What is Art History?
Art history is the study of the vast and inclusive category of what we have come to call art. Art history students and faculty don't make art, they spend a lot of time looking at it and thinking about how and in what circumstances it was made. VPHA46 makes clear to you the approaches to art history that are currently important. Art history at UTSC focuses on the global and contemporary, but also gives you a solid grounding in approaches to art and the visual across time, cultures, classes, gender, and geography. Students at UTSC regularly go beyond the university's walls to experience art for themselves and also through the eyes of art world practitioners in art world spaces.
What makes Art History at UTSC unique?
Art history represents a great diversity of perspectives, time periods, and places. You will find that the major and minor programs are not progressions of required courses, as programs in the sciences tend to be, but rather matrices that begin with the study of approaches and methods and go on to offer opportunities to develop breadth, explore individual interests, and hone your research and visual skills. The major program includes guidelines to ensure that you take advantage of the global range of art history courses at UTSC.
Skills of Art History Grads
- Articulate abstract ideas and visual impressions
- Convey complex information
- Define quality
- Explain the present by referring to the past
- Evaluate research results
- Interpret a culture's values and beliefs
- Present theories and ideas
- Provide disciplined focus and attention to detail
- Relate visual observations to political, social contexts
- Understand and analyze form, technique, iconography
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Museum Director in Management
- Art Dealer in Business Finance
- Special Events Planner in Applied Sciences
- Accredited Appraiser in Health
- Web Designer in Government Services
- Art Therapist in Arts and Culture
- Teacher/Professor in Service
- Market Research Analyst in Trades
- Art Coordinator in Manufacturing
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Art History - Master
- Fine Arts - Master
- Development Studies - Master
- Education - Bachelor or Master of Education
Examples of Fields that "Fit" the Skills of Art History Grads
- Magazine Publishers
- Photographic Libraries - Archives
- Graphic Design Services
- Humanities Research & Development Services
- Advertising Consultants
- Photographic Services
- Universities
- Independent Artists
- Art Museums
- Federal - Arts and Culture Programs
- Provincial - Cultural Affairs Programs
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into CLN, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality, and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you're a student via campus events and programs listed on CLN and CCR:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In The Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
Apply for Work Study jobs on CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs, and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and CharityVillage.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC's Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors, and colleagues!
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Canadian Museums Association
- Association of Canadian Archivists
- The National Art Education Association
- Federation of Canadian Artists
- Ontario Art Therapy Association
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Library and Archives Canada
- National Gallery of Canada
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Art History website.