The art history programs provide an excellent foundation in the history of international modern and contemporary art, curatorial and museum studies and their critical and theoretical discourses. Our faculty members emphasize an interdisciplinary approach with perspectives drawn from aesthetics, philosophy, feminism, gender theories, postcolonial theories, theories of identity, globalization and new technologies. You will be actively involved in Ottawa’s vibrant arts community through curatorial projects (on campus and in the city), internships, site visits to national and municipal art galleries and class visits from experienced curators, artists and visiting professors.
Art History
Program overview
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
DURATION
LANGUAGE
OPTIONS
Why choose this program
Interdisciplinary Approach: The art history program emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from aesthetics, philosophy, feminism, gender theories, postcolonial theories and globalization to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern and contemporary art.
Engagement in the Arts Community: You will actively participate in Ottawa’s vibrant arts community through curatorial projects, internships, site visits to national and municipal art galleries, and guest lectures from experienced curators, artists and visiting professors, which will provide you with hands-on learning experiences.
Flexibility in Study Options: The major in art history offers a greater number of electives, allowing you to pursue a broader range of interests. It can also be combined with a second major or a minor, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
Expert Faculty and Research: The faculty members specialize in contemporary art history and theory, offering expertise in diverse areas such as environmental humanities, digital humanities, global perspectives, visual studies, and Middle-Eastern art, ensuring that you have access to cutting-edge research and insights.
Proximity to Cultural Institutions and Unique Opportunities: The program’s location in downtown Ottawa provides proximity to major cultural institutions, offering unique opportunities for you to engage with contemporary art and culture. Additionally, courses are conducted in a bilingual environment, and you can participate in the Venice Biennial Field Research Course, a prestigious international event.
Program structure
Browse program options
42 units
Major in Art History
Opportunity to pursue a broader range of interest as it has a greater number of electives.
Can be combined with a second Major or a Minor.
30 units
Minor in Art History
Opportunity to acquire a solid foundation while following a Specialization or a Major in another discipline.
Admission requirements and deadlines for Art History
After your studies
After completing your undergraduate studies in art history, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your education or entering the workforce.
You may choose to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree. The Department of Visual Arts offers the degree of Master of Arts in Contemporary Art Theory. This one-year master’s program (offered in two streams and in French and English) connects contemporary visual arts to urgent issues, such as decolonization, environmental crises, gender and representation, as well as capitalist disparity viewed through critical theory, feminism, materialism, and formalism.
Alternatively, you can move directly into the job market. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as art historian, museum educator, gallery director, curator, arts, culture and heritage manager, and archivist. These opportunities allow you to apply your skills in critical thinking, analytics, creativity, and curation.
Whether you choose further studies or enter the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation to build a career in art history.
Tuition and fees
Student experience
AHSA - Art History Student Association
AHSA’s purpose is to create an environment where students of the History and Theory of Art (HTA) program and other art lovers across campus can interact and share ideas about art. This includes hosting events celebrating and encouraging art in the context of the University and beyond, collaborating with other Members’ Associations to host events, taking part in the Student Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA)’s events, and being a resource of aid and guidance for the students in the History and Theory of Art and Visual Arts programs.
HGSA – History Graduate Students’ Association
The History Graduate Students’ Association of the University of Ottawa (HGSA) is a bilingual association representing the graduate students among the University’s academic forums, including the Graduate Students’ Association (GSAÉD), departmental assemblies, and the graduate studies committee of the Department of History. It also facilitates the social and academic development of its members.
SAFA - Students' Association of the Faculty of Arts uOttawa
SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
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