Art History
Study history of art from passionate scholars who care deeply about research and teaching.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Art History?
A bachelor’s degree in history of art (BA) is rather versatile and can prepare you for diverse career opportunities in a variety of cultural institutions, both public and private.
Work in museums, galleries, auction houses, libraries, and publishing houses. Thrive as researchers, archivists, art appraisers, gallerists, museum technicians, educators, art critics, curators, and administrators.
Consider broadening your education and professional opportunities by earning a Certificate in the Museum Studies Program, particularly designed to prepare students for a variety of careers and further graduate studies
Why Major in Art History at Adelphi?
- Benefit from working closely with faculty members who will advise you in your studies and guide you through your research.
- Receive one-on-one attention in small classes taught by our experienced art professors. Have the opportunity to take classes at some of the most famous museums in New York City.
- Become career-ready with the right tools and internship experiences to succeed outside the classroom.
Galleries and Exhibitions
We proudly display the work of our students and faculty at ongoing exhibitions in gallery spaces in both Garden City and Manhattan:
- Ruth S. Harley University Center Gallery
- Swirbul Library gallery
- Gallery of the Performing Arts Center
- Manhattan Center Gallery
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Adelphi’s proximity to New York City with some of the most prominent museums and galleries in the world, as well as a wide variety of smaller-scale museums on Long Island, provides multiple opportunities to learn about the objects’ history, original contexts, collectors and collecting practices.
Some additional components and resources of our bachelor’s degree in art history include:
- Visiting artists and historians lecture series
- A seminar that meets weekly in the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Contemporary Art class that meets in the museum and art galleries of Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Opportunity to work with the objects in the University Archives and Special Collections
- A two-week summer class in Florence, Italy that gives you an opportunity to study Renaissance art and architecture first-hand
- Possibility for a semester-long study abroad
An Adelphi student looks out over the city of Florence.
Program Info
Discover Adelphi University’s Art History degree program committed to providing students with numerous learning opportunities within the world of fine arts, architecture, design, photography, and crafts. By studying the diverse artistic traditions, we strive to better understand the original contexts of the works of art, while exercising critical thinking and analytical skills.
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements:
The BA in Art History provides a rigorous academic engagement with the history of art. In lectures, seminars, special topics and interdisciplinary courses, you will explore the complex and ever-evolving roles of artistic and design production throughout a broad range of cultural and historical periods. You will develop a strong foundation in the theoretical discourse of art history while honing your critical thinking and writing skills and exploring new ways of looking at art and its history. In conjunction with the Museum Studies Certificate program, we offer Art History courses and internships in the world-class museums and cultural institutions of New York City, preparing students for careers in the art world, including museums, galleries, auction houses, development, art criticism, conservation, archives and publishing.
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Art Studios
Art History Lecture Hall
Senior Art Studios
Printmaking Studio
Graphic Design and Digital Production
Painting and Drawing
Art History Lecture Hall
With small class sizes, the art history lecture hall located in Blodgett Hall offers one-on-one attention from our experienced art professors. 2 Photos-
Blodgett Hall art history lecture hall.
-
Blodgett Hall art history lecture hall.
Senior Art Studios
Individual studio space for BFA Studio and Art and Design Education students is available in their senior year. 2 Photos-
A student working in their own personal studio space.
-
Located in Blodgett Hall, each senior studio is filled with natural light from skylights overhead.
Printmaking Studio
The 1400-square-foot printmaking area is well equipped to support a number of different printmaking techniques including all varieties of intaglio, solarplate, monotype, relief, and screenprint printmaking. 3 Photos-
Two Adelphi art students working with screenprints in the studio.
-
Three large Brand presses in the printmaking studio further service student work, in addition to a mini, in-house digital lab that includes a large-format archival color inkjet printer.
-
The printmaking studio in the Klapper Center for Fine Arts offers ample natural light through skylights.
Graphic Design and Digital Production
We have 2 digital labs that include 40 Mac Pro computers equipped with a full suite of art and design software, 2 large format archival color inkjet printers, 4 color printers, 6 scanners, and 20 Wacom tablets. 4 Photos-
A design student working in the Blodgett Hall digital lab.
-
The design space features individual workstations for students to work on advertising, branding, and package design projects.
-
Design students will take classes in the studio to explore advertising design, web design, and learn computer graphics applications.
-
Painting and Drawing
The 3 painting and drawing studios are well lit and feature skylights, easels, and designated storage areas for canvas and 2D work. 8 Photos-
Associate professor Jennifer Maloney mentors a student in the painting studio.
-
Designed to inspire artistic expression, each of the two 700-square-foot painting studios in the Herbert J. Klapper Center for Fine Arts features skylights and provides painting racks, easels and taborets.
-
An Adelphi student concentrates on the work in front of her.
-
Art students working diligently at easels.
-
The Blodgett Hall drawing studios offer ample natural light and space to create.
-
Art students drawing during class.
-
Art students working in charcoal in the Blodgett Hall studios.
-
The drawing studios provide students with a creative space to work and are adjacent to storage racks and locker space to house supplies.
Awards & Recognition
