The study of the history of art promotes visual and cultural literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students may major or minor in Art History at ODU, and it is part of the curricula of studio art, art education, and graphic design as well. After a survey of world art from ancient to contemporary, students may select areas of interest as they build their skills in research and writing, but are encouraged to sample broadly from course offerings. Advanced majors may pursue internships at museums and other cultural venues, conduct independent research with faculty guidance, and write an original thesis as a culmination of their studies.
Program Highlights
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ODU’s Art History majors have presented at national conferences and entered prestigious master’s and doctoral programs
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The Art History Program offers scholarships and study abroad opportunities
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Art History majors participate in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, in which students can share their original research in a professional format
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The Student Art History Association supports extracurricular activities including discussions, field trips and guest lectures.
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ODU and Norfolk are rich in cultural resources, including the Barry Art Museum on ODU’s campus, the Hermitage and Chrysler museums in Norfolk and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach.
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach students in one or more subjects in public or private schools at the middle, intermediate, or junior high level, which falls between elementary and senior high school as defined by applicable laws and regulations.
Curators
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Requirements
A student who chooses to complete a minor in art history must receive the approval of the chief departmental advisor and the art history program director. ARTH 150 and ARTH 203, ARTH 210 or ARTH 230 are prerequisite courses for the minor and are not included in the calculation of the grade point average for the minor. A reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish is strongly advised. The requirement for the minor for BA and BS students comprises 12 hours selected from ARTH 300- and 400-level courses. For completion of the minor a student must have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and no grade lower than a C in all courses specified as a requirement for the minor exclusive of prerequisite courses. Transfer students must complete a minimum of six hours in ARTH 300- and 400-level courses through courses offered by Old Dominion University.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
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Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Scholarships
- Charles Sibley Scholarship (Spring Semester, Annual)
- Helen and Richard Parker Scholarship in Art History (Spring Semester, Annual)
- Scholarships via Honors College (Begins Sophomore Year)
- Undergraduate Research Grant (April 15th Deadline)
- Undergraduate Travel Grant
- Undergraduate Research Symposium each February. This is an excellent opportunity to present research and to build your C.V.