Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC) Degree Program Guide

HADVC degree program guide header

The History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC) is a liberal arts discipline that prepares you to interpret our visual world. Our program will train you in ways of seeing the images and objects around you. It will equip you to think imaginatively, read critically, and communicate your thoughts effectively with others. How we see and interpret what we see shapes critical conversations about globalization, the environment, social justice, and the impact of new and historical technologies, scientific discoveries, and medical practices on cultural and identity formations.

Engage with a diverse and dynamic curriculum that covers various periods, regions, and styles in art and design. HADVC students develop excellent written and oral communication skills, are adept at analyzing and interpreting information from a range of sources, and know how to work independently and in groups.

We also offer a BA Honors degree in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture. We always recommend considering all options available to you before applying!

Academic Requirements for History of Art, Design and Visual Culture Majors

General Requirements and Information
  • Minimum of 30 units to a maximum of 48 units in HADVC at the senior level, with at least 6 units at the 400-level
Additional Notes
  • Students who major in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture may not select their other subject of concentration from the Department of Art & Design
  • Students who wish to major in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture should take HADVC 100 in their first year
  • CLASS 254, CLASS 255, and up to 6 units in studio ART or DES courses may be used toward the senior-level requirements

Academic Requirements for History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture Minors

Minor Requirements
  • A minor requires a minimum of 12 units to a maximum of 42 units in HADVC at the senior level, with at least 6 units at the 300 or 400 level. CLASS 254 and CLASS 255 may also be used toward the senior-level requirements

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture students take?

  • HADVC 100 - Introduction to the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture
  • HADVC 202 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in 15th and 16th Centuries Europe
  • HADVC 213 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in Latin America
  • HADVC 215 - China Art Now
  • HADVC 217 - History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture in Japan
  • HADVC 311 - Issues in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (topics change regularly  to align with faculty research interest)
  • HADVC 315 - China Urban: Art & Design Now
  • HADVC 330 - Art and Institutions
  • HADVC 336 - Introduction to Performance Art
  • HADVC 411- Special Topics in the History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (topics change regularly)

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a History of Art, Design and Visual Cultural degree. From museum curation to education, graduates are equipped with research, critical thinking and creativity skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information. 

  • Museum Curator & Educator
  • Arts and Culture Journalist
  • Project Manager
  • Arts Administrator
  • Writer & Editor
  • Creative Consultant
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Art Advisor & Critic
  • Gallery Manager
  • Auction Specialist
  • Heritage Manager
  • Cultural Resource Coordinator
  • Public Art Program Manager
  • Content Creator
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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