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.
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Benefits list
One of a Kind
History of art and architecture is the only program of its kind at a public institution in New England to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field.
Study Abroad
Our students have ample opportunities to gain practical experiences while studying abroad in places like London, Sussex, and Leeds (England), Paris (France), Freiburg (Germany), and Siena (Italy).
Featured faculty
Monika Schmitter
Monika Schmitter is a specialist in Italian art of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century with an emphasis on material culture and built environment.
Margaret Vickery
Lecturer, History of Art and Architecture
Meg Vickery is a lecturer and the undergraduate program director of the history of art and architecture department.
Karen Kurczynski
Professor, History of Art and Architecture
Karen Kurczynski is a professor and the graduate program director in the history of art and architecture department.
In the news
"Weaving" Catalogue by Art History Alumna Julie Thomson '07 Makes Artforum's Top 10
An exhibit catalogue co-authored by Department of History of Art and Architecture Julie J. Thomson '07 recently made Artforum's Artforum's prestigious Top 10 o
Professor Charmaine Nelson Pens Essay on the Extraordinary Life of Artist Mary Edmonia Lewis
Provost professor of art history Charmaine Nelson profiles 19th-century sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis: a tenacious artist often overlooked by art history.
Art Historian Charmaine A. Nelson Discusses Slavery North Initiative with NEPM
Charmaine A. Nelson, founding director of Slavery North and provost professor of art history, recently appeared on NEPM's The Rundown with Carrie Saldo.