In addition to examining diverse methodologies, introductory and upper-division courses cover artistic production from a wide range of cultures and periods, including European art and architecture—Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern (Renaissance, Baroque), Modern and Contemporary—and art and architecture of Asia and the Americas (Pre-Columbian, Colonial Latin American, Native North American).

The BA/MA program in art history is a demanding, accelerated program aimed primarily at our best undergraduates who are planning to pursue a PhD at another institution. The typical student will be a student writing an honors thesis who will use that project as the basis for developing the MA thesis. It is expected that the BA/MA program be completed within five years. Both degrees, bachelor's and master's, are awarded simultaneously upon meeting all degree requirements. Six credits (two courses) may be shared between the two programs.