Bachelor's in Art History

John Cabot University (JCU) is a private American liberal arts university located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Established in 1972, the university provides an international, student-centered education inspired by the American academic tradition. Known for its emphasis on critical thinking, cultural diversity, and experiential learning, JCU attracts students from over 70 countries worldwide. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs taught in English, combining rigorous academics with opportunities to immerse in the rich history and culture of Italy.

Art informs and deceives. It forces us to ask questions about art and about ourselves. What is art, and why is it important to human beings? Who creates art? What are the reasons and cognitive and technical processes for its existence? Do outsiders view a given work of art in the same manner as the work’s intended audience? Why do some observers perceive Marcel Duchamp's Bicycle Wheel as a remarkable work worthy of a place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, while others see it as an overpriced stool with a bicycle wheel mounted on top? With its wealth of archaeological sites, churches, museums, and contemporary art galleries, Rome offers an environment of unparalleled richness for the study of art and the human experience across time. John Cabot University's Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History emphasizes art-historical theories and analytic methods with a strong focus on the visual arts of Europe, the Mediterranean and North America. Given the University’s location at the geographical and temporal crossroads of Europe and the Mediterranean, the program places a strong emphasis upon the visual cultures of Rome and of Italy. After an initial series of four foundation courses, majors develop their command of art history and its approaches through upper-level courses in a variety of pertinent subject areas. The major culminates in the fourth year, when each student selects a topic and works individually with a specialized faculty member to research and write a senior thesis. Students can win internships at institutions that include the Museo Nazionale Romano, the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, and the Biblioteca Angelica, Europe’s first public library and a major repository of illuminated manuscripts.

John Cabot University offers a unique blend of American-style education in a European setting, making it an exceptional destination for students seeking a global perspective. JCU is committed to fostering a multicultural environment, emphasizing personal and academic growth through small class sizes, individual attention, and an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university is renowned for its programs in international affairs, art history, business administration, and communications.