Art History

Become engaged with arts and culture

At Herron, you will develop your understanding of art in the context of history, science, language and tradition, exploring major movements from the Paleolithic period to present day.

Through intensive study and research, you will examine culturally significant works of art that illuminate our world and forge connections across time.

Our art history faculty are passionate about exploring perspectives from a broad range of disciplines and regularly collaborate with cultural institutions on and off campus, providing you with unparalleled research opportunities. You may also broaden your worldly perspective while studying history’s masterpieces on location in museums and at archeological sites and monuments.

Ultimately, you will develop keen visual literacy and communications skills to apply in a variety of settings.

Hands-on experience

Herron has a strong connection to local and regional museums, allowing for site visits and myriad opportunities to grow your professional art history skills. Internship opportunities can be found throughout Indianapolis at galleries and institutions, such as Newfields and the Indiana State Museum.

Extensive research

Our accomplished faculty will guide you in formulating ideas, conducting research, critically evaluating information, and presenting a conclusion. You will become fluent in various methods of visual analysis, historical research, and theoretical perspective.

Plan of study

B.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.A. in art history

IU Indianapolis Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.A. in art history

Our art history faculty use the cultural resources of the urban environment as opportunities for our students to have first-hand experiences with art, and to understand how art functions in the public sphere.
Jean Robertson, Chancellor's professor emerita of art history

Resources

Herron Art Library, containing a broad range of research materials
IU library system and research databases
Intercampus delivery for library collections on all IU campuses
Interlibrary loan with access to sources across the continent
Artstor Digital Library

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Minor in Classical Studies

Certificate in Museum Studies

Professional opportunities

Art history majors are boundary crossers. You will learn how to navigate the world with strong cultural literacy and connect the dots across time periods, territories and cultures. Life after Herron could lead to a career in museums, universities, and nonprofit organizations as well as fields outside the arts.

Pursue your calling as a professional: