History of Art and Architecture

The history of art and architecture is the study of visual culture and the built environment within their social and historical contexts. At UMass Amherst, students gain a solid foundation in western art and architecture with opportunities to study art of the Americas, Islamic art, East Asian art, and contemporary art. With internship opportunities available at museums and historical societies, research possibilities with leading faculty, the undergraduate and graduate programs in the history of art and architecture can lead to a broad range of careers that demand critical thinking, written communication, and an understanding of visual culture in a broad sense.