About the Program
Art & art history students explore art and architecture through creative studio practice and historical inquiry. You will develop visual literacy, critical thinking, aesthetic judgment and a range of practical skills. You will also develop sophisticated communication and technical abilities that allow you to understand and respond both critically and productively to our world's visual culture. Majors choose to focus their studies on studio art or art history.
Paths of Study
Focus Your Studies with Tracks
Major in Art History Tracks
General
Critical Curatorial Studies
Built Environment Studies
Major in Studio Art Tracks
2D — Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Photography
3D — Architecture, Ceramics and Sculpture
Minor Tracks
Studio Art
Art History
Art & Art History
What Makes Us Different
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Renowned Faculty
Work closely with faculty who exhibit, publish and lecture all over the world.
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Student Exhibitions
Have your creative artwork and original scholarship featured in the Senior Art History Colloquium and Student Art Exhibition.
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Endowed Lecture Series
Hear from the distinguished artists and scholars W&M brings to campus. Previous lecturers include Sam Chung, Lisa Elmaleh and Eugene Wang.
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Professional Experience
Gain hands-on professional experience and curate shows on campus and in the community.
Applied Learning
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Art History Courses
Study art from all over the world-from Florence (ARTH 222) to the Caribbean (ARTH 241), Japan (ARTH 259) and beyond.*
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Studio Art Courses
Hone your artistic skill through Three-Dimensional Design: Form and Space (ART 212), Composition & Color (ART 318), Book Arts (332) and much more.*
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Research
Complete an honors thesis project or an internship developing your original studio art or art history research.
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Andrews Gallery
See exhibitions and attend special events with students, faculty and invited speakers.
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Visual Resources Center
Observe around 46,000 digital images of traditional media including architecture, drawings, sculpture, photography and manuscripts.
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Local Museums
Visit William & Mary's Muscarelle Museum of Art, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond and the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk.
Outcomes
The flexibility of the art & art history program allows students to pursue a wide range of careers in art, architecture, art history, museums, conservation/preservation, teaching and applied arts in business. Some art & art history alumni have also put their skills to work in fields such as medicine or urban planning. Check out alumni updates to see the breadth of careers W&M alumni have established.
Alumni Spotlight
Zoë Powell '16 majored in studio art. She is a studio ceramist at Studio Alluvium, a gallery and native clay production studio she co-founded with her partner Mitch Iburg in St. Paul, Minnesota. Zoë was featured in Them Magazine (October 5, 2022) and in other publications.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Art & Art History
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current art or art history major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Art & Art History
- Faculty, student and alumni activities: Read the newsletter
Art & Art History News
See all news
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
