How to Declare an Art History Major concentration

Art History major concentrators choose between three different tracks: General Art History, Critical Curatorial Studies, and Built Environment Studies.

Step 1: What If? Degree Evaluation

If you plan to major Art History, first go to W&M's Degreeworks, and log in. On the left-hand menu, select "What If?" and run an evaluation on your intended major and concentration. This will tell you what requirements you have already fulfilled and what you still have left to do.

If you plan to double-major or minor, add that to your evaluation. Play with the requirements you have yet to fulfill and the other courses you want to take. Try and figure out how they will fit in your schedule over the next couple of years. Are your plans manageable based on the time you have left at W&M? Don't forget to add in time for study abroad or independent research.

First Semester Course Guide by Major

 

Step 2: Find and meet with your major advisor.

Ask a professor of Art History to serve as your major advisor and arrange to meet with them. Your advisor will help you complete the Art History Major Worksheet [pdf], on which you plan which courses to take for your major and when. You may choose any full-time Art History professor to be your major advisor. Your major advisor could be a professor whose course(s) you have taken, who was  recommended by a friend, or whose interests you share. In any case, contact the professor and ask if they will serve as your advisor. When the professor agrees, set up an appointment to discuss the major, how to complete it, and how to declare.

We recommend that you meet with your major advisor regularly - at least every semester. If your plans change and you want to adjust your course plan, be sure to discuss this with your major advisor to ensure that you fulfill all the requirements.

Step 3: Sign and turn in your forms

When you and your advisor agree on a course plan and you are ready to declare the major, fill out your section of the Major Declaration Form, including the Major Declaration Worksheet. Download the form as a PDF and send it to your advisor for them to sign. Your advisor will then forward the form to our department adminstrator for processing.

Now it's official! You're an Art History major! Enjoy!