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Art History and Museum Studies, B.A.

Art is a potent and positive force for change in contemporary society, and Cal Poly Humboldt’s Department of Art + Film is dedicated to educating the students who will shape the culture of our collective future. The hands-on techniques that you’ll learn in our small, intimate classrooms, studios, and galleries will allow you to address issues, ethics, history, and culture with a unique and personal vision in your career.

Why this Program

Our facilities include a foundry, ceramics lab, printmaking studio, photography lab, galleries, and much more. You’ll get hands-on experience in many disciplines of your choosing.

Our small class sizes mean getting to know your professors and fellow students. Your connections will help you grow as an artist and intellectual.

The local area is well-known as an intimate but inclusive arts haven. You’ll interact with professional artists and show art in local galleries.

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student pouring

Academics & Options

Art History & Museum Studies gives students an opportunity to study the visual culture of the world, from prehistoric cave art to works being produced by artists active today. Art history majors not only learn about works of art, but also about the different geographies, histories, and cultural traditions that surrounded them and informed their making. Our program is particularly strong in the areas of European Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, American, 20th Century and Contemporary art.

Did you know?

Art is one of the largest majors at Cal Poly Humboldt.

There are three art galleries on campus, including the Goudi'ni Native American Arts Gallery, which highlights the work of contemporary and traditional Native American artists.

Every second weekend of the month, downtown Arcata puts on Arts! Arcata. It’s a self-guided celebration of visual and performing, and a great opportunity to meet local artists and get to know the community.

students working on ceramics

Careers

Our alumni have gone on to pursue careers that harness the creative thinking, critical inquiry skills, and communication skills they developed at Humboldt. Art students find a strong foundation in communication skills, informing and explaining ideas, describing and evaluating ideas, problems, and events, and observing people, data, and visual information.

  • Animator
  • Art Critic
  • Art Director
  • Curator
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Graphic Artist
  • Illustrator
  • Jeweler
  • Photographer
student painting a sculpture

Art History & Museum Studies Faculty

Ready to find what
your future holds?