Degree Programs

By studying art history at Sonoma State University, students equip themselves with critical skills, knowledge, and conceptual understanding to navigate the 21st century visual world. The art history program offers a B.A. and minor in art history as well as a minor in Museum and Gallery Methods. Students are exposed to a variety of methodological approaches in our classes as they learn to independently initiate their own research projects and develop practical skills. Activities include field trips to museums in Los Angeles and elsewhere, the annual Bay Area Undergraduate Research Symposium held at the de Young Museum, and designing and installing exhibitions in our galleries and other venues on campus.

Our program's particular strength is the individual attention and mentoring students receive. Professors work one-on-one with students on public speaking and presentation skills and assist in professional development. Our students have been accepted to prestigious graduate programs and won competitive internships on their way to fulfilling careers.

This major is comprised of a group of core courses representing minimum requirements for all areas of emphasis, plus course offerings in studio which allow for the development of an emphasis in one or more of the following: ceramics, media art, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and works on paper.

The B.F.A. is often considered to be the degree of choice for students wishing to pursue graduate or professional studies. It enhances the artist’s opportunity to perform at a higher level and fulfills the need for additional artistic growth in an intensive studio environment. The B.F.A. degree is a 138-unit program requiring 90 units of course work in art.

The Art History minor at Sonoma State University gives students a solid overview of visual culture and skills to navigate the 21st century visual world. Students have the option of studying Museum and Gallery methods as part of the minor. It complements Studio Art, Anthropology, History, Foreign Language, and Communication degrees very well and will help students in all fields expand their expertise to visual communication and culture.

The art studio minor is intended for any student willing to add a studio experience to their undergraduate studies. It offers creative opportunities that complement many majors at SSU, strengthen critical thinking, creative problem solving, and visual communication. 

The Minor in Museum and Gallery Methods provides students with education, training, and hands-on experience in the theory and practice of nonprofit museums and galleries.