Art History


The Art History / Museum Studies program prioritizes students' career development, and we actively guide students to make their educational experiences unique and relevant in today’s job market. This has led to an exceptionally high job placement rate compared to programs other institutions: our Art History majors have 100% placement—most with fellowship funding—in graduate school, and 98% job placement.

Our graduates work in fundraising, human resources, libraries, museums and research centers, and have enrolled in graduate programs across the U.S.


Ambrose Advantages

  • Hands-on Career Development
  • Lively Teaching & Charismatic Faculty
  • Integrated BA/MA Degrees in Art History & Museum Studies
  • 100% Acceptance Into Graduate Programs
  • 98% job placement rate
  • Robust internship program leads to jobs

male student examining graphic design

students in Putnam archives

man hanging up print

The St. Ambrose Art History & Museum Studies Program (AH/MUSE) fosters an energetic exploration of art,architecture, and material culture and the museum industry through the study of primary visual and literary sources, with an emphasis on understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.

Art History Fact Sheet (pdf)


Museum Studies Minor

students in Putnam archives
Add a Museum Studies minor to your degree

Students can combine courses, such as introduction to museum studies, exhibition planning, and collection management with internships, marketing, and courses related to their specific discipline and museum interests.

Article: New Minor Builds on Museum Growth


More information on the Art History Program

Why St. Ambrose?

Hands-on career development
Our Art History alumni have 100% placement—most with fellowship funding—in grad school, and our students get jobs! Over the last decade, our alumni have enjoyed nearly 98% job placement, with 100% job placement over the last three years.

All Art History majors and Museum Studies minors are required to do internships, as well as our innovative Careers class, which focuses on practical skills like resume-writing, interviewing, building LinkedIn profiles, and networking with area professionals in museums, libraries, archives, and federal agencies.

The Art History program is the only program in the region that integrates internships as a program requirement.
We actively promote and coordinate internships for students, and we’re the only Art History program in the region that integrates internships as a part of the program requirements.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Courses, including periods from Ancient to 20 th Century Art History, and non-traditional topics like History of Comics, Mythic Image (Odysseus to Luke Skywalker), and Russian Art History.

Interdisciplinary focus
Art History and Museum Studies necessarily pull from a wide range of topics, including history, art, economics, gender, psychology, law, business, education, and cultural studies.

Not surprisingly, nearly all Art History majors (and graduates of the program) have multiple majors, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the program. Popular second majors include: Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Marketing, Graphic Design, History, Painting, Education, English, International Studies, Spanish. Students are also encouraged to pursue multiple minors, including Museum Studies, as well as the fields indicated for second majors.

What will I learn?

The St. Ambrose Art History & Museum Studies Program (AH/MUSE) fosters an energetic exploration of art, architecture, and material culture and the museum industry through the study of primary visual and literary sources, with an emphasis on understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.

Leonardo to Luke Skywalker. In our program, you’ll have the opportunity to take both traditional and non-traditional classes. Our more unique traditional course offerings include classes on Russian Art History and Museum Studies, as well as standard survey classes covering all periods from Paleolithic through 20 th Century Art History. Our students also enjoy non-traditional topics classes like the History of Comics and Mythic Image, which offer the opportunity to study topics ranging from Mulan to Luke Skywalker, and from graphic novels to the illustration of fairy tales.

Required internships and hands-on career development. The Art History & Museum Studies Program takes a proactive approach to professional and career development. When you enter our program, your advisor will help you plan the best combination of majors, minors, and internships to progress toward your unique career goals.

All AH/MUSE students are guided through the resume-writing process in a classroom setting, and they learn interviewing skills and study career options in an upper-level course. These skills provide a foundation for students as they pursue their internship experiences. We help students find ways to make their unique educational experiences relevant in today’s job market, and we encourage and facilitate volunteer, internship, and paid work experiences at local museums and institutions.

Students in the Art History & Museum Studies Program complete a minimum of 130 hours of experiential learning in area museums; 75% of our students complete their degree with more than 250 hours of internship experience. In addition to the SAU Archives and the Catich Gallery on campus, the our students have interned and worked at the Bettendorf Public Library, Bix Beiderbecke Museum, the Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, the Civilian Air Patrol, the Davenport School Museum, the Family Museum, the Figge Art Museum, the German American Heritage Center, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, the John Deere Pavilion, the LeClaire Public Library, the Putnam Museum, the Quad City Botanical Center, the Richardson-Sloane Collection (Davenport Public Library), the Rock Island Arsenal and Rock Island Arsenal Museum.

We also have high academic standards our students appreciate. As a result, our Art History majors have earned a 100% acceptance rate into graduate programs in museum studies, archival studies, art history, business (MBA), history, art therapy, library science, and fine arts. Many of our graduates receive fellowships.

All AH/MUSE students are strongly encouraged to get a double major with multiple minors. This has made our Program very interdisciplinary, with graduates using their degree in a wide variety of fields. Our students who've chosen to continue to graduate school have pursued degrees in museum studies, psychology, arts administration, art history, archival studies, art therapy, library science, history, business, and fine arts.

This degree satisfies many general education courses and pairs well with other degrees. Many students choose to double major in marketing, art, theatre, and criminal justice.

What makes Art History unique at SAU?
  • We've created a partnership with Western Illinois University that allows you to earn two degrees in five years without ever leaving the Quad Cities: a BA in Art History from SAU and an MA in Museum Studies from Western. Devin Oake ‘18 believes the partnership is a win for students who also see their future in museum studies. Read this story.
  • Over the last 10 years, more than 35 of our graduates have continued for the Master’s in Museum Studies at WIU-QC. Because of the high number of our students who’ve pursued this degree, we launched an integrated degree plan with WIU-QC in fall 2019; this allows accepted SAU Art History majors to roll classes from our AH/MUSE Program over into the WIU-QC MA program in Museum Studies (so essentially a 4 + 1 degree). This program is particularly ideal for students from the QC area, including transfer students from EICC or Blackhawk.
  • Study topics ranging from Mulan to Luke Skywalker. We offer traditional courses in Russian art history, museum studies, and non-traditional courses such as the History of Comics and The Mythic Image.
  • You'll learn and be guided by faculty who really care about your success. Read this story about Mickey Hayes '21 who double-majored in Psychology and Art History.
  • The SAU Art History & Museum Studies Program also sponsors a lively student organization, the Museum Enthusiasts Club. The club is open to all students, regardless of major/minor, and students arrange social events and outings to museums and cultural institutions, including an annual road trip to major museums (like the St. Louis Art Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago). The Club also helps to coordinate the annual SAU Night at the Figge event in the fall semester, including an annual art auction to fund the spring museum road trip. For more info, please contact the club leadership at museumenthusiastsclub@sau.edu.
  • Your advisor will help you find the best combination of majors, minors, and internships to meet your career goals. We encourage you to volunteer, intern, or work at local museums and institutions.
What are some possible careers?

Our Art History program is very interdisciplinary. You can pair this major with our unique Museum Studies minor to boost your professional opportunities, as well as begin taking master's level courses toward a Master of Museum Studies (4+1 program) as part of our partnership with Western Illinois University.

Many students also choose to double major in psychology, graphic design, english marketing, art, theatre, or criminal justice. Learn more about this major on the Academic and Career Planning website.

Either way, you have a variety of career options. Here is a sampling:

  • Archivist
  • Museum professional
  • Art theft investigator
  • Art lawyer
  • Gallery owner or manager
  • Art appraiser
  • Art therapist
  • Art historian
  • Curator or critic

If you love art history but aren't sure how to use it in a career, these resources can help narrow your areas of interest:

You can also schedule an advising appointment in the Art History & Museum Studies program to discuss your interests to determine the combination of majors and minors that will allow you to progress along your dream career path.

What have alums of the program done?

Tessa Pozzi '16 was hired shortly after graduation as the Annual Giving Coordinator at the Figge Art Museum. She oversaw membership and annual fundraising before shifting to marketing for an assisted living facility.

Lauren Pierce '11 earned her Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She works as a reference librarian at the Galesburg Public Library. "Taking art history classes helped improve my research and writing skills. I learned to see history through the eyes of the artists and to use art, as well as written evidence, as sources for interpreting history."

Hannah Gough '10 lives in Chicago where she works in Human Resources for the Adler Planetarium and runs her own career development business, reRighters.com.

Art History & History double majors with Museum Studies minor:

  • Mark Struve (SAU 2018): Historian, US Army (Arsenal)
  • Kassidy Eagleson (SAU 2020): formerly Museum Services Liaison, Putnam Museum; will have to check on current title, but I believe she's at the Czech-Slovak Museum.
  • Amelia Seutter (SAU 2019): Volunteer & Guest Services Coordinator, Quad City Botanical Center
  • Clare Tobin (SAU 2019): Assistant Director, German American Heritage Center

Art History & Business (Marketing, Management, etc.) double major:

  • Kylie Flynn (2019)
  • Lee Meier (2019)

Art History & Graphic Design double majors:

  • Renee Flanders (SAU 2017): Graphic Designer, CMB Regional
  • Cassie Hall (SAU 2017): Graphic Designer, Grand Stratos; Graphic Designer, Empowerment 4 Girls; Owner, Sassie Cassie Art & Design
  • Deone Danzy & Murphy Garcia (SAU 2020)

Art History & Psychology double majors:

  • Karyn Paisley (SAU 2018): Associate Professional Counselor, Westside Psychotherapy.
  • Michaela Hayes (2021), working in WI after graduating with Psych MS.
Faculty

Terri Switzer, Professor and Program Director

Onnica Marquez, University Archivist

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History (36 credits)

Art History and Museum Studies
The SAU Art History and Museum Studies Program fosters an energetic exploration of art, architecture, material culture, and the museology through the study of primary visual and literary sources, with an emphasis on historical understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.
Art History majors and Museum Studies minors are required to complete at least 3 credits of internship. Students interested in pursuing graduate school opportunities are also encouraged to complete a capstone project. Internships and capstone projects will be determined in consultation with the AH/MUSE Program Director.

Requirements for an Art History Major:
(36 credit hours) AH/MUSE 205, 250, 251 and at least 3 credits of AH 490 internship; 6 credits of AH; 12 credits of AH at 300 or 400 level, which may also include HIST 321, 322; an additional 6 credits from AH, AD, MUSE or HIST.

Read course descriptions in the online Course Catalog

The SAU Art History majors fosters an energetic exploration of art, architecture, and material culture through the study of primary visual and literary sources, with an emphasis on historical understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.

Plan to Graduate

This is the suggested plan of study to graduate in four years with a degree in Art History as well as room for a second major (36 credits) in another discipline. This plan assumes the student has not taken three years of high school foreign language.

Details of this plan vary depending on course rotation. Sequence and timing of Gen Ed courses is flexible and can be adjusted based on course availability and requirements within second majors and/or minors.

Year One

FallCreditSpringCredit
AH 250 Art Through the Ages I 3 AH 251 Art through the Ages II 3
AH 120/LC Topics: Mythic Image 3 Social Sciences 3
ENGL 120/LC Topics: Fairy Tales 3 Math 3
ENGL 101 English Composition 3 Creative Arts 3
Foreign Language 101 3 Foreign Language 102 3
Elective: New Student Seminar 1 IL 101 Information Literacy 1
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16

Year Two

FallCreditSpringCredit
AH 205 Careers 3 300-level AH 6
300-level AH 3 KIN 149 1
Oral Communication 3 PHIL/THEO 100-200 level 3
Natural Science 3 PHIL/THEO (any level) 3
PHIL/THEO 100-200 level 3 AH 490 Internship (1-6 credits) OR Course for 2nd major/minor 3
KIN activity course 1
Total Credits 16 Total Credits 16

Year Three

FallCreditSpringCredit
AH 490 Internship (1-6 credits) 3 Course for second major/minor 9
300-level AH 3 300-level AH 6
PHIL/THEO 300-400 level 3
Course for second major or minor(s) 6
Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15

Year Four

FallCreditSpringCredit
AH 451 Capstone (or AH 490 Internship) 3 AH 490 Internship (1-6 credits) 3
300-level AH 3 300-level AH 3
Course for second major or minor(s) 9 Course for second major or minor(s) 9
Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15
Integrated BA/MA

Requirements for an Integrated BA in Art History/MA in Museum Studies:
Currently enrolled Art History majors are eligible to apply for the integrated BA/MA program provided they have a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and have completed 60 credit hours. Up to 9 credits from the following +WI AH courses can be applied to the WIU-QC MA degree requirements: AH 343, 345, 346, 347, 350, 351, 353, 355.

Program Outcomes

Art History students will graduate having met the following four outcomes (in accordance with the recommended guidelines for accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Art and Design):

a. Graduates will possess general knowledge of the monuments and principal artists of major art periods of the past (Requires at least 17 credits at or above the 300-level, in accordance with previously approved curriculum for AH major.) ;
b. Graduates will possess general knowledge of world history;
c. Graduate will possess general knowledge of the tools and techniques of scholarship (through active research and the writing of analytical and critical essays);
d. Graduates will possess functional knowledge of the creative process (through at least 6 credits of foundation or other studio courses).

Minor in Art History (15 credits)

Requirements for an Art History Minor:
15 credits of Art History plus one additional 3 credit AH, MUSE, AD, or HIST course.

Minor in Museum Studies (18 credits)

Requirements for Museum Studies minor:
18 credits including AH/MUSE 205, 380, 381, 382, and 490 (3 credits), plus 3 credits of an additional MUSE, AH, AD, HIST, MKTG or SLS course.*
*With approval of the program director, students interested in science or children's museums may substitute a relevant science or education course for the additional course requirement.

The Museum Studies Minor (MUSE) focuses on the skills needed to obtain jobs within the museum industry and supports careers in historical societies, history museums, art museums, children's museums, science museums, auction houses, libraries, and archives. The minor is also open to all SAU students, regardless of their major.

Why study Museum Studies at SAU?

  • St. Ambrose is one of the few colleges in the Midwest that offers Museum Studies at the undergraduate level.
  • The employment outlook for archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 12% through 2031, as opposed to the average 5% growth for other careers. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Museums provide 726,200 jobs globally, 372,100 of which are in the U.S. museum sector. (American Alliance of Museums)

The Art History Program fosters an energetic exploration of art, architecture, and material culture through the study of primary visual and literary sources, with an emphasis on historical understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.

Scholarships and Grants

First-Year

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.

First-Year Scholarships and Institutional Aid 2024-2025

ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships

4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.

OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships

4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.

ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID

Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship
Pell-eligible Iowa residents, learn more here

Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate

Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school 

Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student

Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability

Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre

Faith Learning Justice Campus Ministry Scholarships: $2,000 per year
Recognition of involvement in church and community service and interest in strengthening faith and growing as a leader in campus ministry

Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.

State and Federal Grants, Work Study

Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.


Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum

Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
You must file a FAFSA to qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum

Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant 
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000

Outside Scholarships

There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:

Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.


Kassidy Eagleson '20


Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, and three complementary minors in Museum Studies, Art and Art Administration, was not Kassidy's plan when she transferred to SAU from Scott Community College. But, as she discovered, it was the path that empowered and honored her passion for art, inspired her future, and pushed her to explore and witness the world in a new way. Now, she's earning a Master of Museum Studies at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. SAU's partnership with WIU allows her to earn a BA in Art History and an MA in Museum Studies in just five years, saving her a year of time and tuition.

Read Kassidy's Story
Kylie Flynn Cutout Mobile image Kylie Flynn Cutout image

Kylie Flynn

B.A. in Art History and Marketing,Graduate student,Class of 2019


Kylie is stepping boldly into the world. From studying abroad in London, completing two internships, and faculty who helped her reimagine what is possible, her time at SAU was life-changing. Here she gained the confidence to see and experience more. Kylie is now a graduate student in the Museum Studies program at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute in Florence, Italy.

See My Story

Apply Visit Info

Contact


Terri Switzer, PhD

Art History & Museum Studies
Ambrose Hall 230
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6142
SwitzerTerri@sau.edu

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