Degrees
The Department of Art and Art History affirms the power of art to transform individuals and society
In 2010, the Department of Art and Art History moved to its 170,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, the Visual Arts Complex located at the heart of the CU campus near downtown Boulder.
The Undergraduate Program
The Department of Art and Art History offers majors and minors that allow students to explore their interests and refine their skills in Art History, Ceramics, Sculpture and Post-Studio Practice, Printmaking, IMAP (photography, digital media, video, integrated arts) and Painting & Drawing.
Undergraduates may pursue the following degrees:
The art history program teaches students how to analyze art within many contexts, including historical, intellectual, cultural, political, social and stylistic. In addition to examining diverse methodologies, introductory and upper-division courses cover artistic production from a wide range of cultures and periods, including medieval art, early modern art, pre-Columbian art, Colonial Latin American art, Asian art, Native North American art, modern art and architecture, contemporary art, critical theory and museology. Please explore the for detailed information about this degree.
¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ offers an opportunity for students to receive a bachelor's and master’s degree in a shorter period of time through bachelor's–accelerated master's (BAM) degree programs. More information about the BAM program can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website.
The Department of Art and Art History offers a minor in art history for undergraduate students, regardless of college or school, who are interested in the field. Details about this degree requirement can be found in the
The BA in art practices allows students to explore their interests and refine their skills in ceramics, integrated media arts practices (IMAP; photography, digital media, video, integrated arts), painting and drawing, printmaking, and sculpture and post-studio practice. Students gain a broad understanding of the field of contemporary art and experience in contemporary art practices while pursuing a liberal arts degree at the university. More information can be found in the
The BFA in art practices is a more in-depth degree intended for motivated students interested in and committed to pursuing a professional career in the arts. Students gain training in studio techniques and post-studio practice, an overview of historical and contemporary artists and movements, and an introduction to criticism. Additionally, students participate in the BFA Seminar, are eligible to enroll in the Visiting Artist Seminar and present work in the culminating BFA exhibition. Degree requirements can be found in the
The BFA student may choose one area of studio emphasis or an interdisciplinary focus where two or three studio areas are represented.
Admission will be l limited not only in terms of capacity but also to ensure the type of record, motivation and the passing of a portfolio review. Eligible students must have completed 24 hours of Art & Art History credit. It is strongly recommended for students to apply before reaching 45 credits in the major.
Application Deadline:
October 15 — Fall semester
March 15 — Spring semester
The Department of Art and Art History offers a minor in art practices for undergraduate students who are interested in studio arts. Degree requirements can be found in the
Our Post-Baccalaureate option is for artists who have finished their undergraduate degree and would like additional time and space to develop work while immersed in a dynamic community of artists.
During their time at CU, post-bac students develop lasting professional relationships with their peers and faculty, relationships that often continue to influence their work as artists throughout their professional careers.
Application Deadlines
April 15 — Fall semester
November 15 — Spring semester
Art & Art History Department contact information
Jean Goldstein, Administrative Assistant
Jean.Goldstein@Colorado.edu
303.492.3580, Office VAC, #330
Art & Art History Undergraduate Advisors:
Sarah Matsuda
Art & Art History; Film Advisor
sarah.matsuda@colorado.edu
303.492.1439, office VAC #304
Rick Seydel
Art & Art History; Classics; Humanities; Philosophy Advisor
richard.seydel@colorado.edu
303.492.7076, office VAC #305
Undergraduate Opportunities & Resources
The Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program (MASP) is an inclusive academic community in the College of Arts & Sciences comprised of motivated students dedicated to pursuing academic excellence at ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ. MASP supports traditionally underrepresented and/or first-generation college students who want to be part of a diverse, multicultural academic enrichment community. MASP is a cooperative and collaborative program that offers a participation scholarship and dedicated space for activities, advising, studying, and seminars.
The Student Academic Success Center is a multi-cultural academic learning community, serving low income and first generation college students with academic skills development, math and writing courses, supplementary instruction in gateway courses, tutoring, pre-collegiate opportunities and graduate research opportunities.
A student may graduate with Departmental Honors, General Honors or both.
Requirements include creating an independent research project and presenting it for oral defense. Departmental Honors requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3. For General Honors, the Honors Program offers special seminars for students whose G.P.A. is 3.3 or higher as part of the General Honors requirements. Students interested in graduating with honors should contact their departmental representative during their Junior year. The Honors Program application information including deadlines and additional details can be found at Arts & Sciences Honors Program.
Art & Art History Department undergraduate contacts are:
Robert Nauman (Art History) or Marina Kassianidou (Art Practices)
If you are interested in applying to this program please contact your department representatives at the beginning of your junior year.
The Arts & Sciences Honors Program is located in Norlin Library, M400M
¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ has a rich culture for cultivating undergraduates as emerging scholars, artists and practicing researchers. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides consultation services, informational workshops, and grants to promote undergraduate research as a high-impact learning practice for student success. Each year UROP funds hundreds of students who produce new knowledge and creative work in partnership with CU's world-class faculty.
Art & Art History Students in the News
The Graduate Program
Ranked 23rd best program in the nation!
US News and World Report, 2023
Students who are accepted into our graduate programs join the University of Colorado-Boulder Graduate School, which serves the broader graduate student community, faculty, and staff, at one of the nation’s premier comprehensive research universities. The Graduate School offers guidance on a wide array of academic, social, and financial issues, and can assist in navigating the often complex world of graduate education. Serving as an umbrella organization since 1892, the Graduate School currently oversees 100 graduate and professional programs. The Graduate School works to guarantee a standard of quality and cohesion across all disciplines, ensuring the continuing integrity and value of a CU-Boulder graduate degree. The Graduate School also helps make possible the many connections between the campus and outside constituencies, in the state, the nation, and the world.
January 15 — Domestic applicants
December 1 — International applicants
The Graduate Information Session provides prospective graduate students with a broad overview of ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ’s graduate program offerings, opportunities for ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ graduate students and helpful resources for graduate students across the disciplines.
Questions about the art history or art practices graduate degree program? Please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, art.grad@colorado.edu
Faculty
The Art & Art History faculty members are highly active in their respective fields, from publishing important articles and books on theory and historical to contemporary art, to presenting their research in national and international conferences, exhibiting in galleries and museums, and participating in film and video festivals, as well as establishing non-traditional artist venues and opportunities. The faculty are also committed teachers and mentors who work closely with both undergraduate and graduate students, helping them to realize their individual visions as artists and art historians.
Campus Resources