The Art History area offers all students the opportunity to study the history of the visual arts in their cultural and social context. Courses in European and American Art from Ancient to Modern times, as well as African Art and other selected non-Western fields, are regularly taught. Students will learn to describe, analyze, and interpret the form and content of works of art. They will become familiar with art history theory, methods of analysis and art criticism. In addition, they will gain valuable experience in writing and researching in the field of art history. It is also the mission of the art history program to educate students with a global perspective.

Art History majors and minors are encouraged to participate in summer internship experiences in museums, historic houses, and galleries. Internships are available on campus in the Madison Art Collection, Sawhill or ArtWorks galleries. Students should also consider taking advantage of the year-round JMU Studies Abroad programs. The art history program advocates interdisciplinary study in other humanistic disciplines and actively supports students who double major with other related fields.  

JMU art history faculty members possess expertise in a wide variety of historical areas and enjoy working with students on independent studies, honors theses or exhibition projects.