ART HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Associate in Arts
Program Details
The A.A. Degree in Art History and Professional Practices prepares students to transfer to colleges and universities, enter an arts management career, or Fine Arts students may pursue this degree concurrently with an art studio degree to enhance their understanding of their creative process in a broad historical context and to prepare for gallery representation and exhibition of their work. Art History is the study of visual art from prehistory to the present. It places emphasis on the visual language, historical context, cultural values, techniques, materials, and technological changes in the history of art and architecture. The Art History and Professional Practices program provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of Art History and the curatorial, business, and installation aspects of exhibiting art. Students will develop skills for critical and analytical thinking, perceptive reading and observation, and interpretive analysis.
ART HISTORY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers (2)
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Master's degree, Doctoral degree | Stable | 80,190 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | Some college, Bachelor's degree | Stable | 60,560 |
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Analyze and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context, cultural values, visual language and aesthetic innovation.
- Describe and analyze the mission and functions of art museums, as well as the professional roles involved in working in museums.
- Write about art historical movements, individual artists, and art exhibitions employing relevant terminology and vocabulary.
- Apply professional practices in the installation of art exhibitions.
- Assess career opportunities in arts management.
- Recognize and describe major developments and representative works of art and architecture in western art from prehistory through contemporary periods.
- Recognize and describe the formal and conceptual aspects of works of art, including the elements and principles of design and specific iconography.
- Recognize and describe the artistic traditions and representative works of art and architecture in non-western art including India, Asia, Pre-Columbian America, and Africa.