Art History Major
Salve Regina University's art history program invites you to explore how visual and material culture shape the world around us. From paintings and sculptures to textiles, jewelry and architecture, you’ll uncover the stories behind these creations - diving deep into the motivations, beliefs and artistic visions of the past.
As an art history major, I was able to incorporate my interests and passions for cultural and historic preservation in addition to studio arts seamlessly into my curriculum, culminating in a well-rounded arts education.
Molly Richard '13, gallery manager, William Vareika Fine Arts
Discover the Power of Art in a City Steeped in History
Here, you'll be part of a small, dynamic program where your learning experience is tailored to your passions. With individualized mentorship and close collaboration with faculty, you'll have the freedom to explore your artistic interests, conduct research and gain real-world insights that prepare you for careers in museums, galleries, education and beyond.
If you're majoring in another field, our art history minor offers a dynamic way to enrich your studies. Whether you're in history, English, business or another discipline, adding art history deepens your ability to think critically, analyze visual culture and engage with creative and historical narratives - valuable skills for a wide range of careers.
What Sets Salve Apart
Salve is ranked in the top 6% of universities nationwide for long-term return on investment, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
The Salve Compass program runs through all four years, connecting college to career. With a focus on hands-on, real-world experiences, it ensures every student has the skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market.
Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery
The Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery is a vibrant space where students connect with the broader Newport arts community and beyond. As an integral part of the historic Antone Academic Center, the gallery showcases an exciting mix of student, faculty, alumni and internationally recognized artists, offering an inspiring environment for artistic exploration and professional development.
Study Art Where History Lives
Located in Newport, Rhode Island, Salve offers a unique setting for art history students. With Gilded Age mansions, centuries-old architecture and world-class museums at your doorstep, Newport becomes your classroom. Whether analyzing historic interiors, studying decorative arts up close or engaging with local preservation efforts, you'll gain hands-on experience in a city rich with artistic heritage.
Connect, Create, Inspire
Art history is more than just a field of study - it's a thriving, close-knit community where creativity flourishes and friendships grow. Students connect through clubs like Art After Dark, Pottery Club, Salve Snapshot and AIGA (American Institute for Graphic Arts), which offer opportunities to explore new mediums, collaborate on projects and engage with Newport's vibrant arts scene.
Students and Alumni Making Waves
Grace Parenti '22
Digital initiatives and archives assistant, Yale Law School
As a double major in art history and cultural and historic preservation, Grace Parenti participated in an archaeological dig at an historic site in Newport. "We found a lot of pieces that have the same decorations on them and the same painting and glaze design," she said. "It's Chinese-inspired porcelain, and there's a chance that maybe some of these pieces are authentic from China brought through trade in Newport, whereas some of them also might be European remakes. The experience was fantastic overall - it was everything I dreamed of." Read more about Parenti's experience.
Lily Luskin
Art history major
"What better place to study art history than Salve, where we are fully immersed in it? The Newport community truly values and invests in its historic city, and there are plenty of opportunities involved in preservation, conservation, archeology, networking, curation and art history overall. There is no place I'd rather be than in Salve's art history program for undergraduate studies. One-on-one support is everything, and that is the kind of genuine support you will get here."
Deirdre Lafferty '23
Graduate student in art history, George Washington University
"Salve offers an unparalleled experience to learning art history. Not only the close-knit community with peers and professors but also the ability to experience the art firsthand in the setting of American Gilded Age mansions. The department fosters a deep connection to learning the intricacies of artistic ventures while promoting personal avenues in research."
Study Abroad Opportunities
At Salve, studying art history isn’t confined to the classroom - it's a global adventure. Imagine studying Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, admiring the works of Velázquez and Goya in Madrid or walking the same streets that inspired the Impressionists in Paris. With 200+ study abroad programs in 45 countries, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic and cultural landscapes that shaped civilizations.
Turn Your Passion Into a Dynamic Future
An art history degree from Salve opens doors to a wide range of careers both within and beyond the art world. Whether you dream of working in museums, galleries, curation, auction houses or arts nonprofits, our program equips you with the skills to thrive. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in art history, conservation and museum studies, while others leverage their interdisciplinary training for fields like law, business and even medicine.
Shape Your Own Path
Pairing art history with a major in cultural and historic preservation opens even more exciting career paths. By combining the study of visual culture with hands-on preservation work, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how art, architecture and history intersect. Whether you're interested in museum curation, historic site management, conservation or archival research, this interdisciplinary approach provides the skills and knowledge to protect and promote cultural heritage.
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in art history
Majoring in art history at Salve offers you the opportunity to explore how visual and material culture shapes societies across time. Through close collaboration with dedicated faculty, you'll engage in critical analysis of art, architecture and artifacts, while developing strong research, writing and analytical skills. The program encourages individualized study, preparing you for careers in museums, galleries, education and beyond.
Minor in art history
Our art history minor allows you to deepen your understanding of artistic traditions and cultural expression while complementing a variety of majors. With flexible coursework and expert faculty guidance, you'll gain valuable insights into the historical and social contexts of art, enhancing your critical thinking and cultural literacy.
Meet Our Art History Faculty
We are a dedicated group of professional artists, scholars, designers and teachers who bring the same passion and vigor we hold for our own work into the classroom. We are committed to helping our students discover their individual strengths and go to great lengths to help them realize their goals.
