. What I specifically loved about the program was the attention to detail and how receptive the professors were. Each class was valuably planned and taught and the professors were welcoming to any questions that I may have had.
Nina Church '18
Master of Arts Candidate, Contemporary Art, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, NYC
Miami University’s art history department truly allowed my passion for studying art history to flourish and provided me the educational foundation to pursue graduate studies, impactful research, and specific interests within the field. The art history department’s high standards and unwavering dedication to my studies fostered exceptional opportunities. These included working hands-on within the various departments at the local art museum, presenting research at conferences, and receiving an unparalleled internship at the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution. Following my time at Miami, I continued my schooling at a Level-1 Research Institution fully funded through a teaching assistantship where I taught undergraduate classes and worked alongside the campus museum on a groundbreaking exhibition that partnered with multiple Smithsonian Institutions. Without the foundational support of the passionate professors in the art history department at Miami, I can guarantee I would not have the experiences or opportunities I have gained over the past six years.
Caroline Bastian '19
Master of the Arts Graduate in Art History, Penn State University
Prior to joining Miami’s art history program, much of my exposure to art was firmly rooted in the Renaissance, but from the moment I set foot in the small, midwestern town of Oxford, Ohio, my world opened up, including my awareness of and appreciation for the diversity of artistic expression. One after the other, I became enthralled with different movements and mediums such as African masquerade, Chinese Cynical Realism, Pictorialism, and Avant Garde film. With each step outside my comfort zone there was a professor-mentor—Dr. Fenton, Dr. Hatch, Dr. Stetler, Dr. Casper, Dr. Dell’Aria—to challenge me to make connections and refine my thinking and research. Each of these professors helped shape me into the determined and passionate learner I am today. It is this vision of celebrating the diversity of expression while honoring art as a critical part of the human experience that I will spend my professional life championing. If not for the invigorating and supportive environment developed by my teachers, I would likely not be pursuing an advanced art history degree. To put it simply: attending Miami is the best decision I’ve made and I will forever attribute my future academic and professional successes to the art history program and the amazing teachers there.
Sydney Herrick '21
Visitor Relations Specialist at The Contemporary Austin & Curatorial Research Intern at the Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati
Choosing Miami, and choosing to study art history, has set me apart in competitive markets: honing skills in critical thinking, communication, and creativity. These elements are the root of problem solving and essential in my daily life communicating across internal teams and with clients. Studying art history allowed me to understand the importance of being curious and asking questions, collecting multiple data points, critically thinking about the research, and communicating the story in an engaging and insightful manner. These key skills, along with passionate and engaged professors, are things I am forever grateful for.
Olivia Keefer '18
Insights Analyst for Monigle, NYC
Science is what we understand well enough to explain to a computer; art is everything else," said the famous computer scientist Donald Knuth. Starting as a computer science student at Miami, art history was not a part of my initial plan. The Miami Plan is a unique experience for international students like me to explore courses outside their major. I could still clearly remember from the first lecture that art history is not only about art but about humans. It has enlightened me to have a different view of world history in the form of art. I obtained a minor in art history thanks to the passion and support from the professors in the program. My interests in computer science and art history guide me to pursue a master's degree in digital Humanities at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). Without the art history program, I wouldn't consider furthering my study in such a fascinating and interdisciplinary field. The experience in the program holds a special place in my heart when I think about my time at Miami.
Yichen Wang '19
Master of Arts Candidate in Digital Humanities at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
My experience at Miami, in the History of Art and Architecture program, was incredibly valuable in the development of my understanding, appreciation, and reverence for art and art history. In order to succeed in the arts, it is imperative that one first understand and master the academic foundation of art and its principles; the History of Art and Architecture program provided me this and so much more.
Leslie Jones '08
Independent Consultant for Cultural Institutions, Artists, and Designers, New York, NY
The professors’ passion for art history created an inspiring environment that led me to pursue at career within the art industry. I was able to utilize my education to obtain a position with Artsy, a leading online fine art brokerage firm. I’ll be forever grateful for my education in art history provided by the Miami University professors.
Carmen Perez '21
