Why Choose Nazareth for Art History?

Art is a language. In order to understand the often complex messages and meanings being conveyed, viewers need to be educated about a specific culture’s (and if known, an artist’s) values, ideals, and visual symbols.

The art history degree program at Nazareth University challenges students to study art through the prisms of aesthetics, culture, and history. Further, you will learn the definitions of style and modes of execution, iconographic and other interpretive methods, and the economic, religious, philosophic, theoretic, and social factors that shape visual culture.

Graduates have found opportunities in art-related careers such as art magazine and book publishing, art galleries and art councils. Many of our students have gone on to study at the graduate level to pursue curatorial careers in museums and galleries, and teaching positions at the college level.

All programs in the Art and Design Department are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This accreditation means that our faculty, curriculum, and facilities meet or exceed national standards.

Program Highlights

  • Art history majors explore diverse cultures and their artistic production in architecture, sculpture, and painting as well as mosaic, fibers, beadwork, etc. from the pre-historic through the post-modern eras.
  • Study artistic styles and developments in geographic regions including but not limited to the Ancient Near East, Greece, Rome, Egypt, America, Europe, and Asia. Historical periods include: Pre-historic, Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Enlightenment, Modern, Post-Modern, and Islamic.
  • Gain factual knowledge about art historical terminology, classifications, methods, and trends.
  • Develop skills in the areas of oral and written communication, critical thinking, visual analysis, and research strategies.
  • Study abroad options include France, Italy, Japan, and other locations.
  • Expand knowledge through internships in museums and related cultural venues.

Program Details

Options, Requirements, and Course Descriptions
Alan Pascuzzi, alumnus of the art history major, art history degree program at Nazareth College

Alumni Spotlight

Alan Pascuzzi '91

Sculptor in Florence, Italy, and previously taught art at New York University

"Everything I'm doing today is based on what I learned at Nazareth. My advisor urged me to change my major from studio art to art history, and that opened up everything for me. I became indoctrinated in history while also creating art."

Example Careers

  • Art historian
  • Museum curator
  • Gallery manager
  • Art history instructor
  • Art conservationist
  • Auction house expert
  • Appraiser

Internships/Field Experiences

  • The Frick Museum of Art, NYC
  • Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester
  • Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
  • Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester
  • Buffalo Bill Historical Center, WY
  • Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)
  • Ganondagan State Historic Site, NY
  • Eastman Museum, Rochester
  • Rochester Museum and Science Center

Graduate Schools/Employers

  • Yale University
  • Queen’s University
  • Syracuse Art History, Museum Studies, and Florence Programs
  • University of Buffalo
  • University of Arizona
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Ashland Theological Seminary
  • Boston University