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Art History (B.A.)

Earn Your Art History B.A. in Jacksonville, Florida

Study art where it lives and works in the real world. UNF’s Art History B.A. connects classroom learning with hands on museum studies courses at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in downtown Jacksonville, where you learn alongside museum professionals and engage directly with collections. Students also connect with regional partners such as the The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens and can expand their perspective through a summer study abroad experience in Rome. Along the way, you will build visual analysis, research and communication skills that prepare you for careers in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, education and graduate study.

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Begin Your Journey

Students analyze contemporary artwork with a museum professional inside a bright Jacksonville gallery overlooking the downtown skyline
Exterior view of the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in downtown Jacksonville

Learn in the Jacksonville arts community

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville is a cultural institute of the University of North Florida located in downtown Jacksonville, connecting students to the city’s active arts environment.

Two UNF students studying abroad seated on grass near historic architecture

Study art and culture abroad

Art History students have opportunities to participate in UNF study abroad programs that explore art, architecture, history and culture through immersive, on-site learning experiences in international settings.

Student and academic advisor at a desk

Plan your minor early

The Art History B.A. requires a minor, which may be selected from approved minors across the university. Because minors often include prerequisites, early planning with your academic advisor is recommended.

Job Outlook

Art History students who seek employment after graduating are successful in many distinct areas of employment
  • Museums and Galleries: Roles in collections management, curatorial support, exhibitions, visitor services and education within museums, galleries and cultural institutions.
  • Arts and Cultural Organizations: Careers in program coordination, community outreach, event planning and nonprofit arts administration that connect audiences with visual culture.
  • Education and Interpretation: Opportunities in museum education, public programming, tour coordination and curriculum support that translate art and history for diverse audiences.
  • Research and Graduate Study: Pathways to graduate programs and careers in art history, museum studies, arts management, library science and related humanities fields.

Art History B.A. Graduates: Where Are They Now

Headshot of Nikki Dewberry

Nikki Dewberry

Manager of Visitor Experience, Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Nikki Dewberry turned her passion for art into a career in the museum world. A 2021 UNF graduate in Art History, Criticism and Conservation, she now helps protect collections and create meaningful experiences for visitors at the Cummer Museum. Her time at UNF built the critical thinking and real-world knowledge she uses every day, while also supporting her work as a practicing artist. Outcome: Museum careers, arts education, creative practice.

UNF Alumni Kodie Mahone standing infront of wall art

Kodie Mahone

Visitor Engagement Assistant, Harn Museum of Art

A Summa Cum Laude graduate and Outstanding Graduate Award recipient, Kodie Mahone began her museum career at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens before advancing to the University of Florida’s Art History master’s program. Her journey reflects UNF’s strength in preparing students for museum careers, graduate study and research focused on expanding access and representation in the arts.

  • Prerequisites (23 credits)

    Art History Survey

    • ARH2050 Art History Survey I (3 Credits)
    • ARH2051 Art History Survey II (3 Credits)

    Drawing — Select One Beginning Course

    • ART 1300C Drawing I
    • ART 2301C Drawing II
    • Acceptable substitute: ART X310

    Design — Select One Beginning Course

    • ART 1201C Two-Dimensional Design
    • ART 2203C Three-Dimensional Design
    • Acceptable substitutes: ART X202, ART X205

    Language Requirement — Select One Language Series

    Completion of the beginning and intermediate sequences of a language, or demonstration of competency through testing, is required.

  • Art History Foreign Language (3 credits)

    Foreign Language — Select One

    • Intermediate II Foreign Language course (3 credits)
    • Accepted prefixes: CHI, FRE, GER, POR, RUS and SPN
  • Major Requirements (21 credits)

    Required Courses

    • ARH3811 Junior Methods Seminar (3 Credits)
    • ARH4910 Senior Research Seminar (3 Credits)

    Select One Ancient and Medieval Course

    • ARH 3130 Ancient Greek Art and Architecture (3 credits)
    • ARH 3150 The Art and Architecture of Ancient Rome (3 credits)
    • ARH 3250 Romanesque Art and Architecture (3 credits)
    • ARH 3202 Medieval Art and Architecture (3 credits)

    Select One Renaissance or Baroque Course

    • ARH 3302 Italian Renaissance Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3319 The Art and Architecture of Michelangelo (3 credits)
    • ARH 3331 Northern Renaissance Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3350 Baroque Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3354 Rubens to Rembrandt: Netherlandish Baroque Art (3 credits)

    Select One American Course

    • ARH 3631 African American Art History (3 credits)
    • ARH 3621 American Art I: 1492 - 1876 (3 credits)
    • ARH 3623 American Art II: 1876 - 1940 (3 credits)

    Select One Modern Course

    • ARH 3410 Modern European Art I (3 credits)
    • ARH 3434 Modern European Art II (3 credits)
    • ARH 3404 British Art: Hogarth to Hirst (3 credits)
    • ARH 3453 Postwar Art: 1940 - 1980 (3 credits)
    • ARH 3475 Contemporary Art: 1980 to Present (3 credits)

    Select One Non Western Course

    • ARH 3583 Tribal Arts (3 credits)
    • ARH 3930 Special Topics in Non Western Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3574 Early Islamic Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3571 Islamic Architecture (3 credits)
  • Major Electives (9 credits)

    Select Three ARH Electives (3000/4000 level)

    • ARH 3043 Economic History of Art (3 Credits)
    • ARH 3883 The Apocalypse in Medieval and Early Modern Art (3 credits)
    • ARH 3888 Art of Disney (3 Credits)
    • ARH 3955 Art History on Site (3 credits)
    • ARH 4941 Internship in Art History (Museum, Gallery Internship) (3 credits) — Prerequisites required
    • ARH 4905 Directed Individual Study (3 credits) — Prerequisites required
  • Minor Required

    Minor Requirement

    A minor is required for this major (credits vary). The minor must be selected from the approved list of minors, including options outside the college. Minors are generally completed during the last 60 credit hours of your program and may include prerequisites, so selecting a minor early is beneficial. Consult your academic advisor to declare a minor.

    Students completing a double major are exempt from the minor requirement.

  • Free Electives (21 credits)

    Electives — 21 Upper-Level Hours (3000–4000)

    This degree requires a minimum of 120 total credit hours, including 48 upper-level (3000/4000) hours. Free electives may be taken in any discipline, provided prerequisites are met, and are used to reach the total hour requirement. The number of free elective hours needed may vary. Consult your academic advisor to determine the electives required for graduation.

Contact Academic Advising

The College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office serves all sophomore, junior, senior and post-baccalaureate students pursuing majors in the college.