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Art History Major

Bachelor of Arts in Art History

Learn how to look closely, think critically and conduct research into the context of artmaking through the Bachelor of Arts in Art History in Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. In this 123-credit undergraduate program, you will build an understanding of art and visual culture from an inclusive, global perspective by encouraging awareness of human creativity as a fundamental form of expression in a world where visual literacy is paramount.  

As an art history major, you will learn from a large, accomplished faculty with specializations ranging from the ancient to the contemporary who represent a diverse array of global cultures—including arts of Africa and the African diaspora, the Islamic World, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and the Americas. The Art History bachelor's program’s small class sizes facilitate individual mentorship and strong faculty support while facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration with studio art faculty and majors. The program also offers the possibility of exploring professional paths such as arts administration and curatorial studies, along with the latest scholarly methods such as Digital Humanities—a data and technology driven cultural history with tremendous potential for careers in the arts. 

Art History majors at Tyler have access to the outstanding resources of a tier-one public research university, and opportunities for studio practice in world-class facilities. As a vibrant center of art, culture, history and the humanities, Philadelphia becomes an extended classroom offering a rich array of galleries, museums and public art, as well as easy access to thriving arts centers in New York and Washington, D.C. The Art History program’s flexible degree requirements easily supports double majors as well as studying abroad at Temple’s Japan or Rome campuses, giving students an opportunity to investigate visual arts amid different cultural landscapes. 

In today’s image-driven media culture, the aptitudes developed through art history support an array of professional applications. Graduates with a BA in Art History embark upon successful careers in auction houses, cultural organizations, galleries and museums or launch futures in advertising, business, community leadership, environmental activism and publishing. They also earn placement in the most competitive graduate programs.

Tyler faculty examines prints with students.

Classes & Curriculum  

As an Art History Major, you’ll take courses that allow you to engage with a broad spectrum of creative practices. Examples of courses in the art history program include the following.  

  • Ancient Counterfeits, Looting, and the Ethics of Collecting  
  • Art and the Environment in American Culture  
  • Curatorial Methodologies
  • Contemporary Art, 1989 to Present
  • Introduction to Caribbean Art  
  • Latinx Art

See a full list of program courses.

Minor in Art

Students in the art history degree program can enhance their academic studies with hands-on, introductory art making courses in 2D and 3D design, art photography, glass, fibers, jewelry, and printmaking as well as painting, drawing and community arts.  

Learn more about the Art Minor or please contact
Kim Strommen, professor and dean emeritus of Temple University Rome.
Phone: 215-777-9000
Email: kim.strommen@temple.edu

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Undergraduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path. 

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university. 

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office 
Tyler 212  
2001 N. 13th St. 
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

For more information about the art history program, please contact

Erin Pauwels, associate professor and undergraduate advisor
Phone: 215-777-9737
Email:

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally. 

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs. 

Programs to study in RomeTokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year. 

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.  

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus. 

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions. 
Email:  
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Additional Program Information