Introduction to the Major
The History of Art major is designed to give students a solid grounding in the artistic traditions, practices, and contexts that comprise historical and contemporary visuality. By introducing students to the discipline’s history, methods, and debates, the major prepares students to pursue independent research, evaluate evidence, create coherent and sustained arguments, and develop academic writing skills. Students in the major gain exposure to different historical periods, geographical regions, and topics, while having the flexibility to pursue specific interests by selecting a Focus of Study.
"Art history is undergoing dramatic transformations. We’re engaging and shaping these developments."
- Whitney Davis, Professor
Focus of Study
History of Art majors concentrate a portion of their upper division coursework in a Focus of Study. By selecting a focus, students engage a specific field/period/topic in a cluster of relevant courses taught within and outside the department. Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Art + Politics
- Materials + Materiality
- Art + Bodies
- Urbanism
- Craft
- Art + Religion
Amplify Your Major
- Engage with art history internationally with study abroad.
- Get involved with the History of Art Undergraduate Student Association (H.Art).
- Check out the Visualization Lab for Digital Art History to find technology and information to support your academic projects.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Familiarize yourself with major and college requirements
- Enroll in L&S 1 and learn about study options in L&S.
Connect and Build Community
- Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect and L&S Mentors Program
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center
- Enroll in the L&S college success DeCal seminar.
Discover Your Passions
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course
- Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships
- Visit the Art History/Classics Library and explore the Fine Arts Collections.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library
- Develop a plan for getting career ready.
- Set up a Handshake account and sign up for CareerMail
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major advisor to discuss a Focus of Study.
- Complete the required lower division courses in History of Art and Art Practice/Materials and declare the major.
- Review the major guidelines for study abroad.
Connect and Build Community
- Join the History of Art Undergraduate Student Association (H.Art).
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
- Sign up for the History of Art newsletter and start attending department events.
Discover Your Passions
- Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course
- Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program
- Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator
- Shadow alumni during a winter externship
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Focus on upper division courses in History of Art geography, chronology, theories and methods, and seminars.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Ask your major advisor about the History of Art honors program.
Connect and Build Community
- Explore the resources of the Visual Resources Center
- Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
Discover Your Passions
- Develop your foreign language reading skills if planning on graduate study in Art History.
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Apply for a leadership position in your student organization.
- Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program
- Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Learn about career fields and conduct informational interviews with people in those fields.
- Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses.
- Finish remaining major, college, and campus requirements
- Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Connect and Build Community
- Get support for your thesis project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Teach your own DeCal course
- Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent study.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
- Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
- Analyst Consultant, Accenture
- Asst. Creative Producer, Masterclass
- Development Assoc., SFMOMA
- Director of Comms., Acai Fraternity
- Education Asst., Cooper Hewitt
- GIS Technician, Evari GIS Consulting
- Public Programs Asst., OC Museum of Art
- Registrar, Art Gallery
- Research Assistant, Hearst Museum
- Teacher’s Aide, UC Davis
Graduate Programs
- Architecture, Masters
- Art History, PhD
- History, Masters
- Humanities, Masters
- International Business, Masters
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit arthistory.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can reach the Undergraduate Student Services Advisor by email at atamayo@berkeley.edu or by appointment at 416 Doe Library. Visit arthistory.berkeley.edu for advising hours and appointment sign-ups.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
