Art history is an integral part of the Art program. In general terms, the art history curriculum provides a strong outreach to the wider WSU student body because many of the art history courses fulfill WSU humanities and intercultural general education requirements (GERs). Any WSU student may complete an 18 credit art history minor. Within the studio program, studio Art majors receive a solid background in the history of art, art criticism, and contemporary theory.

The Art History option offers students a broad exposure to the history of the visual arts. Art history majors begin with foundation survey courses, the History of World Art (ART 201 and ART 202), and then take upper-division courses to consider art from specific cultures and historical time periods. In these specialized courses, students gain familiarity with contextual issues concerning the production and consumption of art. They develop research and writing skills necessary to think critically about art and visual culture. Students are also introduced to basic aspects of studio production to enhance their visual skills and knowledge of material practices. Students complete their studies by writing a thesis paper and developing knowledge of one foreign language.