Undergraduate Program

The Undergraduate Program in Art History and Archaeology is an opportunity to gain an understanding of visual culture from the ancient world to present day. Through visual analysis, research projects, and plentiful enrichment opportunities our students become sharp critical thinkers, excellent writers, and skilled public speakers.

We welcome students into a robust community of thoughtful peers and distinguished faculty to dive into the world of Art History and Archaeology. Our upper-level undergraduate seminars host no more than 14 students per class, allowing for narrowed subject focus and dynamic discussions. Majors seeking honors degrees conduct an independent research project their senior year with the support of a designated faculty advisor as well as a peer research group.

The study of Art History and Archaeology blossoms when students get to view works in their original contexts. To facilitate engagement with art outside the classroom, the department is affiliated with numerous study abroad programs. Popular locations include Italy, Greece, The Netherlands, and the U.K. Alongside semester and school year abroad programs, the department also hosts several travel seminars and field trips for course-specific content, most recently to Amsterdam, London, and Los Angeles.

After graduation, some students have gone on to various roles in museums, galleries, and foundations, while others have pursued advanced Art History degrees at distinguished programs. However, it is important to note that a degree in Art History is more versatile than you may think. Many alumni have thrived in law, medicine, business, fashion, and media, among countless other fields. If you are interested in learning more about post-graduate career paths, please see our internships and careers page.

Take a Closer Look

Majoring and Minoring in Art History!

Ready to learn more about the path ahead? We've got all the details for major and minor requirements.

Learn more about Art History degree requirements

Undergraduate Honors Guidelines

The Departmental Honors Program is open to majors in the Department of Art History and Archaeology with a strong academic record and is particularly recommended for those planning to pursue graduate work.

Review the Guidelines for Honors Work

Research Opportunities

Exceptional undergraduates at Washington University have the opportunity to engage in and present their research at a variety of symposiums. From senior thesis and independent study work, our undergraduate majors have presented their original research projects at Washington University's Undergraduate Research Symposium, which is held every spring and fall, and at art history and archaeology symposia across the country. In addition to these opportunities, our undergraduates are also eligible for a variety of fellowships and internships, including the Ottoson Travel Fellowship which permits a student to travel abroad during the summer. These internships establish our students with further skills and networks that will benefit them after graduation.

For more information about undergraduate research opportunities, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Internships & Careers

Looking for an internship? Want to hear from our alumni? Wonder where students before you have gone on to work? We've got you covered!

Learn more about Internships & Careers

"A painting depicting a lush landscape made in the neoimpressionist style with many small brush strokes in green, purple, and yellow."

Undergraduate Resources

Undergraduate Departmental Awards

View past recipients of departmental awards

Major & Minor Requirements

Review major and minor requirements

Undergrad Research

Create knowledge in any discipline with the office of undergrad research

Study Abroad FAQ

There are many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in the art world outside of the classroom. Along with annual travel seminars, the Department of Art History and Archaeology hosts many study abroad programs. These opportunities allow students to experience in-depth the art of a particular culture, including Italian, French, Japanese, and Russian. Students interested in studying abroad should also read the university guidelines at the Overseas Programs website.

Should I Study Abroad?

The Department of Art History and Archaeology strongly encourages majors to consider studying abroad. Students commonly go during their junior year, for one or two semesters, and may receive up to 30 hours of credit. Washington University has programs in Germany, France, England, Spain, Greece, China, Japan, Africa, Australia, and elsewhere. There are also many other non-affiliated programs available, and in most programs, language is not necessarily an impediment since courses are frequently offered in English. For some programs, the Department does require that students complete at least one semester of language study prior to the term they go abroad. Art history students should not be shy about petitioning to attend programs that are not pre-approved by Overseas Programs for art history. Petitions to attend additional programs and to get full academic credit are often granted for sound academic reasons.

How many credits can I take abroad?

Students intending to study abroad should consult with their major advisor before planning their courses, as the granting of art history major credit for courses taken abroad is at the discretion of the Department. According to College of Arts & Sciences rules, at least half of the credit hours for the major must be completed in residence. Furthermore, the final 30 units toward the degree must be earned at Washington University.

Can I Take a Capstone Course Abroad?

Majors are expected to take their two capstone seminars on campus, usually in the senior year. On occasion a seminar of exceptional rigor may be proposed as a substitute. However, the credit will only be granted once the course is complete, and the syllabus and research paper(s) have been reviewed and approved by the Study Abroad Advisor (and perhaps by relevant faculty). Students are therefore advised that they should not assume that any seminar course taken while on study abroad will count toward this requirement when planning their course program.

Upon returning, the student should submit a dossier to the current Study Abroad Advisor of all course materials from classes for which art history credit is sought. This usually includes notes, syllabi, writing assignments, and exams. It is the student's responsibility to get these materials while abroad, and to return to campus with them. These are the primary materials the Department's Study Abroad Advisor, Professor Esther Gabel, will use to determine the amount of credit earned abroad.

Do Courses Taken Abroad Count Towards My GPA?

Students need to remember that in courses taken abroad, credits transfer, but grades do not. The only exception to this rule are courses taught by Washington University faculty teaching abroad in the Florence program.