Overview of Art History, Theory & Criticism
Maryland Institute College of Art
MICA’s undergraduate major in art history, theory, and criticism offers a unique new opportunity to pursue a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree in art history within the context of one of the nation’s top colleges of art and design. Central to the work of the art historian is the study of the history of creativity. At MICA, a student majoring in art history is immersed in studio practice and is a member of a dynamic community of artists and designers. MICA’s offerings in art history are of a quality and expansiveness unmatched even by many top liberal arts colleges. Recently, a significant endowment was created to fund the acquisition of research materials in art history, expanding the already-rich resources of Decker Library and the Media Resources Collection.
The major is designed to meet the needs and interests of a student who is both a creator and a scholar of art. BFA graduates in art history from MICA will be uniquely positioned to participate in a number of related fields. Those with a scholarly focus and interest will be competitive applicants to elite master’s and doctoral programs in art history and related disciplines. Their experience as creators of art will also make them competitive in the museum and gallery fields, in conservation and restoration programs, in art publishing, in art education, and as studio artists and applicants to top MFA programs.
MICA’s curriculum in art history balances academic coursework and independent research with a significant studio component. Approximately half of the total credits required for the major are in studio coursework, and art history majors are strongly encouraged to use their studio electives to pursue a concentration in a studio discipline. The intensive studio practice integral to the BFA in art history at MICA strengthens students’ own art-making and informs their studies and research in art history with a deeper understanding of the art-making process.
Recent Graduates
MICA graduates with a particular interest in art history have gone on to graduate study and to successful careers in art history, museum studies, curatorial practice, and other related fields. A brief sampling of MICA alumni in the field:
- Steven Kossak ’75, associate curator of asian art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Rebecca Kasemeyer ’90, curator, University of Wisconsin, Madison Amanda Hoover ’02, MA in museum studies, New York University
- Christin Donahue ’00, associate director, Ace Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
- Jacqueline Clements ’04, MA in classical art & archaeology, Florida State University
- Emily Blumenthal ’03, children & family programs coordinator, The Walters Art Museum
Visiting Critics & Scholars
- Dr. Lowery Sims, independent curator, former president, The Studio Museum in Harlem
- Steven Kossak ’75, associate curator of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Garth Clark, curator, writer, historian & renowned ceramic art dealer
- Jerry Saltz, art critic at The Village Voice and artnet.com
- Ann Morris Reynolds, PhD, associate professor of art/art history, The University of Texas, Austin, author of Robert Smithson: Learning from New Jersey and Elsewhere
- Olga M. Viso, deputy director, Hirshhorn Museum
- John R. Stilgoe, Orchard Professor in the History of Landscape, Harvard University
- David Harvey, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, City University of New York, Graduate Center
- Scott Fisher, virtual reality pioneer & chair, Interactive Media Division, USC School of Cinema-Television
- Faye Hirsch, critic, former editor of Art on Paper
Internships
Recent internships for students with an art history focus:
- San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts (museum administration)
- Artbyte Magazine (editorial assistant)
- The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (exhibition installation)
- The Walters Art Museum (MICA Docent Program)
- Maryland Art Place (museum administration)
- Archaeological Expedition at Petra, Jordan (research)