Bachelor of Arts - BA in Art History & Visual Culture Fairfield University

The arts contribute over $700 billion to the US economy and form a vital component of communities from small towns to large cities. Studying art history and visual culture develops the mind and vital skills—such as visual literacy, critical thinking, writing, and speaking—that prepare students to thrive in a wide spectrum of careers. Art history and visual culture alumni readily find employment and build careers in museums, galleries, and auction houses around the world, as well as in social media, law, the non-profit sector, marketing, public relations, development and fundraising, education, publishing, and nearly every occupation that requires observation, analysis, and communication. Fairfield’s dedicated alumni are valuable resources for current students and return to campus regularly to give career advice and participate in job shadow programs and intern hiring.

Fairfield’s program in art history and visual culture offers a curriculum that covers African, American, Asian, and European art, as well as museum studies. Students explore contemporary developments in art and art history within our global society and may choose a traditional art history and visual culture major, or an art history and visual culture major with a concentration in visual arts administration.

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, the university is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Its primary emphasis is on undergraduate education, but it also offers graduate programs, including professional degrees.

The university is organized into five schools and colleges: the Fairfield University College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the School of Engineering, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions.

Fairfield University's campus sits on a sprawling 200-acre property featuring manicured landscapes and views of the Long Island Sound. The school’s architecture is a blend of the modern and the historical, offering students a diverse and beautiful environment in which to study.

As a Jesuit institution, Fairfield places a high value on the personal, intellectual, and religious development of its students. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to community service. It offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, making it a vibrant place of learning. Fairfield University is known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts. It has consistently been ranked well by institutions such as U.S. News & World Report in its regional university rankings.