Major Advising Page: Art History
The Department of Art History, with research and teaching specialties that span the globe has a decidedly international vision. A study abroad experience is highly recommended for majors and certificate students. Whether visiting the architectural wonders of Europe, exploring the museums of Argentina, or studying language in South Korea, spending time abroad allows students to develop unique art historical, linguistic, and cultural competencies that cannot be replicated in Madison.
As an art history major, you can study abroad during almost any term in your college career, including winter or summer, but there are some important factors to consider. If you begin your planning early, you can find a way to include an international experience into the heart of your work in art history. The information below will help in your planning and conversations with an art history advisor.
Course considerations
Most art history courses taken abroad will likely equate to introductory level courses (100- 299) or 300-level requirements. Some courses will count toward 400-level requirements. Course equivalencies at the 300- and 400-levels may count toward various breadth requirements: Chronological, Geographic, and Theory & Method. Introductory level courses, 100- and 200-levels, will usually count toward the introductory level course requirement for art history majors or they will count toward the Electives requirement for those pursuing the certificate in art history. All courses count toward the 9 course minimum for art history majors. Just 4 courses are required to earn the Certificate in Art History and the composition of those courses includes: one 300-level, one 400-level, one 500-level art history course, and then one course from any level (including introductory level courses) of your choosing. The art history advisor can help with any questions you might have about art history course equivalencies.
You should know that there are very rarely substitutions that can be made for the 500-level (also referred to as proseminar) requirement so please plan to complete that requirement on campus at UW–Madison. Once you have some program ideas, be sure to consult with the art history advisor. The more complex or ambitious your undergraduate program is (the number of additional majors or certificates, honors in the major, athletic or other heavy extracurricular involvement, etc.), the more you will need to plan in advance to fit study abroad into your academic career. For example, if you want to pursue Honors in the Major and study abroad, the timing of your 500-level course, in particular, can be especially important. In some cases, study abroad programs can even be combined with research for an honors thesis. Make sure to talk with the art history advisor, director of undergraduate studies, and professors working in the area to get a full sense of your options and to plan accordingly.
The Art History Department encourages you to take an art history course or two in your program to learn how other places study art history. Taking an art history course that is unique to your host country is a great addition to the cultural immersion of a study abroad program.
Map your experience as an
art history student
Freshman year
If you’re considering declaring an art history major, this may be a good time to take some introductory-level courses in art history, or possibly a 300-level course if a course looks particularly interesting to you. Freshmen can study abroad during winter intersession or summer terms.
Sophomore year
Your sophomore year could be a good time to go abroad if you declare your art history major early, but it will be important to check in with the art history advisor to discuss your plans.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to do a study abroad as an art history major. You’ve most likely taken a number of art history courses by this time and begun to explore electives and define your interests.
Senior year
Art history majors can still study abroad during their senior year, although they will need to choose their location carefully to ensure that they can take the specific classes they need for graduation — the proseminar (500-level) art history course in particular. You’ll need to watch your Senior Residency Requirement closely with your art history advisor. You will need to be particularly mindful of the fact that you cannot fulfill the Art History 500-level requirement with courses taken abroad.
Ask questions
- What courses do I need to take to complete my major, certificate, and degree requirements?
- What elective courses would be appropriate to take on my program?
- Are there any Art History courses that I must take on the UW–Madison campus?
- What programs have Art History students pursued previously?
- What classes can I take on my program?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like for my program?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for – a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
In this section
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
Austria
IES Vienna (semester and summer)
England
France
UW in Paris (spring)
Italy
- CET Florence (fall and summer)
- CIEE Rome Open Campus (semester and summer)
- IES Milan
- Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) (semester and summer)
Netherlands
Singapore
Spain
- IES Barcelona (semester and summer)
- Saint Louis University-Madrid (semester and summer)
South Korea
Short-term programs
Argentina
UW Activism through the Arts (winter intersession)
Austria
IES Vienna (semester and summer)
Ghana
CIEE in Ghana (semester and summer)
Italy
- CET Florence (fall and summer)
- CIEE Rome Open Campus (semester and summer)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) (semester and summer)
Spain
- IES Barcelona (semester and summer)
- Saint Louis University-Madrid (semester and summer)
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Rowan Seffens (Argentina)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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