The major requires a thorough grounding in the liberal arts with a concentration of coursework in art and art history, including a general knowledge of the monuments and principal artists of all major art periods of the past augmented by study in greater depth and precision of several cultures and periods as well as study at the advanced level including theory, analysis and criticism.

The Art Department has more study abroad programs than any other department on campus, and students are able to study each year in places across the world, including Switzerland, Korea, Scotland, and Germany. The program also has a longstanding tradition of hosting visiting artists from across the country and the world.