Art History
If you see art as a form of language, for its beauty and deep reflection of history and culture, we'll teach you how to preserve and grow collections, articulate the stories, and honor the truth expressed in art.
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
Gain the skills to be an archivist, manage a gallery or museum, or explore the depths of the world as an art historian. SAU offers a unique, lively, and career-focused program to help you achieve your goals.
Museum Studies Minor
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.
More information on the Art History Program
The SAU Art History program is an energetic exploration of art, architecture, and material culture through the study of primary visual and literary sources. It emphasizes historical understanding, critical thinking, written and oral communication, and professional development.
Through traditional and non-traditional classes, you learn the styles and functions of art during historical periods; study rich texts; survey the history and culture of Greece, Rome, the Medieval World, and Renaissance; and focus on the art, history, architecture, and culture of Western Europe.
You can also learn about the history of comics or study mythical images. These non-traditional art history courses let you study topics ranging from Odysseus to Luke Skywalker, and from Neil Gaiman to Dante.
Classes in graphic design and art history careers also are offered.
You have two paths from which to choose: a capstone track if you plan to attend graduate school or an internship track if you plan to work immediately after graduation. Either way, we 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, history, art therapy, library science, and fine arts. Many of our graduates receive fellowships.
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.
- We've created a partnership with Western Illinois University that allows you to earn two degrees in five years: 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 science. Read this story.
- Study topics ranging from Odysseus 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 Sarah Heffron '19 who double-majored in Art and Art History.
- Join SAU's League of Art History Enthusiasts. This student organization visits museums and galleries outside the Quad Cities and sells student art.
- The Quad Cities is a great community to prepare for, or even start, your career. The metro area is a vibrant center for the arts and provides exceptional opportunities for networking, internships, and jobs. Check out the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport.
- 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.
- We give you two paths from which to choose: a capstone track if you plan to attend graduate school or an internship track if you plan to work immediately after graduation. Art History students have interned at more than 15 sites throughout the Quad Cities including the Figge Art Museum, Putnam Museum, Rock Island Historical Society, German-American Heritage Center, and the Bettendorf Family Museum.
"What on earth is anyone going to 'do' with a degree in art history? The answer, frankly, is anything you want." (The Independent)
Click on the following links to read more about the value of studying the humanities, including history and art history:
At a loss for what to do? Why not History of Art? (The Independent)
15 Useful Skills You Learn As An Art History Major (BusinessInsider.com)
To Succeed in Business, Major in Art History (The Huffington Post)
Why Scientists Should Study Art And Literature (Forbes)
Learning Medicine by Looking at Art (WGBH news)
Gary Radke, "What Good is a Degree in Renaissance Art History?"
HISTORY:
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns on the important subject you won't learn in business school (The Business Insider)
History isn't a 'useless' major. It teaches critical thinking, something America needs plenty more of (Los Angeles Times)
HUMANITIES:
HumanitiesWatch.org
Jeffrey Brown with John Lithgow and Richard Brodhead: Commission on Diminished Humanities
Karl Eikenberry: The Heart of the Matter (Chicago Humanities Festival)
The Unexpected Schools Championing the Liberal Arts (The Atlantic)
View: What to study at college, and why (The Journal News)
Counting (on) Success: Does an Education in the Humanities Count in Today's Day and Age? (The Huffington Post)
Why America's obsession with STEM education is dangerous (The Washington Post)
A Top Medical School Revamps Requirements To Lure English Majors (NPR)
We Need The Liberal Arts More Than Ever In Today's Digital World, Fareed Zakaria Says (The World Post)
Why I Was Wrong About Liberal-Arts Majors (The Wall Street Journal)
Why study liberal arts? (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Our Art History program is very interdisciplinary. You can pair this major with our unique Museum Studies minor to boost your professional opportunities.
Many students also choose to double major in marketing, art, theatre, or criminal justice. Learn more about this major on the Career Center 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:
Tessa Pozzi '16 was hired shortly after graduation as the Annual Giving Coordinator at the Figge Art Museum. She oversees membership and annual fundraising.
Joe Montez '13 continued his education at the University of Iowa and earned a Master of Art History. He is now working on a PhD while also serving as a teaching and research assistant for the University of Iowa School of Art and Art History.
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.
Terri Switzer, Professor and Program Director
Ethan Gannaway, Scholar-in-Residence
Onnica Marquez, University Archivist
Degree Requirements
Art History majors pursue either a Capstone track (36 credits), intended for students who plan on pursuing graduate school opportunities, or the Internship track (39 credits), intended for students interested in professional development.
The track should be determined in consultation with Art History faculty, and students should determine and declare their track by the second semester of their junior year.
All courses below are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
Required of all Art History majors:
+AH 250 (HIST 215) Art through the Ages I
+AH 251 Art through the Ages II
AH 450 Art Historical Methods & Careers
One of the following:
+AH 130 Introduction to Classical Studies
+AH 323 (HIST 321) Ancient Greece
+AH 324 (HIST 322) Ancient Rome
+AH 326 Christian through Byzantine
One of the following:
+WI-AH 343 The Medieval World
+AH 345 The Renaissance
+AH 346 Baroque & Rococo Art
+AH 353 Russia
One of the following:
+WI-AH 347 19th Century
+AH 350-WI American Art
+AH 351 20 Century
+AH 354 Contemporary Art
+AH 355 History of Graphic Design
One of the following:
+AH 120 Topics in Art History
+AH 320 Advanced Topics in Art History
+AH 352 Non-Western Art
Plus 6 additional credits in AH.
Plus 6 additional credits from AH, HIST, Classical Studies (CSM), or ART.
Either WI-AH 451 Capstone Research Experience (3 credits) OR AH 490 Internship in Art History (6 credits).
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.
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
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 250/HIST 215 | 3 | AH 251 Art through the Ages II | 3 |
| AH 120/LC Topics: Mythic Image | 3 | Social Sciences | 3 |
| HIST 102/LC Classical Mythology | 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
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 250/HIST 215 (if not taken in First Year) | 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 | 1-2 | ||
| Total Credits | 16-17 | Total Credits | 16 |
Year Three
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 490 Internship (1-6 credits) | 3 | AH 450 Art Historical Methods & Careers | 3 |
| 300-level AH | 3 | 300-level AH | 3 |
| PHIL/THEO 300-400 level | 3 | Course for second major or minor(s) | 9 |
| Course for second major or minor(s) | 6 | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | Total Credits | 15 |
Year Four
| Fall | Credit | Spring | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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).
Choose 15 credits of Art History classes plus one additional 3-credit course in AH, ART, CSM, or HIST.
Required:
+MUSE 380 Intro to Museum Studies (SP18), 3 credits
MUSE 381 Intro to Collections Management (FA17), 3 credits
MUSE 382 Intro to Exhibition Planning (FA18), 3 credits
MUSE 490 Internship, 3 credits
MKTG course or AH 450 Methods & Careers (FA17), 3 credits
3 additional credits of AH 490 or MUSE 490 at an approved site or one additional 3-credit AH, ART, or HIST 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 AH or HIST course requirement.
NOTE: Art History majors must take 15 distinct credits for the Museum Studies minor, in addition to the requirements for the AH major.
+ = Satisfies a General Education requirement
WI = Writing intensive
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
For academic/merit-based awards, we match eligible students to a qualifying award; some of them are listed below.
You may also qualify for scholarships or grants due to your talent in the fine arts or athletics. Contact the Admissions Office so we can be sure you're getting what you need.
For need-based support, eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code is 001889.
And finally, look below under Outside Scholarships to see examples of non-SAU financial aid, and be sure to get an early start on your applications!
Amounts are for first-year students entering St. Ambrose in the 2020-21 academic year. Students entering SAU for the 2021-22 school year please scroll down.
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria. The Admissions Office calculates the award amount by using unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores*.
Your scholarship will automatically renew each year of your undergraduate studies, for up to four years, as long as you maintain satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree, a minimum 2.0 GPA, and remain a full-time student.
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
2020-21 On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage Scholarships
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, 2020 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15
Award: Full Tuition
Trustee Scholarships
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential Scholarships
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $23,000/year
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $15,000-$21,000/year
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
$13,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $1,000/year on campus
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year (Iowa resident) or $13,000-16,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500/year
*While St. Ambrose University has a Test-Optional admissions policy, standardized test scores are required for admission to specific programs and eligibility for top academic scholarships.
2021-22 Scholarships
FOR STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS
On Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Ambrose Advantage
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, 2021 high school graduate, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU and FAFSA filed by Mar. 15
Award: Full tuition
Trustee
Criteria: unweighted 3.9 GPA and minimum 29 ACT or 1340 SAT score
Award: $25,000/year and invited to compete for a full tuition scholarship
Presidential
Criteria: minimum unweighted 3.8 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT score
Award: $23,000/year
Academic
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $15,000-$21,000/year
University Grant
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
$13,000/year
On Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available.
Award: $500-$1,000/year
FOR STUDENTS LIVING OFF CAMPUS
Off Campus (Merit-Based Scholarships)
Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score (optional)
Award: $13,000-$16,000/year (Iowa resident) or $14,000-17,000/year (non-Iowa resident)
University Grants
Criteria: based on unweighted GPA and ACT/SAT score
Award: $11,000/year
Off-Campus (Additional Institutional Scholarships)
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $500/year
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required.
Award: $500/year
At SAU, our international students can qualify for university scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, merit, and their performance and abilities in fine arts and athletics.
Below, you'll find a quick summary of financial awards, and we continually look for ways to make an Ambrosian education even more affordable and attainable. Recently, we began offering athletic scholarships for Marching Band and Esports.
If you have any questions or want to apply, please contact the International Student Admissions office.
Institutional Scholarships (2020-21)
There is no need to apply for the scholarships or grants below; students are automatically are eligible if they meet specific criteria, although some may require a certain GPA to stay eligible.
Academic Scholarship – $15,000-$21,000/year
Athletic Scholarships
We have many international student-athletes who are contributing and growing their skills as valued team players. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes. The amount varies and is based on performance and ability. These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody the value of developing both the mind and body.
To qualify for an athletic scholarship you must be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
To learn more about all of our athletic teams and opportunities – including Esports – click here.
Fine Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are based on your performance and ability in art, music, or theatre, and you may qualify for the Michael Kennedy Theatre Scholarship. Audition or portfolio required. Contact the Admissions office to apply or for more information.
See below to learn more about outside scholarships and we encourage you to begin your search early.
Amounts are for transfer students entering St. Ambrose in the 2020-21 academic year. Please scroll down for 2021-22 information.
St. Ambrose scholarships are awarded for fall and spring semesters only* and renewable up to 120 credits of undergraduate study, which includes credits transferred to St. Ambrose from prior attendance. For example: If you transfer in with an AA/AS degree, you would receive a scholarship for two additional years at St. Ambrose.
*Total combined scholarships may not exceed cost of tuition. Scholarships offered to transfer students who enroll full time, online students not eligible.
2020-21 Scholarships
Phi Theta Kappa
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $15,500
OR
Transfer Academic Scholarships
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards (non-Iowa residents):
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,000
Awards (Iowa residents):
3.5-4.00 GPA $13,000
3.0-3.49 GPA $12,000
2.5-2.99 GPA $11,000
2.0-2.49 GPA $10,000
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarships
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarships
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Awards
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
2020-21 Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,200
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,195 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
2021-22 Scholarships
For transfer students entering during the 2021-22 academic year
PHI THETA KAPPA
Criteria: awarded to all Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society members transferring from a community college
Award: $16,000
OR
TRANSFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Criteria: based on GPA
Awards:
3.5-4.00 GPA $15,500
3.0-3.49 GPA $14,500
2.5-2.99 GPA $13,500
2.0-2.49 GPA $11,500
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Criteria: Iowa resident, Pell Grant eligible, min. unweighted GPA 2.8, admitted to SAU, full-time enrollment
Award: Full Tuition
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship
Criteria: parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Award: $1,000 per year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
Dual Admission Scholarship
Criteria: participant in SAU/community college dual admission program
Award: $1,000 maximum
Freeman Pollard Diversity Award
Criteria: Ethnically diverse student; FAFSA required. Additional aid available by application
Award: $1,000/year (on campus); $500/year (off campus)
2021-22 Federal and State Aid
Iowa Tuition Grant
Criteria: based on financial need, Iowa residents only. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1, deadline July 1.
Award: $6,200
Federal Pell Grant
Criteria: based on financial need; file FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $6,345 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Criteria: based on financial need, priority to Pell Grant recipients. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Criteria: based on financial need. File FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct. 1
Award: $1,850
As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Ambrose can award athletic scholarships to student-athletes.
These scholarships allow you to earn a college education while competing in the sport that you love. At Ambrose, we embody that value of developing both the mind and body.
How do I qualify for an athletic scholarship?
You must first be eligible to play a sport at St. Ambrose. You can read about those qualifications here. The NAIA also has a complete website on how to register for eligibility at playNAIA.org
With more than 31 varsity athletic teams and state-of-the-art facilities in which to play them, the Fighting Bees of SAU are bold contenders on any field. Watch this video
How do I qualify for a fine arts scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded based on performance and ability in art, music and theatre. Review the various requirements below:
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Bee Central 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
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.
Contact
Terri Switzer, PhD
Art History
Ambrose Hall 230
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6142
SwitzerTerri@sau.edu