Art History
San Francisco State University, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Art History
San Francisco State University
Art History
Program Overview: BA in Art History at San Francisco State University
The Bachelor of Arts in Art History at San Francisco State University gives students the opportunity to learn about the visual cultures of the past and present around the globe. Situated in one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the United States, the program takes full advantage of the Bay Area's rich cultural resources, galleries, and museums.
The 36-unit degree offers a series of increasingly focused courses — from 200-level survey courses to more specialized 300- and 400-level lectures, 500-level Advanced Topics, and the 600-level senior capstone seminar. Students learn how to analyze and interpret visual art within diverse historical, social, political, and cultural contexts.
Students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge of the field through internships at local institutions. The Art History major prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, auction houses, editorial positions, and graduate study in art history, museum studies, or conservation.
Key Program Highlights
- Access to the Bay Area's renowned museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for experiential learning
- Progressive curriculum from foundational surveys to an advanced senior capstone seminar
- Internship opportunities at leading San Francisco art organizations and cultural venues
- Part of the College of Liberal and Creative Arts at a university recognized for its diverse and international student body
Curriculum and Course Modules
The Art History curriculum is structured as a progressive sequence of courses that build analytical, research, and writing skills. Students begin with broad survey courses and advance through specialized lectures, advanced topics seminars, and a senior capstone experience, developing expertise in interpreting visual art across cultures and historical periods.
Western Art History I (ARTH 201)
3 UnitsA foundational survey of Western art from antiquity through the medieval period, covering major artistic movements, styles, and cultural contexts that shaped visual production in Europe and the Mediterranean world.
Western Art History II (ARTH 202)
3 UnitsContinuation of the Western art survey from the Renaissance through the modern period, examining key artists, movements, and the evolving relationship between art and society in Europe and North America.
Asian Art History (ARTH 205)
3 UnitsSurvey of the conceptual and technical relationship of visual form to cultural values in the art of China, Korea, Japan, India, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
Art Historical Methods (ARTH 300)
3 UnitsIntroduction to basic art historical methodologies with an emphasis on formal analysis, formal description of works of art, and critical writing skills essential for advanced study.
Modern and Contemporary Art (ARTH 306)
3 UnitsOverview of modern and contemporary art since 1945 as practiced and exhibited in North America and Western Europe, covering themes such as abstraction, pop art, minimalism, conceptual art, and feminist practices.
Senior Capstone Seminar (ARTH 600-level)
3 UnitsAn advanced seminar requiring students to synthesize their art historical knowledge through independent research, critical analysis, and a substantial capstone project demonstrating mastery of the discipline.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Art History at San Francisco State University is open to both domestic and international applicants. No special application to the Art History major is required at the time of admission to the university. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- High School CompletionCompletion of a secondary/high school curriculum totaling 12 years of primary-secondary education
- Academic StandingApplicants must be qualified to enter a university in their home country with a good scholastic record
- GPA RequirementMinimum GPA of 2.0 for California residents; contact Uni4Edu for international GPA equivalency details
- Transfer StudentsUpper-division transfers must have completed at least 60 transferable semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Subject PreparationCompletion of CSU-required college preparatory subjects (A-G requirements) or equivalent international coursework
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score required; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score details
- IELTSMinimum band score required; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score details
- ExemptionApplicants with 3 or more years of full-time study in an English-speaking country may be exempt
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
San Francisco State University is dedicated to offering financial aid to its students, with a significant percentage of students receiving some form of scholarships or financial assistance. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through Uni4Edu to support their studies.
SFSU University Scholarships
San Francisco State University offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to qualified undergraduate students across all majors, including Art History.
College of Liberal and Creative Arts Scholarships
The College of Liberal and Creative Arts provides scholarship opportunities for students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to the arts and humanities.
External Arts and Humanities Scholarships
Varies by awardNumerous external organizations offer scholarships specifically for art history students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for relevant external funding opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Art History Graduates
Graduates of the Art History program at San Francisco State University are well prepared for a wide range of careers that require visual literacy, critical thinking, research, and strong written communication skills. The program's location in the culturally rich San Francisco Bay Area provides exceptional networking and professional development opportunities.
Potential Career Paths
Notable Employers in the Region
Rankings and Recognition
San Francisco State University is a well-established public institution founded in 1899, recognized for its diverse student body and strong commitment to social mobility. The university appears in multiple national and international ranking systems and is noted for hosting one of the largest international student populations among master's-level institutions in the United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | SFSU School of Art | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Education | UniversityGuru | #5 (among tracked institutions) |
| Best Colleges in California | College Factual | #30 |
| National Universities | U.S. News & World Report | #208 out of 436 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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