Why Study Art and Art History?
Through the Art & Art History minor, you connect creative expression with your field of study. You develop artistic and analytical skills while gaining insight into how art, architecture, and visual culture shape the world.
A Minor Built for Connection
Studying Art History at Trinity means learning from expert faculty, engaging with visual culture across time and place, and exploring San Antonio as an extension of the classroom.
A Serious Arts Context on Campus
The department’s studios, gallery, lectures, and events create an environment where art is something students study, make, discuss, and encounter regularly.
Experience Art Beyond the Classroom
Art History courses make full use of San Antonio’s rich cultural resources. Students routinely study and work in local museums and galleries, while lectures, events, and exhibitions expand the conversation beyond the classroom.
It’s a good fit for you if you:
- Are fascinated by art, architecture, history, and the stories that objects and buildings can tell us about people and cultures
- Enjoy analyzing images, conducting research, writing, and thinking critically about visual culture
- Are considering careers in museums, galleries, education, historic preservation, law, publishing, communications, or cultural organizations
The major pairs well with majors or minors in:
- Studio Art
- History
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Modern Languages
- International Studies
- Museum Studies
- Classical Studies
- Architectural Studies
What You'll Study
This minor is designed to complement a student’s main area of study. It works especially well for students who want to add creative practice, historical perspective, or stronger visual analysis to their academic path. You do not need to be an art major to pursue this minor.
In Demand-Skills:
Build creative problem-solving, visual analysis, and critical thinking skills valued across disciplines and creative professions.
- Creative problem-solving through studio practice
- Close visual analysis and critical interpretation
- Clear thinking about art, culture, and historical context
Comprehensive Curriculum
Students complete 24 credit hours that combine studio art and art history coursework. The curriculum balances creative practice with historical and cultural analysis, helping students develop a deeper understanding of artistic expression across media, time periods, and cultures.
View minor requirements in the course catalog
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Program Highlights
Step inside the studios, galleries, and creative spaces where students experiment, refine their craft, exhibit their work, and explore the history of art.
Recent Graduate Careers
A Trinity Art & Art History minor prepares students for impactful careers across industries, graduate programs, and research fields. Graduates combine strong analytical skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world experience to pursue meaningful work.
Museum, Gallery, and Curatorial Work
Students interested in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions build skills in visual analysis, research, and interpretation. Coursework in Art & Art History can support future work in curation, collections, exhibitions, and public programming.
Education, Community Arts, and Public Engagement
Students interested in teaching, outreach, and arts programming use the minor to connect artistic practice and historical understanding with community engagement.
Design, Media, and Creative Industries
Students often pair the minor with majors in design, communications, marketing, or media. The minor strengthens visual literacy, creativity, and cultural awareness that are valuable in creative industries and visual storytelling.
Research, Writing, and Graduate Study
Students develop strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills that can support graduate study and a wide range of humanities-based career paths.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in the Art and Art History minor should:
Connect with the program director to discuss your interests, explore course options, and see how the minor fits your academic goals.