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Art History

MajorMinor

Degrees Available: Bachelor of Arts

Immerse yourself in the history of visual art and architecture and gain insights into cultures from the Stone Age to the present.

Throughout history and across the globe, artists and architects have shaped our perception of culture and our understanding of art. At Willamette, you’ll cultivate a rich appreciation of the interplay between art and society, and you’ll work with world-class faculty who open the door to powerful learning opportunities.

Our students conduct research at the on-campus Pacific Northwest Art and Artists Archive. They curate exhibitions at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. They travel abroad with professors to document contemporary art and interview important artists in the field. Our students also gain professional experience in internships at the Portland Art Museum or with regional art conservationists.

Our alumni have gone on to pursue graduate studies at Harvard, the University of California and the University of Oregon, among other programs, and they’ve enjoyed rewarding careers at the Denver Art Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Art Institute of Chicago. No matter which path you choose, our art history program will give you the informed perspective and critical thinking skills you need to make the most of your potential.

Hallie Ford

Museum of Art

Art History

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Students working in art lab
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Information about Art History at Willamette

Featured Alumni

Art History

Michelle Atherton '15

  • Photographed and catalogued castle valuables for an internship at the National Trust for Scotland
  • Internship at Hallie Ford Museum of Art helped qualify her for the National Trust
  • Catalogued items for one of the oldest museums in Scotland and curated a display for a major art gallery
Christian Oldham '14
Art History

Christian Oldham '14

  • Luce Scholar program provides an immersive cultural experience to students who have limited exposure to Asia
  • Oldham was one of 18 fellowship scholars selected that year
  • Oldham wanted to study a form of ikebana, an ancient Japanese tradition of flower arranging
Willamette University

Art History

Address
Ford Hall
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6077
503-370-6977 fax