Choosing to major in art history indicates a high level of interest in the Visual Arts. That often begins with a fascination with past cultures and their creations: ancient pyramids of Egypt, Renaissance frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, or a modern portrait by Picasso. Over the course of the program, that interest will be deepened by learning how to see, think, analyze, and write about art. Survey courses expose students to art from a wide variety of peoples and places from the beginnings of civilization through to the 21st century. In advanced courses, students conduct personal research into historical artworks. Students will have opportunities to engage with art firsthand, via trips to the Detroit Institute of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and other museums. Study abroad programs allow students to enhance their understanding of the history of art in context. As an art history graduate, you develop skills and knowledge that can be used in a wide variety of professions, including archaeologist, museum curator, art librarian, and archivist. Students seeking to supplement another major with art history are encouraged to sign an art history minor.​​

Step 1: Application for admission Submit a completed International Student Application for Admission online and the accompanying $35 application fee. The fee may be paid by credit card (at the end of the online application), or by check/money order payable to Central Michigan University and written from a U.S. bank. Application deadlines: Apply by May 15 if you are beginning classes in the fall semester. Apply by October 1 to begin classes in the spring semester. Step 2: Official transcripts Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Admissions Office by all secondary and post-secondary institutions which you have attended. Transcripts must include English translations. Step 3: Passport Please submit a copy of the biographic page of your passport. Step 4: English proficiency If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of a country exempt from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), you must demonstrate a proficiency in English by one of the following methods: Test of English as a Foreign Language (minimum score of 550 PBT, 213 CBT, or 79 IBT) International English Language Testing System (minimum score of 6.5) Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (minimum score of 77) Pearson Test of English (minimum score of 53)