Art History

Student standing in front of a painting

Pursue Your Passion for Art in NOVA's Art History Program

Study art from different cultures and periods and benefit from our proximity to world-class Washington, D.C., museums, galleries, and monuments in the art history program at NOVA.

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Liberal Arts: Art History Degree

Gain an understanding and appreciation for the ideas and ideals that are the basis of human civilization with NOVA's Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an Art History specialization.  You'll build a foundation that will prepare you to transfer into a Bachelor of Arts program at a four-year Institution. As an art history student, you'll explore works of art and historical time periods from around the world through instructor-led lectures, observation, and art analysis. You'll have opportunities for hands-on technique demonstrations and to participate in group discussions of current issues in the field. NOVA's proximity to Washington, D.C., provides you with access to world-class museums, including the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, the Phillips Collection, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Glenstone.

Length
Two Years
Credits
60-62
Locations
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Curriculum Details

Why Study Art History at NOVA?

Expert Art History Faculty

You'll learn from experienced NOVA art history faculty who are experts in their fields. They will be there to mentor and guide you so you can succeed in a bachelor's program and in your career.

Applicable Art History Courses

You'll develop critical thinking and observation skills you can apply to any field in courses such as literature, art history, world language, life and physical science, history, and anthropology.

Affordable Art History Programs

You'll receive an affordable liberal arts education with an art history specialization. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships that will help you offset the cost of your tuition.

Accreditations

Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree in liberal arts with an art history specialization.

Art History Program Career Outcomes

By studying art history at NOVA, you'll be prepared to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at a four-year college or university. By earning an advanced degree in art history you'll. be ready for careers in academics, museums, galleries, auction houses, fundraising and development, exhibition design, fine art insurance, art handling and transport, conservation, historic preservation, and publishing. The associate degree in art history at NOVA also gives you skills, such as observation and critical thinking, that you can apply to careers in other fields, including medicine, forensic science, criminal justice, engineering, and IT.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

Your Next Steps to NOVA