Art History, Theory, & Criticism

Art History, Theory, and Criticism: Art History MA Programs, BA & BFA

Welcome to the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago—the largest department of art history specializing in modern and contemporary art in the United States. Our diverse curriculum explores global art across all media, design, architecture, and visual cultures, enriched by contemporary theories. Students take classes with our internationally renowned faculty whose expertise range from Asian, African, Latin American, European, and North American art and design.

As part of SAIC's Art History MA and undergraduate programs, you'll engage in research at a prestigious art school linked to one of the world’s most renowned museums. Collaborate with our dedicated faculty, specializing in modern and contemporary art and design, to challenge, debate, and redefine the field. Join us and immerse yourself in our diverse and vibrant community of researchers.

Mission Statement

The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at SAIC advances historical, contextual, and critical understandings of the roles of art and design in all aspects of modern and contemporary life. We teach students in specialized art history BA and MA degree programs, and support the school-wide BFA and MFA curricula. Faculty and students pursue local and transnational dialogues in our classes through scholarly research, writing, and curatorial practices enriched by the careful observation of works of art and design in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago and elsewhere. Our goal is to prepare students to analyze art and design’s diverse creative, intellectual, aesthetic, ethical, historical, and social dimensions.

Undergraduate Programs

Art History is a central part of all students’ education at SAIC. The Bachelor of Arts in Art History degree program draws on the depth and diversity of offerings that only a major art school connected with a world-class museum can provide. Substantial coursework in art history, supported by additional coursework in liberal arts and in studio departments, define the SAIC Art History course of study.

The Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism newly offers BFA students the option to supplement their studio curriculum with an Art History thesis.

Learn more about SAIC’s undergraduate degree program requirements and art history curriculum.

Master's In Art History Programs

SAIC's Art History MA programs offer an exceptional exploration of global art and design across all media, immersing students in a vibrant context of creativity and cultural expression. As the largest modern and contemporary art history department in the nation, we pride ourselves on a rich curriculum that is both rigorous and expansive.

Guided by our internationally renowned faculty, who are deeply engaged in their fields, students benefit from the dynamic Chicago environment—the Art Institute of Chicago and other world-class museums, the historic architecture, captivating public sculptures, extensive libraries, and a thriving gallery scene. 

Our graduates emerge as leaders in the art world, carving out successful careers as curators, professors, writers, critics, publishers, gallerists, arts administrators, and activists.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Arts in Modern and Contemporary Art History or a graduate Dual Degree option in Modern and Contemporary Art History and Arts Administration and Policy. Learn more about SAIC’s master’s degree in art history programs.