Whitworth art history majors look closely and think deeply. Through this major, you will explore the meaning and significance of artworks within diverse historical and cultural contexts. In the process, you will sharpen your skills related to writing, critical thinking and analysis that are crucial to a wide range of careers. When you graduate, you will be prepared to head to graduate school or launch a career in the field.
"I have had the incredible opportunity to work with Stacey Moo and the Whitworth Permanent Art Collection, allowing me to experience many wonderful things. In working with the collection, I have been able to meet local artists, learn about the growing art scene in Spokane, attend gallery openings and artist talks in our Bryan Oliver Gallery, and above all, I've been able to work intimately with a variety of artworks."
Emily Batchelder '25
Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.
Lecturer Stacey Moo specializes in medieval art history and is the manager of Whitworth's permanent collection.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in the ever-dynamic art world, the art history major will prepare you for a number of roles, including curator, museum educator, collection manager, archivist, arts administrator, exhibition preparator or preservationist.
You will also be well-equipped to move toward other fields, such as teaching, editing, project management, marketing, law and even medicine.
(Art history is a new major at Whitworth. Most of the above references are to grads who minored in art history before the major was offered.)
Whitworth faculty members lead off-campus study programs around the country and the world that provide life-changing experiences with art, including exposure to significant museum collections. Programs that visit major destinations in Europe include Renaissance and Baroque Art, Power & Politics of Art, Art in Rome, Art & Culture in Oaxaca, and Early Christian Sites in Greece.