Art History and Studio Arts

Art History and Studio Arts at the American University of Beirut offer a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience designed to cultivate both scholarly understanding and creative practice. The program provides students with a solid foundation in the history of art, encompassing a wide range of periods, cultures, and artistic movements, complemented by hands-on studio practice in various visual arts disciplines. Students explore the cultural, social, political, and technological contexts that influence art production and reception globally and within the Middle East region. The curriculum is structured to encourage critical thinking, aesthetic appreciation, and technical proficiency, enabling graduates to pursue careers in art curation, conservation, education, gallery management, or to continue with advanced studies.

Through engaging lectures, seminars, studio workshops, and exhibitions, students develop a nuanced understanding of the techniques, materials, and processes involved in creating art, alongside the analytical skills needed to interpret artworks critically. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore the connections between art history, cultural studies, and contemporary artistic practices. Students have access to state-of-the-art studios, galleries, and resources, fostering an environment where theoretical knowledge and practical skills are integrated seamlessly.

The faculty comprises experienced scholars, practitioners, and artists dedicated to mentoring students and supporting innovative research and creative endeavors. Collaborative projects, internships, and participation in regional and international conferences are integral components of the program, providing valuable professional exposure. Graduates of the Art History and Studio Arts program are well-equipped to engage with diverse artistic and cultural institutions, contribute to the cultural dialogue in Lebanon and beyond, and pursue careers or further education in art, academia, or related fields. The program aims to nurture critical, creative, and culturally aware individuals prepared to make meaningful contributions to the arts and society.

Studio Arts majors start their program with foundation courses in 2D and 3D art. Specialized courses then follow in drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Additionally students may add courses in such topics as performance art, photography and video art. The final year culminates with Advanced Studio Practice where students are guided through creating a capstone final project for public display.

Art History majors start their program with courses covering the overview of art from ancient times to the present. Special topics that are focused on specific themes in art history and theory follow the general survey courses. Throughout their studies, Art History majors develop their ability to think, speak and write about art.

Students completing 12 years of schooling and doing one of the following programs: High School Program, SAT program, AP program, IGCSE (O Levels), IB Certificate or any other school leaving certificate (other than Lebanese Baccalaureate) can apply to the freshman program at AUB.

The freshman program is a majorless year (2 regular semesters) whereby the student can take different courses and follow either a scientific track or a track in humanities. Once the student completes the freshman year, he/she gets to enroll in a specific major at the sophomore level based on his/her average or GPA.

To apply for regular admissions, the student needs to submit an undergraduate application along with the following documents:

a. SAT1 results
b. High school records during grades 10 and 11
c. Counselor/Teacher recommendation(s)/Extracurricular Activities/Other Achievements

Once the student is admitted, he/she will be required to present evidence of having successfully completed Grade 12 and show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score of 573 on the paper based TOEFL OR 230 on the Computer Based TOEFL (OR 88 on Internet Based TOEFL), OR 500 on the University English Entrance Examination (EEE) OR 380 and above on the writing section of the OLD SATI (Jan 2016 or Earlier) OR 5.5 on IELTS (for IELTS we also requires an additional English Placement test to be done at AUB).   

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

AUB’s Office of Financial Aid has devised several types of need-based assistance programs. These include grants based on the financial status of the student’s family, student loans at low interest rates and favorable repayment options, academic merit scholarships, work study programs that allow students to finance their education while acquiring professional skills at various offices in the University, and assistantships for graduate students.

The AUB scholarship program ensures that students who meet the University's academic standards will have the opportunity to receive an AUB education.

AUB has always been committed to educating students from different nationalities, religions, races, and political persuasions. We are working hard to make sure that economic background is not a factor in the admission process. The University's liberal arts curricular and educational philosophy rests on the principles of intellectual freedom, scientific reasoning, and exposure to a wide range of ideas. AUB encourages concentration in a field of study and seeks to cultivate morally conscious citizens.

The American University of Beirut offers a comprehensive program in Art History and Studio Arts designed to provide students with a robust understanding of visual culture, artistic practices, and historical contexts. The Art History component focuses on developing critical skills to analyze and interpret artworks across various periods and regions, emphasizing the cultural, social, and political influences that shape artistic expression. Students explore significant art movements, architectural developments, and key figures in the history of art, gaining insight into the evolution of visual arts from ancient to contemporary times. The curriculum includes courses in Western, Middle Eastern, and global art, fostering a diverse and inclusive perspective. The Studio Arts component complements theoretical studies with practical skills, encouraging students to experiment with a variety of media and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital arts. This hands-on approach aims to cultivate artistic talent, technical proficiency, and innovative thinking. Students have access to well-equipped studios and workshops, guided by experienced faculty members who are active practitioners in their fields. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement with contemporary art issues, preparing graduates for careers in galleries, museums, arts administration, education, and creative industries. The multidisciplinary nature of the program also encourages students to develop a personal artistic voice while acquiring a deep understanding of art history, fostering a well-rounded graduate capable of contributing to the cultural sector with knowledge and creativity. The university's vibrant cultural environment, including exhibitions, lecture series, and partnerships with local and international art institutions, enriches the educational experience. Graduates of the Art History and Studio Arts program at AUB are equipped with the scholarly knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in diverse artistic and cultural careers or further academic pursuits in graduate studies.