Art and Art History

The Art and Art History program at Carleton College offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of visual arts, fostering both practical skills and critical understanding. This major is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for historical and contemporary art practices across diverse cultures and media. Students engage with a broad range of coursework including studio art, art history, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to develop technical proficiency alongside analytical abilities. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on studio courses, where they experiment with various mediums such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art. These practical experiences are complemented by rigorous art history classes that cover major periods, movements, and geographic regions, encouraging students to contextualize artworks within broader cultural, political, and social frameworks.

In addition to classroom instruction, the program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and effective communication through seminars, exhibitions, and writing assignments. Students are encouraged to explore their individual artistic interests and develop a personal voice. The program also offers opportunities for internships, study abroad, and participation in art-related campus events, fostering engagement with professional art environments and contemporary discourse. Faculty members share their expertise from diverse backgrounds, guiding students in developing their artistic and scholarly pursuits. Graduates of the Art and Art History program at Carleton are well-prepared for careers in art-related fields, including museum work, gallery management, arts administration, or continued graduate study. They leave the program with a strong foundation in visual analysis, creative production, and art historical research, ready to contribute thoughtfully to the arts community and beyond.

The Art and Art History program at Carleton College offers students a comprehensive exploration of visual arts, encompassing both the creation and critical examination of artworks across various periods and cultures. This interdisciplinary major is designed to cultivate students’ technical skills, aesthetic sensibility, and historical understanding, preparing them for diverse careers in the arts, education, museum work, or further academic pursuits. Students in this program engage in rigorous coursework that includes studio art classes such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, alongside seminars in art history that analyze major artistic movements, influential artists, and cultural contexts. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and fosters an appreciation for diverse artistic traditions from antiquity to contemporary times.

Through a combination of studio practice and scholarly research, students develop a personal artistic voice while gaining a solid foundation in art theory, criticism, and historical methods. The program also emphasizes developing technical proficiency with various media, understanding the role of visual culture in society, and engaging with contemporary issues through art. Opportunities for independent projects, exhibitions, internships, and study abroad enhance experiential learning and professional development. Faculty members are active artists and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their creative and academic growth. Graduates of the program pursue careers as professional artists, curators, educators, art administrators, and researchers, or continue their education in graduate programs in art history or studio arts. By fostering both innovation and critical analysis, the Art and Art History program at Carleton College cultivates well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute thoughtfully to the arts and society.

Program Requirements:

The Art and Art History major at Carleton College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts, their historical development, and contemporary practices. Students are required to complete a total of at least 11 courses, including foundation courses, advanced seminars, and studio work. The foundational courses include Introduction to Art and Art History, which introduces students to key concepts, methodologies, and the history of art across various cultures and periods. Students must also take courses in Drawing and 2D Design to develop their technical skills and visual literacy.

In addition to these core courses, students are encouraged to choose a sequence of courses within specific areas of interest, such as Asian Art, African Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, or European Art. To gain practical experience, students are expected to participate in studio art courses, which can include Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, or Photography. These studio courses emphasize both technical proficiency and conceptual development.

Language proficiency may be required for students focusing on non-English art histories or needing access to primary sources in other languages. Students are also required to undertake a senior seminar or research project that synthesizes their learning and demonstrates critical analysis skills. Field trips, visiting artist lectures, and exhibitions are integral to the program, providing real-world contexts for art historical research.

The college emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, so students are often encouraged to combine their art major with coursework in related fields such as History, Studio Art, or Anthropology. Maintaining a minimum GPA as specified by the department is necessary for major status. Overall, the program aims to foster critical thinking, creative expression, and a global perspective on visual arts, preparing students for graduate studies, museum work, studio practice, or other careers in the arts.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Art and Art History program at Carleton College offers students numerous financial resources to support their studies. Undergraduate students pursuing majors in Art or Art History have access to various financial aid opportunities, including need-based grants and scholarships. Carleton College is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from engaging fully in their academic pursuits. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College’s own financial aid forms to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid packages. Additionally, the college offers merit-based scholarships specific to incoming and current art students, recognizing excellence in artistic achievement and academic performance. Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning funds to help offset educational costs. Moreover, students may participate in internships and summer research projects, some of which are funded by the college or external arts organizations, providing stipends and financial assistance. The college’s financial aid office provides personalized counseling to help students understand their options and plan their finances effectively. For those seeking additional funding, external scholarships from arts foundations and cultural organizations can be explored. Carleton's commitment to affordability is evident in their generous financial aid policies, which aim to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Over the course of their studies, students benefit from a supportive financial environment designed to minimize debt and maximize educational opportunities. The combination of institutional aid, outside scholarships, work opportunities, and planning resources ensures that students in Art and Art History can focus on their creative and academic growth without undue financial stress.

The Art and Art History program at Carleton College offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the study of visual arts. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic practices, from traditional painting and sculpture to contemporary digital media. The curriculum is designed to develop both technical skills and critical thinking, encouraging students to analyze artworks within historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts. The program emphasizes active engagement with studio practice, complemented by in-depth coursework in art history, which provides a solid foundation in the history of art from ancient to contemporary periods. Carleton's facilities include well-equipped studios and galleries that support hands-on experience and exhibitions. Students are encouraged to participate in internships and study abroad programs to gain practical experience and global perspectives. Faculty members are active artists and scholars who mentor students individually, fostering an environment of creative inquiry and scholarly rigor. The program culminates in a senior project or thesis, demonstrating students' mastery of their chosen medium and scholarly approach. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in the arts, including professional studio practice, art criticism, museum work, or graduate study. The department actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within its community, ensuring that students from all backgrounds find a supportive environment to develop their artistic and academic pursuits. Throughout their time at Carleton, students also benefit from the college's strong liberal arts tradition, which encourages interdisciplinary thinking and broad intellectual exploration.