Art History
Why Study Art History at U of G?
As one of Canada’s premier Art History programs, you will learn how to appreciate and understand the variety of roles that visual arts play in the lives of human beings.
From architecture, to photography, sculpture, ancient murals, modern graffiti, famous paintings, printmaking, and more; art is all around us. Visual art also has aesthetic, historical, social, and ethical significance that is present in the heritage of many cultures and influences our environment today.
Whether you’re an artist yourself, or you simply appreciate the creativity and beauty in others, you’ll uncover the way visual arts can change our understanding of historical events, learn to analyze various methods and theories of art, and become aware of the impact that art has played both historically and today in conditioning humankind.
Explore the Impact of Art Around the World
Engage in courses that will teach you how works of art can influence cultural, economic, social, political, religious, racial and gender dynamics within a range of historical eras, including the Medieval, Early Modern, Modern, and Contemporary periods.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Pursue experiences that bring architecture, history, culture, and visual works of art to life. You can:
- Travel to museums and galleries locally or abroad
- Meet artists and historians through dynamic Speaker Series’
- Participate in annual symposiums or contribute your own voice in our student publication, Delve!
Dive into Research
Work with The School of Fine Art and Music Print Collection, containing over 2,200 fine art prints by world-famous artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso, and more.
You can apply for research assistantships to develop professional experience that can be applied directly to your future study or career.
To see all courses offered in the Art History program, visit our Academic Calendar.
Events and Webinars Available Now
Future Ready Week
Canadian high school students are invited to connect with Admission Services through several virtual events between January 7 and 15! Register today to learn more about campus, scholarships, tuition, housing and more!
International Virtual Open House
Prospective international students and their families are invited to join us on Saturday, January 18 for our International Virtual Open House where they can learn more about our programs, and campus life and hear from current students!
Careers in Art History
Our Art History graduates have a greater understanding of social, political, cultural, and economics challenges of the world that inform careers in galleries, government, visual marketing, and many other areas.
Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Art teacher
- Government relations officer
- Cultural journalist
- Web designer
- Gallery coordinator/curator
- Art therapist
- Heritage conservation
- Advanced graduate studies in Art History and Visual Culture
Discover More Options
Students considering Art History may also be interested in European Studies, Classical Studies, Studio Art, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
Tour Our Campus
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.
Have Questions?
Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the University of Guelph.