Department of Art and Art History

The Department of Art and Art History (AAH) offers undergraduate majors, minors, and clusters in art history, visual studies, and studio art. Our students have the opportunity to complete internships in Rochester’s diverse and rich cultural institutions. We also offer students the opportunity to participate in the Art in New York residential program in New York City. The department houses the internationally recognized graduate program in visual and cultural studies (VCS), offering an interdisciplinary PhD degree. Our graduate students are in residence for four years, during which time they take seminars, participate in conferences and colloquia, and serve as teaching assistants in many of the undergraduate courses. After successful completion of the PhD qualifying exam, students pursue independent dissertation research and writing. Both the department and the visual and cultural studies program sponsor lectures, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions of interest to the University and the wider community. The on-campus Hartnett Gallery in Wilson Commons has affiliations with both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Instagram: @sageart Image credit: Fiona Jones, model Jess Palmisciano