The Art History program at SUNY New Paltz aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of world art traditions. The department emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and awareness of historical context. Small class sizes foster individual attention and close interactions with faculty, enriching the learning experience. The curriculum covers a wide range of art forms, from prehistoric times to the present, across many regions of the world. Students learn to recognize artistic styles, analyze cultural meanings, explore materials and creative processes, and articulate the significance of images. All courses contribute to the liberal arts requirement, and the department maintains strong ties with the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, providing students access to original artworks and museum studies courses.
Why this course is highly recommended
The program offers a broad and diverse curriculum rarely found at other four-year colleges, with courses spanning from prehistoric periods to modern times across many regions. Faculty members are active researchers with awards from prestigious institutions, which enrich the classroom experience. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and students benefit from direct access to original artworks and museum resources, making it ideal for those interested in careers related to art, museums, or cultural interpretation.
Students can choose to major in Art History, with a wide variety of courses in the history of painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic and decorative arts, design, and photography. A minor in Art History is also available, and there is a specific Art History concentration within the Early Childhood & Childhood Education curriculum.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
14.40L
Living cost
The program confers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, with coursework contributing towards the liberal arts requirement. The department offers a minor in Art History and a concentration within the Early Childhood & Childhood Education curriculum.

English language test
Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria,
and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the State University of New York at New Paltz admission page
for complete details.
Graduates can pursue careers in museums, art conservation, cultural institutions, and academic research. Opportunities are supported by internships in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and elsewhere in the US, along with involvement in exhibitions and conferences, such as the internationally organized Warhol symposium.