Art History with Museum Studies
department of theatre and fine arts
ART HISTORY WITH MUSEUM STUDIES AT NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
What makes this program so special? Niagara University’s Art History with Museum Studies program is designed to set our students apart from many other undergraduates. Upon completion of their degree, students will have pursued in-depth academic study of art history while simultaneously achieving hands-on experience in learning museum operations and how to develop art exhibitions. To have these opportunities as part of one comprehensive undergraduate program helps to distinguish Niagara University’s students from other graduates in this field. Students of this program graduate excited and prepared for professional level jobs in the art world and/or to continue in their academic studies in pursuit of advanced degrees. Jessica DiPalma Faculty Fellow and Director Art History with Museum Studies dipalma@niagara.edu
For more information about the Art History with Museum Studies program, please visit niagara.edu/art-history-with-museum-studies or contact Jessica DiPalma at 716.286.8367 or dipalma@niagara.edu.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Art History with Museum Studies at Niagara University is both an academic and professional program that provides students with a scholarly study of art, culture, and museums while focusing on the areas of professional museum work such as curatorship, education, collections management, development, and museum administration. All students will gain experience in both areas of study.
Degrees Offered Bachelor of Arts | Art History with Museum Studies
Related Minors Fine Arts Studio Arts
Minor | Art History
AHM SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Matriculated students enrolled in the Art History with Museum Studies program are eligible to apply for the following scholarships offered annually: Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation Memorial Scholarship Fund The award will be made to a female student at Niagara University majoring in Art History with Museum Studies.
Dr. Gerald C. Mead, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Art History with Museum Studies This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming junior or senior majoring in Art History with Museum Studies (AHM), with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
Why Art History with Museum Studies at Niagara University? ENGAGED LEARNING
Exceptional Faculty and Mentorship: Students will work alongside our exceptional faculty. All of our art history and museum studies courses are taught by professionals in the art field. The various backgrounds and years of experience of our faculty ensure that students will be learning first hand from experts while exploring current issues in the museum and contemporary art world.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
IN-DEPTH LEARNING
Art Study Opportunities: Students will have the opportunity to participate in a trip to a major city, allowing for students to engage in an in-depth and immersive visual arts experience.
Research and Study Opportunities: Majors will have the opportunity for Independent Studies to explore an art history or museum studies topic in more depth, a Senior Seminar/Capstone project, and the possibility of writing a Departmental Honors Thesis.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Museum Internship Opportunities: To further develop the skills needed for a successful career in this field, students will have the opportunity to pursue museum internships with Niagara University’s prestigious Castellani Art Museum and other area museums and cultural organizations.
ARTS CURRICULUM The Art History with Museum Studies Program offers intensive and engaging courses in all areas of art history and museum theory and practice.
Examples of courses offered include: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Prehistoric to Gothic Art 14th to 19th Century Art 19th Century Art 20th Century Art Postmodern to Contemporary Art Latin American Art Women in Art Renaissance Art and Culture Intro to Museum Studies Intro to Development for Nonprofits Folklore in America The Educational Role of Museums Exhibiting Cultures
Students also have the opportunity for: • • •
Independent Study in Art History Senior Seminar/Capstone Honors Thesis
LEARN AT THE
Castellani Art Museum (CAM) The majority of Art History with Museum Studies courses are taught in Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum classroom. Unique to this program, students have the opportunity to engage with and learn directly from works in the museum’s collection and its professional staff. Students have the opportunity to take two courses which focus directly on the exhibition process. While participating in Intro to Museum Studies, taught by the CAM’s Director, and Folklore in America, taught by the CAM’s Curator of Folk Arts, students will actively develop, build, and interpret all aspects of a museum exhibition. Students also play important roles in marketing the exhibition and planning related events and programming.
ABOUT THE CAM With learning and public access at the heart of its mission, CAM is the premiere resource for the visual arts in Niagara County. The museum’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and regional folk arts. CAM is committed to the preservation of these artworks, along with offering exhibitions and programs that serve the campus, local communities, and tourists.
Learn more: castellaniartmuseum.org
What Career Opportunities Exist WITH AN ART HISTORY WITH MUSEUM STUDIES DEGREE? There are many different career paths students can pursue in the arts with their degree from Niagara University. Some of the fields a graduate can work in include:
Antiques and Estate Management Appraisal and Insurance Firms Archives and Libraries Art Galleries Arts Administration Auction Houses Collections Management Colleges and Universities Design and Communications Education Folklore and Social Engagement Government Agencies Journalism and Art Criticism Law Museums Non-profits and Cultural Organizations Restoration and Conservation Firms Specialized Law Enforcement Depts.
HERE’S WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING “Since starting the Art History and Museum Studies major at Niagara, I have learned the necessary skills required to work in a museum setting. I feel that the program at Niagara has given me the resources I need to start my career in the museum field. One of the best parts of this program is that you get to not only work closely with the museum’s collection but you also get to work closely with museum staff.” — Raven Grant, ’23
HOW TO APPLY If your dream is to work in the exciting art and/or museum fields, then Niagara University is the perfect place to begin your journey. Contact Niagara University’s Admissions team to apply and ask questions, or visit the campus for an open house, event, or personalized tours. To get started, visit niagara.edu/apply, call 716.286.8700, or email admissions@niagara.edu
Department of Theatre and Fine Arts Niagara University Clet Hall 11 Vincentian Dr. Niagara University, N.Y. 14109 niagara.edu