The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Department of Art and Art History is a premier institution dedicated to the study, creation, and appreciation of visual arts and art history. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, the department fosters creativity, critical thinking, and scholarly research in the visual arts. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious public universities, the department offers a dynamic environment where students can explore diverse artistic disciplines, engage with global art traditions, and contribute to contemporary artistic discourse. With a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and community engagement, the UNC Department of Art and Art History stands as a leader in arts education and research.

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Academic Programs and Curriculum

The Department of Art and Art History at UNC offers a wide range of academic programs designed to cater to the diverse interests and career aspirations of its students. These programs include undergraduate majors and minors in Studio Art and Art History, as well as a Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Art History. The department also supports interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to combine their artistic pursuits with other fields such as anthropology, history, literature, and digital media.

• Studio Art Program: The Studio Art program emphasizes hands-on learning and creative exploration across various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital art. Students are encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice while gaining technical proficiency and conceptual depth. The program features small class sizes, ensuring personalized mentorship from faculty who are practicing artists with national and international reputations.
• Art History Program: The Art History program offers a comprehensive curriculum that spans global art traditions from antiquity to the present day. Students engage with diverse artistic movements, cultures, and methodologies, gaining a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of art. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and visual analysis, preparing students for careers in academia, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
• Graduate Programs: The graduate programs in Art History are highly selective and focus on advanced research and scholarship. Students work closely with faculty mentors to produce original research that contributes to the field. The department’s strengths include Renaissance and Baroque art, modern and contemporary art, African American art, and global art histories.

Faculty and Research

The UNC Department of Art and Art History boasts a distinguished faculty of scholars, artists, and educators who are leaders in their respective fields. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, publication, and exhibition, bringing their expertise and passion into the classroom. Their work spans a wide range of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, digital media, and art historical scholarship.

The department is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where students and faculty can explore innovative ideas and push the boundaries of artistic and scholarly practice. Faculty members regularly secure grants, fellowships, and residencies, and their work is featured in prestigious venues worldwide.

Facilities and Resources

The department is housed in state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with the tools and spaces needed to excel in their artistic and academic pursuits. Key facilities include:

• Hanes Art Center: The hub of the department, Hanes Art Center features spacious studios, galleries, and classrooms equipped with the latest technology. It also houses the Ackland Art Museum, which serves as a vital resource for students and faculty, offering access to an extensive collection of artworks and hosting exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.
• Visual Arts Library: The Sloane Art Library, located within the Hanes Art Center, is one of the largest art libraries in the Southeast. It offers an extensive collection of books, journals, and digital resources, supporting research and study in art and art history.
• Digital Labs and Maker Spaces: The department provides access to cutting-edge digital labs and maker spaces, where students can experiment with new media, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies.

Student Opportunities and Engagement

The Department of Art and Art History is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to engage with the broader arts community and gain real-world experience. These opportunities include:

• Internships and Experiential Learning: Students can participate in internships at museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and arts organizations, gaining valuable professional experience and building networks in the art world.
• Study Abroad Programs: The department offers study abroad programs that allow students to explore global art traditions and cultures firsthand. Popular destinations include Italy, France, Japan, and South Africa.
• Exhibitions and Galleries: Students have the opportunity to showcase their work in departmental galleries and exhibitions, as well as in off-campus venues. These exhibitions provide a platform for students to share their creativity and gain exposure.
• Student Organizations: The department supports a variety of student organizations, including the Art History Association and the Studio Art Majors Association, which foster community, collaboration, and professional development.

Community Outreach and Public Engagement

The UNC Department of Art and Art History is deeply committed to serving the community and promoting public engagement with the arts. The department collaborates with local schools, arts organizations, and community groups to offer workshops, lectures, and outreach programs. The Ackland Art Museum plays a central role in these efforts, providing educational programs and exhibitions that are accessible to the public.

Alumni Success

Graduates of the UNC Department of Art and Art History go on to achieve success in a wide range of careers, including as professional artists, curators, educators, conservators, and arts administrators. The department’s alumni network is a testament to the quality of its programs and the impact of its graduates on the art world.

Why Study Art and Art History at UNC Chapel Hill?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Art and Art History is a vibrant and dynamic institution that combines academic excellence with creative innovation. With its comprehensive programs, distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to community engagement, the department provides an unparalleled educational experience for students passionate about the visual arts. Whether pursuing a career in art practice, scholarship, or arts administration, students at UNC are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in the world of art.

Academic Programs in Art and Art History at UNC Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Department of Art and Art History offers a diverse array of academic programs designed to cater to students with varying interests in the visual arts, from studio practice to art historical scholarship. These programs are structured to provide rigorous training, foster creativity, and prepare students for careers in the arts and related fields. Below is a detailed outline of the programs offered, categorized by level and type, along with descriptions, details, and duration.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art

The BA in Studio Art is designed for students who wish to explore the creation of visual art while maintaining a broad liberal arts education. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and creative expression across a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital art. Students are encouraged to develop their artistic voice while gaining technical skills and conceptual depth. The program typically takes four years to complete and requires a combination of studio courses, art history courses, and electives. Students also have the opportunity to present their work in departmental exhibitions and collaborate with peers and faculty.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History

The BA in Art History provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global art traditions, from ancient to contemporary periods. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, visual analysis, and research skills, enabling students to interpret and contextualize artworks within their historical and cultural frameworks. Students can explore specialized areas such as Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, African American art, and global art histories. The program typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in art history, related humanities disciplines, and foreign languages. Students are also encouraged to engage in internships, study abroad programs, and independent research projects.

Minor in Studio Art

The Minor in Studio Art is an excellent option for students who wish to complement their major field of study with a focus on artistic practice. This program allows students to take foundational and advanced studio courses in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. The minor typically requires five to six courses and can be completed alongside any major, providing a creative outlet and enhancing interdisciplinary skills.

Minor in Art History

The Minor in Art History is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of art and visual culture without pursuing a full major. This program introduces students to key art historical periods, movements, and methodologies, fostering critical thinking and visual literacy. The minor typically requires five to six courses and is a popular choice for students majoring in fields such as history, literature, anthropology, or communications.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts (MA) in Art History

The MA in Art History is a two-year program that prepares students for advanced research and professional careers in art history. The program emphasizes scholarly rigor, critical analysis, and original research, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as Renaissance and Baroque art, modern and contemporary art, African American art, and global art histories. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop their research projects and complete a master’s thesis. The program also includes coursework in art historical methods, theory, and specialized topics, as well as opportunities for internships, teaching assistantships, and study abroad.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Art History

The PhD in Art History is a highly selective program designed for students pursuing academic careers or leadership roles in museums and cultural institutions. This program typically takes five to six years to complete and requires advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation based on original research. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop their expertise in a specific area of art history, contributing new knowledge to the field. The program also emphasizes professional development, including opportunities to present at conferences, publish research, and gain teaching experience.

Interdisciplinary and Special Programs

Honors Program in Art History

The Honors Program in Art History is available to exceptional undergraduate students who wish to undertake advanced research and writing in art history. Participants complete a senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor and defend their work before a committee. This program is ideal for students considering graduate study or careers in academia, museums, or cultural institutions.

Study Abroad Programs

The Department of Art and Art History offers study abroad programs that allow students to explore global art traditions and cultures firsthand. These programs, which vary in duration from a few weeks to a full semester, provide immersive experiences in countries such as Italy, France, Japan, and South Africa. Students can study Renaissance art in Florence, modern art in Paris, or non-Western art in Tokyo, gaining a deeper understanding of art in its cultural context.

Internships and Experiential Learning

The department encourages students to participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities to gain practical experience in the art world. Students can intern at museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and arts organizations, both locally and internationally. These experiences provide valuable professional skills and help students build networks in the arts community.

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Digital Humanities

The Certificate in Digital Humanities is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore the intersection of art, technology, and digital media. This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and includes coursework in digital art, digital archives, and computational methods for art historical research. The certificate typically requires four to five courses and can be completed alongside a major or graduate degree.

Non-Degree and Community Programs

Community Arts Courses

The department offers community arts courses for individuals who are not enrolled as degree-seeking students but wish to explore artistic practice or art history. These courses are open to the public and cover topics such as drawing, painting, photography, and art appreciation. They provide a flexible and accessible way to engage with the arts.

Summer Programs

The department hosts summer programs that allow students to focus intensively on studio art or art history during the summer months. These programs often include workshops, studio courses, and study abroad opportunities, providing a condensed and immersive learning experience.

A Comprehensive Range of Academic Programs for Artists

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Art and Art History offers a comprehensive range of academic programs that cater to students at all levels, from undergraduates exploring their creative interests to graduate students pursuing advanced research and professional careers. With its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, global perspectives, and community engagement, the department provides a rich and dynamic educational experience for students passionate about the visual arts. Whether through studio practice, art historical scholarship, or experiential learning, students at UNC are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the art world.