Undergraduate Studies

Art History trains us to negotiate a world saturated with images. It equips us to think critically about the visual culture that mediates our understanding of the past, present and future.

Art History at SMU takes an interdisciplinary and intercultural approach to learning. Classes draw from fields such as anthropology, sociology, music, dance, literature, science and engineering. Students study buildings, monuments, paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs, as well as maps, jewelry, fashion, movies, advertising and digital media.

Courses ask students to question, probe and think across traditional categories and boundaries, and move outside their comfort zones. Majors benefit from small classes taught by a dynamic department of scholars, a vibrant internship program and many opportunities for international study.

Art History students enjoy close proximity to world-class institutions such as the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art and the renowned Meadows Museum.

Art History majors go on to careers in museums, galleries, conservation, publishing, art law, cultural policy, urban design, teaching and non-profit management.