Bachelor of Arts in Art (Art History)
Hours: 120 On-Campus Online
About
The Fort Hays State University B.A. in Art (Art History) program provides a comprehensive education in art’s historical and cultural contexts. Through their coursework, students will explore various art historical time periods, from ancient to contemporary and everything in between! The program focuses on developing creative and critical-thinking skills through deep dives into various art movements and their impact on society.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Art (Art History) at Fort Hays State University?
The B.A. in Art (Art History) program's small class sizes ensure students receive individualized attention, fostering strong relationships with faculty and peers. A close-knit community encourages open discussion and in-depth exploration of often challenging topics, creating a dynamic and engaging educational experience.
Additionally, the B.A. in Art (Art History) integration of local and international travel opportunities allows students to contextualize their classroom knowledge within real-world settings. These travel experiences, combined with hands-on internships and professional development courses, provide students with practical skills and experiences that distinguish them from graduates of other programs.
Who is this program for?
The B.A. in Art (Art History) program is ideal for individuals passionate about exploring art's historical and cultural contexts and seeking a career in the art world. The program is perfect for those who:
- Aspire to become art historians and curators
- Have interest in museum and gallery work
- Want to pursue graduate studies in art history
- Enjoy researching and writing about art
- Wish to participate in international art-related travel
- Seek to evaluate and appreciate diverse artworks critically
Learning Outcomes
The B.A. in Art (Art History) program at Fort Hays State University aims to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of art through comprehensive learning outcomes. Students will develop robust research and analytical skills, enabling them to articulate coherent project plans and contextualize artworks within their historical and cultural settings.
Develop and Articulate Coherent Projects and Goals
Graduates will effectively plan and articulate research projects in art history, defining clear objectives and methodologies. They will also be able to compose and pursue intellectual and artistic goals that are reflected in their body of work, demonstrating a cohesive vision and approach.
Construct and Critique Creative and Analytical Works
Students will demonstrate technical mastery in their creative work and critically evaluate both their own and others' artworks. They will also be proficient in writing formal analyses that examine the formal elements of art and contextualize them within historical and cultural frameworks.
Contextualize Art within Historical and Contemporary Movements
Graduates will explore the relationship between art movements and broader political, religious, social, and intellectual ideas. They will be able to compare their work with historical and contemporary styles, demonstrating awareness of art’s evolution and cultural impacts.
Produce Cohesive Creative Works and Professional Documents
Graduates will produce creative works that manifest a clear, driving concept and will be skilled in constructing professional marketing documents, including portfolios and résumés, to effectively present their accomplishments and career goals.
Integrate Art Historical Knowledge and Criticism
Students will integrate the contributions of key art historians, critics, and philosophers into their understanding of art’s history. They will apply this knowledge to contextualize their own work and critically engage with the advancements and influences within the field of art history.
Real-World Applications
Through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on experiences, students develop robust research, writing, and critical thinking abilities. These skills are essential for careers in museums, galleries, and academic settings, where graduates often analyze, interpret, and preserve artworks.
Students also gain practical experience through internships with local arts organizations, such as the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, the Hays Arts Council and the Salina Arts Center. The program's focus on professional development ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the competitive job market successfully.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The B.A. in Art (Art History) curriculum at Fort Hays State University emphasizes critical art evaluation within social, cultural, historical, and religious contexts, moving beyond traditional rote memorization. This modern approach includes studying underrepresented artists and movements, reflecting the current move toward decolonizing the art historical canon.
Courses are regularly updated to include the latest research and innovations, ensuring graduates have a thorough and current understanding of the field. Focusing on contemporary relevance makes Fort Hays State University’s art history graduates highly competitive in the job market.
Hands-on Activities
Internships with local arts organizations provide practical experience in museum and gallery settings, where students apply their classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. These internships help students build professional networks and gain valuable insights into the daily operations of art institutions.
Additionally, the B.A. in Art (Art History) program offers opportunities for students to attend and present at art history conferences, both online and in person. These experiences allow students to share their research and engage with the broader academic community. International travel opportunities further enrich the learning experience, exposing students to diverse art and cultural contexts.
What You’ll Learn:
- Chronological development of art
- Formal analysis of artworks
- Historical and cultural contexts of art
- Critical evaluation of art historical scholarship
How You’ll Learn:
- Participate in small class sizes for personalized learning
- Engage in domestic and international travel opportunities
- Develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Analyze real-world art in museums and galleries
- Collaborate on scaffolded research projects
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students interested in the B.A. in Art (Art History) may also consider related programs within and outside the School of Visual and Performing Arts:
- B.A. in Art (Studio Art)
- B.A. in History
- B.A. in English (Literature)
- Minor in Spanish
- Minor in Philosophy
- B.A. in Music
Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts
At FHSU’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, creativity thrives in a supportive and passionate community. Our programs in Art, Design, Music, and Theatre offer students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether you aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, our expert faculty provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire and challenge you.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen field. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, our programs equip you with the tools to make your mark in the world of visual and performing arts.