Art History - July 25 revision
A COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS
EXPLORING ART ACROSS TIME, PLACE, AND THEORY
Explore the history of art through dynamic coursework, original research, and direct access to leading museums and cultural institutions.
At the Corcoran, you’ll explore art history just steps from the Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery, and some of the world’s most influential collections. Our program isn’t just about lectures — it's about discovering how art shapes culture, politics, and identity.
You'll dive deep into periods from the Renaissance to the Contemporary, guided by faculty who are researchers, curators, and mentors. Whether you’re planning to curate museum collections, write for art publications, or pursue graduate school, the Corcoran gives you the access and support to get there.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Each academic year, we offer virtual information sessions led by faculty to help prospective students learn more about our programs, faculty expertise, and application process.
WHAT WE STUDY
We offer five ways to study art history at the undergraduate level: a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, a dual Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Fine Arts, a Minor in Art History, and a Minor in Art History and Fine Arts. For students interested in continuing their studies, we also offer a Combined BA/MA Degree in Art History.
HOW WE LEARN
At the Corcoran, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Through close engagement with art, original research, and regular access to world-renowned museums and cultural institutions, students gain firsthand experience with the materials they study. Whether conducting research in local collections, participating in seminar-style discussions, or collaborating on curatorial projects, students learn to think critically, write persuasively, and engage art history as a living, evolving discipline.
CONTACTS
Campus Address
Smith Hall of Art
801 22nd St, NW, Room 101
cahist
gwu [dot] edu (cahist[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6085
Program Information
Program Administrator
Jacob Rangel
cahist
gwu [dot] edu (cahist[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Program Head
Bibiana Obler
bobler
gwu [dot] edu (bobler[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Advising
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Alexander Dumbadze
dumbadze
gwu [dot] edu (dumbadze[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Transfer Credit and Study Abroad Approval
Barbara von Barghahn
bvb
email [dot] gwu [dot] edu (bvb[at]email[dot]gwu[dot]edu)
Undergraduate Advisor for Fine Arts BFA, BA, Dual BA in Fine Art and Art History
Allyson Vieira
allysonvieira
gwu [dot] edu (allysonvieira[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Director of Graduate Studies
Lisa Lipinski
llipinski
gwu [dot] edu (llipinski[at]gwu[dot]edu)