Department ofArt History
Programs as broad as history
The Department of Art History offers B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, as well as minors in art history and architectural history and a museum studies certificate. Students have the opportunity to hold internships or assistantships at Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, known particularly for its strong holdings in Baroque, American, and contemporary art. The department’s faculty are internationally recognized scholars known for sharing and instilling their enthusiasm for the discipline with their students.
Degrees +
Certificates
B.A. in Art History
The B.A. in Art History offers an opportunity for students to explore and examine art while developing a deep understanding of how and why it brings the world closer.
M.A. in Art History
The M.A. degree in Art History transforms a passion for the arts and cultural history into a career path. Through the completion of a master’s paper or thesis, foreign language...
Ph.D. in Art History (+Dual Ph.D.)
Advanced study of visual arts spanning periods, cultures, and geographies. The Art History Ph.D. program – with Asian Studies or Visual Studies dual-title options – can deepen your expertise and advance your Art History career.
Art History Minor
Explore art from ancient to contemporary times, in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. This minor relates visual images to the big questions of humanity.
Architectural History Minor
The Architectural History minor teaches exceptional visual acuity and analysis. You will better understand space, design processes, and construction practice within historical periods.
Museum Studies Certificate
Learn the fundamentals of museum studies. Explore the history, theory, and practice of institutional collecting and conservation. Engage in a technical investigation of art.
Faculty Spotlight
Koan Mask, by the Nuna (Nunama) of Burkina Faso. Part of the Palmer Museum's African Brilliance collection catalogued by the VRC.
William Dewey
Associate Professor of Art History
William J. Dewey, associate professor of art history in the College of Arts and Architecture, curated the exhibition African Brilliance: A Diplomat’s Sixty Years of Collecting featuring eighty-three objects by twentieth-century African artists from a variety of cultures across the continent. The works include carved and decorated wooden sculptures, natural fiber and beaded textiles, metalwork, and ceramic pots that represent household, community, and ritual practices. Accompanying the exhibition is is the Palmer Museum of Art’s first online catalogue complete with photos and 3D views of each object, essays by the curators, and interviews with Davis.
Dewey was also part of the curatorial team for “Striking Iron: The Art of African Blacksmiths” at UCLA’s Fowler Museum, recently described in The New York Times as one of “three knockout art shows to see in Los Angeles right now.”
Our Facilities
Our broad program offerings are supported by rich research, archive, and display spaces.
See All Our Facilities
Visual Resources Centre
The Visual Resources Centre (VRC) manages a continuously growing digital collection of images of works of art, architecture, and other visual materials from prehistoric Learn More
Palmer Museum of Art
The Palmer Museum of Art, a dramatic structure designed by Charles W. Moore, is the most prominent visual arts facility on the University Park Learn More
Borland Project Space
The Borland Project Space (BPS) illuminates the vibrant research culture of the College of Arts & Architecture. With this initiative we move beyond traditional Learn More
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Kimberly Henrikson
B.A. in Art HistoryKimberly Henrikson is executive director at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (Norwalk, CT) and president of the Print Club of New York. She is newsletter editor for the International Print Club Societies organization, and held a senior position at Artstor, where she managed training and support services for digital image licensing in higher ed and museum communities around the world.
Aug 7
Virtual Mus. Theatre Voice Ped Workshop
Music Academic CalendarThe Penn State Musical Theatre Voice Pedagogy Workshop 2020 has been moved to online. It will be held August 7 & 8, 2020 and prices
Events
Go. Explore.Virtual Mus. Theatre Voice Ped Work
Music Academic Calendar
SOM - Bach's Lunch
CSED All Faith ChapelNews from A&A
Stuckeman School graphic design students win UCDA Vote 2020 design awards
Two graphic design students in the Stuckeman School recently earned awards in the University and College Designers Association Vote 2020 Student Poster Design Initiative.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two graphic design students in the Stuckeman School recently earned awards in the University and College Designers Association (UCDA) Vote 2020 Student Poster Design Initiative. Scottie
SOVA alumna’s artwork featured in virtual exhibition responding to pandemic
Penn State School of Visual Arts alumna and Southwest Philadelphia artist D’nae Harrison, 2014 bachelor of fine arts, has been named as a winner of the 2020 MOZAIK Future Art Award Read More
Creativity and the coronavirus: Interns make the most of challenging situation
Students in the College of Arts and Architecture internship program adjusted their work in creative ways during the challenging spring semester. Read More