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Art History
Art is more than just imagery—it’s a window into history, culture, and human expression. As an Art History major at Bradley, you’ll explore how art communicates ideas across time and cultures, sharpening your observational skills, critical thinking, and research abilities while learning to construct compelling arguments and communicate effectively.
With small class sizes, you’ll engage in rich discussions with faculty mentors and classmates, fostering a close-knit learning environment. This flexible standalone major lets you tailor electives to your career goals and pairs well with studio art, chemistry, and other sciences—opening doors to careers in museums, conservation, academia, and beyond.
Experiential Learning
By the time you graduate, your experiences may include:
- Internships in arts administration, curatorial practices, gallery management or art writing. (Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Peoria Riverfront Museum, Illinois Women Artists Project)
- Networking and career development through the Visual Voices Visiting Artists and Art Historian Program and through the Biennial Midwest Women Artists Symposium
- Study abroad
- Conduct independent research
Program Details
Career Opportunities
While many Art History majors pursue careers as curators, critics, scholars, and conservators, the skills you develop—sharp observation, critical thinking, and effective communication—are highly valued across a wide range of industries. These abilities make Art History graduates strong candidates in fields like marketing, education, law, and business.
For those looking to continue their studies, Bradley’s program provides a strong foundation for graduate work in art history, library science, art therapy, museum studies, and art conservation. Our graduates have gone on to top programs, building successful careers in diverse and exciting fields.
Minors
Strengthen your understanding of art for personal growth or career preparation. It can be paired with anything, but some great combinations are (besides Studio Art), Philosophy, History, World Languages and Culture, Communication, Interactive Media, and anyone pursuing Pre-Med Programs, as many medical schools are now incorporating art history into their programming as a way of teaching observational skills.
Discover the world of museums through a minor that puts your curiosity and ambitions first. You’ll explore how museums collect, exhibit, and preserve materials while building a solid foundation in museum theory and practice.
Whether you’re passionate about art, history, science, or culture, this flexible program equips you with the skills to interpret objects, craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences, and critically evaluate exhibitions. Gain hands-on experience and prepare to bring stories to life for the public in meaningful and impactful ways.