Course Overview

The Art History program at Penn State offers a comprehensive exploration of visual arts across cultures and time periods. Housed within the College of Arts and Architecture, the program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and analysis of artistic traditions, preparing students to understand the historical, social, and cultural contexts of art. Unique features include interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from anthropology, history, and philosophy, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning through exhibitions and curatorial projects.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are equipped for diverse roles in museums, galleries, education, and cultural institutions. The curriculum fosters skills in research, writing, and visual analysis, which are highly transferable to careers in arts administration, conservation, and academia.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program features distinguished faculty with expertise in areas such as Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, and non-Western traditions. Faculty members are often involved in curatorial projects and publish extensively in their fields, though specific names are subject to change and can be verified through the university's official directory.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students have access to the Palmer Museum of Art on campus, which houses a significant collection of works spanning various periods and cultures. The program also benefits from partnerships with regional and national cultural institutions, offering internships and networking opportunities for students.