About Art History
In the Department of Art History at Florida State University, we pride ourselves on fostering a robust intellectual community and an engaged alumni network. Our world-class faculty guides students as they explore the world’s artistic expressions and the rich fabric of history, materials, and ideas in which they are embedded. In lecture classes, seminars, and individual research projects, students hone their skills in critical thinking, visual literacy, analysis, writing, teaching, and public discourse. We also provide opportunities in fieldwork, museum internships, and independent research, giving students additional preparation for a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond.
Our offerings extend far beyond the classroom thanks to our connections with the FSU Museum of Fine Arts and the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the university’s extensive International Programs, and Florida state and local archeological agencies and cultural institutions. Art History students and faculty are generously supported in research and conference travel. Our program in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies provides theoretical and practical training for arts professionals, including student-curated exhibitions, fieldwork, and internships with major state agencies, archaeological sites, and museums. An expansive network of Florida State University Study Abroad centers offers opportunities for internships and directed study in London, Paris, Florence, and Valencia.
Careers in Art History
The study of art history builds research, interpretation, and communication skills that apply to a broad range of careers in sectors including but not limited to museums, educational institutions, archives, and archaeological and cultural heritage agencies. Through continued engagement with our alumni, we track our graduates’ progress and assess the strength of our training. Below is a summary of our most recent review of alumni placement for each degree level:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
62% full-time employed, 38% graduate school
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Students receiving BAs in Art History between 2017 and 2023: Within 2 years of graduation, of 68 students responding, 42 responded that they were employed full-time within the field, and 26 continued in graduate study in art history, archaeology, management, and law. Employers include the Clark Art Institute, Mennello Museum of American Art, Studio Museum in Harlem, Miami City Ballet, Museum of Florida History, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Dalí Museum.
MASTER OF ARTS
59% full-time employed, 27% pursuing PhD
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MA graduates in both Art History and Museum & Cultural Heritage Studies for the period 2017–2023: Within two years of graduation, 59% reported full-time employment, and 27% pursuing doctorate degrees in art history. Employers include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Southeast Archaeological Center, JFK Center for the Performing Arts, Crystal Bridges Museum, Georgetown University Libraries, Lowe Art Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, St. Louis Art Museum, Gagosian Gallery NY, Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum.
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
90% full-time employed, 43% tenure-track
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Graduates receiving the PhD between 2017 and 2024: 90% are employed full-time in the field. Of those, 43% are in tenure-track positions. Employers include the University of Washington, Southern Ilinois University-Carbondale, Carlow University, FSU College of Law Research Center, Southern Utah University, St. Petersburg College, University of Tampa, University of South Florida, NYU Libraries, University of Alabama, and UNC Charlotte.