Bachelor of Art History (BA)

Bachelor of Arts - Art History

Enhanced by its setting within an art school, the Historical and Critical Studies division offers a Bachelor of Arts Major in Art History program within a unique interdisciplinary environment. The Art History program enables you to complete a major in art history while also taking studio courses. Though it emphasizes western art, craft, design, and architecture from the 19th century onward, the program also provides opportunities to study non-western art and to engage in critical discourse surrounding the social production and reception of art.

You’ll enter the Major in Art History after completing the Foundation Program—a foundation in the studio, visual culture, and writing. Alternatively, you may enter the major after completing a year of liberal studies course-work. Either way, your background will be diverse and will set the tone for interdisciplinary exploration. NSCAD provides students with wide-ranging course options and opportunities to engage in critical discourse and fosters a cross-disciplinary flow of ideas and interaction.

Courses in history, critical studies, English literature, film studies, and art education are all part of what makes this degree so strong. You will gain knowledge and expertise through courses ranging from Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, and Canadian modern art theory and criticism.

Graduates of NSCAD’s Major in Art History program become writers, gallery and museum administrators, and culture workers. Many go on to pursue graduate studies and obtain successful careers as professors of art and film history, curators, archivists, appraisers, and critics.

Students at NSCAD University have been shaping art, design and craft in Canada since 1887. With an approach to education that includes the strategic integration of arts, culture and community engagement, students thrive in a learning and research environment that is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and academic excellence.

Inspiring generations of makers for over a century, NSCAD University is one of Canada’s oldest independent cultural institutions. Today, it continues to be regarded as a principal centre for education and research in visual culture in North America.