Art History BA
Learn to think critically (and visually) by studying the development of human creativity.
Art history isn’t just about studying the past, it’s about learning to interpret our world through visual expression.
Art history is interdisciplinary, drawing from various fields in the humanities, sciences, technology and even engineering. It also builds valuable skills that employers want, including critical thinking and analysis, presentation and public speaking, writing, research, problem-solving, broad historical and cultural knowledge, and creativity.
Career Opportunities
- Art Educator
- Museum Curator/Educator
- Arts Organization Administrator
- Gallery Manager
- Art Dealer
- Curriculum Designer
Why Art History? | Why Our Program?
- Our students study artists, artworks, architects and structures from around the world and throughout time and gain the visual skills to interpret these works.
- Our students engage in experiential learning, including internships at local institutions, such as the Lippitt House Museum, and embark on international travel supported by the Shinn Study Abroad Fund.
- We offer a minor in art history that allows students majoring in other disciplines to complement their studies with a strong foundation in critical thinking and visual expression.
- Topics covered in the Bachelor of Arts in art history curriculum include: research methods, global arts, American arts and architecture, drawing, digital media and world languages.
RIC’s Bannister Gallery and Chazen Family Gallery provide opportunities for students to experience gallery operations, curatorial practices and arts administration.
Our Art Faculty
Mr. Craig R. Bachman
- Professor
Ms. Nancy K. Bockbrader
- Professor
Mr. Douglas A. Bosch
- Professor
Mr. Stephen E. Fisher
- Professor
Mr. Heemong Kim
- Professor
Mr. William G. Martin
- Professor
Amy Montali
- Professor
Dr. Sara M. Picard
- Associate Professor
Dianne M. Reilly
- Professor
Dr. Natasha Seaman
- Professor
Dr. Rebecca Shipe
- Associate Professor
Richard C. Whitten
- Professor
Hear From a Student
Sam Nehila
“The skills I gained in RIC’s art history program – research, writing, distilling information, picking out what is visually important in an artwork and sharing that information with others – are skills that are useful anywhere. I’m fortunate in that I get to focus it all on art.”
– Art History Major, with Minor in Printmaking
Faculty Facilitating Student Success
Myra Lendrum found a major that allows her to express all her passions.
Take the Next Step!
Arts and Sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is a community of scholars that pride themselves on academic excellence, diversity and service.
- emailDeanFAS@ric.edu
- phone401-456-8106
- placeGaige Hall
