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Art History, B.A.

Art History, B.A.

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Whitworth art history majors look closely and think deeply. Through this major, you will explore the meaning and significance of artworks within diverse historical and cultural contexts. In the process, you will sharpen your skills related to writing, critical thinking and analysis that are crucial to a wide range of careers. When you graduate, you will be prepared to head to graduate school or launch a career in the field.

Why major in art history at Whitworth?

  • Get a job as an assistant for Whitworth's permanent collection or Bryan Oliver Gallery for hands-on experience working with art. You’ll learn how to manage a collection, organize and install exhibitions, handle artworks and maintain records.
  • Travel the world through amazing off-campus study programsled by your professors.
  • Enhance your studies through a double major in such subjects as history, international studies or even business. Or pursue a minor in a related field like public history or medieval studies.
  • Pursue your interests through a variety of elective credits and through an independent study with an art history professor.
  • Gain experience as a research assistant for faculty, and learn to work with primary sources, archives and actual art objects.
  • Connect your faith or worldview to your learning. The study of art history allows you to explore how faith has been both expressed and challenged by artists and artwork throughout human history.
  • Join a tight-knit community of students and alumni that provides networking and support as you move into a career.
  • Become who you're meant to be.
Headshot of Emily Batchelder.
I have had the incredible opportunity to work with Stacey Moo and the Whitworth Permanent Art Collection, allowing me to experience many wonderful things. In working with the collection, I have been able to meet local artists, learn about the growing art scene in Spokane, attend gallery openings and artist talks in our Bryan Oliver Gallery, and above all, I've been able to work intimately with a variety of artworks.
Emily Batchelder '25
What it's Like
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A row of trees stands at the end of a field covered in multi-colored autumn leaves.

Ask our faculty

Have questions? Our faculty are here to share their expertise and help you learn more about this program.

Ask Meredith

mshimizu@whitworth.edu

Professor of Art Meredith TeGrotenhuis Shimizu specializes in art history.

Faculty Page

Ask Stacey

smoo@whitworth.edu

Lecturer Stacey Moo specializes in medieval art history and is the manager of Whitworth's permanent collection.

Our art history grads make a difference (and get jobs)

If you're interested in pursuing a career in the ever-dynamic art world, the art history major will prepare you for a number of roles, including curator, museum educator, collection manager, archivist, arts administrator, exhibition preparator or preservationist.

You will also be well-equipped to move toward other fields, such as teaching, editing, project management, marketing, law and even medicine.

Recent job placements include:

  • Grace Trumbo, assistant registrar, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia
  • Chloe Dye Sherpe, curatorial project manager, Microsoft Art Collection, Burlington, Wash.
  • Sophia DuVal, scholarly communication librarian, Whitworth University, Spokane
  • Kristina Grossman, humanitarian officer, USAID – Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Washington, D.C.
  • Hannah Hirano, museum services & conservation coordinator, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle

Our recent art department grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

  • Courtauld Institute of Art, London (M.A. in History of Art)
  • University of Birmingham, U.K. (M.S. in Art History & Curating)
  • Pratt Institute (M.S. in library science)
  • University of Oregon (M.S. in historic preservation)
  • Creighton University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Florida State University (M.A. in museum studies)

(Art history is a new major at Whitworth. Most of the above references are to grads who minored in art history before the major was offered.)

Opportunities outside the classroom

  • Complete an internship at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane or another art museum.
  • Present a research paper at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference.
  • Visit rotating professional art exhibits at Whitworth's Bryan Oliver Gallery and attend special exhibits in Spokane and beyond with your classmates.
  • Serve with your peers on Whitworth's Community Building Day by taking inventory of Whitworth's permanent collection and inspecting artworks for needed repairs.
  • Join the Art History Summer Book Club. We read fun books about art history and get together to discuss them.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth faculty members lead off-campus study programs around the country and the world that provide life-changing experiences with art, including exposure to significant museum collections. Programs that visit major destinations in Europe include Renaissance and Baroque Art, Power & Politics of Art, Art in Rome, Art & Culture in Oaxaca, and Early Christian Sites in Greece.

What related degrees and programs can I explore?

Program information