r/ArtHistory • u/JustAfternoon4799 • 14d ago
Discussion Seeking advice as a Student Applying to Art History Undergrad Programs in U. S.
I’m applying to start undergrad in the fall of 2027, looking for some guidance as to what undergrad programs punch above their weight. As of right now, my focus will be art history, but I also have interest in classical studies, anthropology/archaeology, etc. Thus far I’ve looked at many liberal arts colleges, and obviously the ivies are there but thats a reach for sure. For those working in museums, curation, archaeology, academia, restoration/conservation, research, any school recommendations?
Thx so much :)
6
u/EmotionSix 13d ago
Williams. It’s a terminal MA but has a great reputation for churning out top professionals.
9
u/clawsinurback 20th Century 14d ago
Go to whatever school is cheapest, preferably one in an area with museums nearby or an on campus museum. What you study doesn’t really matter, it’s your experience-internships, work, etc—that will really count.
2
3
u/RiotRed1972 14d ago
Oberlin College ❤️
2
u/JustAfternoon4799 14d ago
So glad to see this one on here! On my list for sure, repping the midwest
3
u/Throw6345789away 13d ago
Why not the UK for a three-year BA? Courtauld, UCL, St Andrews?
4
u/Old_Object_4509 13d ago
As someone who applied to both UK + US unis and ended up going to the US - the range of study you can get in a liberal arts degree is kind of incomparable. If you want to study classics + archaeology alongside art history you can’t really do that in the same way at these schools
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 13d ago
Really great point! Liberal arts schools offer a broad study like no other :)
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 13d ago
Financial reasons as well as visa processes!! I would only be going on financial aid here, also just not ready for a move right now. I am very familiar with the American college systems and I am a non traditional student :)) thx so muchhhh
3
u/supersephone_ 13d ago
Look into programs in your state or funded programs! Almost ever state has a great school with excellent programs, and for an undergrad in humanities, I’d say shining where you are is more valuable than going to a fancy expensive school where you will have to fight for face time with professors. Go to a school with a solid program, in your region, and don't go into debt on your undergrad. Save that money up and if you do well, you can go to a great graduate program, and that is frankly more important for a career in the humanities, in my experience.
1
2
u/SpontaneousOverflow 10d ago
Don't throw out good options with high price tags if they're small private schools. Many will up their price to look prestigious, but 95% of students will get scholarships. I went to one of the most expensive colleges in my state, but paid a fraction, and far less than public universities.
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 10d ago
Ooo and what was yr experience like where you went?
2
u/SpontaneousOverflow 10d ago
I really liked it! I wasn't as into the social side of things, covid, it generally kind of sucked, and I was hardcore about my academics (4x major), but I loved my classes and had amazing professors. I did feel very isolated, but it was covid. The class sizes were small, the professors really cared and took time to mentor you, and there were a lot of opportunities for experiences. I was doing Archeology and went on one dig on a national landmark as a required component, but if it hadn't been for covid I had a chance to go on two different major international ones; one I didn't even have to apply for because I'd had several classes with the prof leading it. One of the main musuems on the East Coast also kept several internships open for students from our school as well, though covid. Study abroads were also decently subsidized by the school (again though, covid). Despite not having the outside experiences, my education was enough to recieve a master's from a world top ten for my subject. I never would have believed I could do any of that without the professors who took time to mentor, shape, and encourage me.
2
u/JustAfternoon4799 10d ago
Oh wowwww, that sounds like a dream. Ideal situation for me, all of these sound like things I would love. Would you mind sharing which school you went to? I would love to add it to my prospective list!
1
u/SpontaneousOverflow 10d ago
Sure! I'll message the name to you if that's ok. It is important to mention, however, that all of this is really dependant on speaking up in class, really engaging with the material, and seeking opportunies. That is true for most schools, though!
2
2
u/montana0925 10d ago
University of Delaware has a really good Art history department with a museum studies minor offering! they also have an amazing art conservation program
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 10d ago
Oh wowwww thanks for bringing it to my attention!! Definitely adding it to my list ✨
5
u/Bookistan5 14d ago
Columbia, NYU, UCLA, or if you are female, Wellesley or Smith. Yes, you can study art history at many schools and you can also find schools that have cheaper tuition. But these are the best and will put you in good stead for a future career as a curator or academic.
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 14d ago
Thank you!! These are definitely excellent schools, I hope I could get into one of these! Any more mid range “safety” recommendations?
1
4
u/Ok_Meet_5968 14d ago
Rutgers University, the New Brunswick campus. There is a museum on campus, and the train will take you into Manhattan in about 45mins for any internship opportunities or to visit the museums and galleries in NYC.
3
u/GoldHalf1975 13d ago
I double majored in art history and visual art (painting) there in the 1990s. I interned in Soho (before it was a shopping mall). I got into MA and PhD art history programs, and went with an MA in NYC. I’m in a different field now, but I really appreciate my time at Rutgers and the easy access I had to NYC.
1
u/Ok_Meet_5968 13d ago
I went in the early 2000s and same. It was a great education, and the access to so many resources without going into crazy debt is difficult to beat. I also did a graduate program after, but not in the field any longer.
1
u/JustAfternoon4799 14d ago
Oooo this sounds excellent, great connections!! Thx so much:)
2
-2
8
u/yozher 14d ago
Delaware, Northwestern, Pittbsurgh, Cornell, UChicago, Bryn Mawr. Basically, check their faculty pages and look for a majority of assistant, associate, and full professors. Not lecturers.