The B.A. degree program introduces students to the wide range of artistic styles and periods in the western world as well as art of the non-western world, art historical theory and criticism, and research methodology in the field. Critical thinking, research and writing skills are cultivated in this program, which emphasizes visual literacy, an understanding of history as well as the social forces and cultural ideologies that shape and inform different periods and styles. Five general areas of art history are offered in the curriculum-Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance/Baroque, Modern, and Non-Western. For the B.A., requirements include completion of one course in four of the five areas for the requirements of the degree.

The M.A. is a 36 credit/hour program. Required course work includes a minimum of four graduate seminars in the general areas and a methods course. For the Ph.D. (60 hours beyond the M.A.), students pursue advanced course work and research in two areas as Primary and Secondary fields of study, along with related interdisciplinary study. One research language. is required for the M.A., two for the Ph.D.