![Several old books are displayed on a table, open to elaborate line illustrations.](/humanities-arts/sites/g/files/ijdqth226/files/styles/4_3_l/public/2023-03/art-renaissance-book.jpg?h=0b8e1f21&itok=HYvVFeDO)
History of Art and Architecture
Study visual art and the built environment in their social and historical contexts.
The history of art and architecture is the study of visual culture and the built environment within their social and historical contexts. In the UMass program, students gain a solid foundation in Western art and architecture with opportunities to study the ancient and contemporary art of the Americas, Africa, South Asia, East Asia, as well as Islamic art. Our location enables easy access to a wide variety of collections, monuments, and historic sites in the Northeast, and visits to institutions from Boston to New York are an integral part of the curriculum.
With internship opportunities at museums and historical societies, research possibilities with faculty, and diverse study abroad experiences, the undergraduate and graduate programs in the history of art and architecture can lead to a wide range of careers that demand critical thinking, skillful written communication, and a broad understanding of visual culture. Thanks to this combination of practical, hands-on experience and rigorous academic study, our students have notable success working and studying in the field after graduation.