JSU introduces bachelor's degree program for art history
Jacksonville State University recently introduced a new program to its curriculum that will allow students to receive a Bachelor of Arts in art with a focus in art history.
Previously, art history was only available to JSU students in the form of a minor concentration in their degree. This program allows students “to not only appreciate an artist’s vision, but also how to convey those ideas with others,” according to a news release from the school.
“Our program provides students with breadth, meaning they study a variety of art historical topics,” said Dr. Mary Springer, assistant professor of art history. “They can explore a number of specializations in the field of art history such as 18th and 19th century European art, American art, Asian art, modern art and design, and architectural history.”
The program was said to be the dream of late JSU professor emeritus of art history Dr. Karen Henricks, who died in 2019.
“So, the inspiration is Dr. Henricks,” Springer said, “and we are thrilled to realize her vision for the program.”
This new concentration also allows students to not just focus on the creation of studio art, but the history of art itself. However, they still have the option to minor in studio art if they choose to take this route.
The curriculum for the new program includes 120 hours or classes with focus on the art core. Of those hours, 27 will be upper-level art history courses, six hours of foreign language courses and a minor program of the student’s choosing.
Springer explained that JSU graduates with this degree field have a wide variety of job options available to them. Some of these jobs include museums, libraries and historical preservation. Students also can pursue a higher degree such as a master’s or doctorate in this field, though courses for those programs are not available directly from JSU.
“One of our grads, for instance, is a curator for the U.S. Army’s Museum Support Center in Anniston,” Springer said. “Another recent grad is in her first year at the University of Alabama, pursuing her M.A. degree in art history and certification in museum studies. She was awarded the prestigious University of Alabama’s Graduate Council Fellowship.”
For more information on the program, contact Springer at mspringer@jsu.edu or Dr. M. Tray Ridlen at mridlen@jsu.edu.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: JSU to introduce bachelor's degree program for art history
