Art and Art History Major, Studio Arts Emphasis

This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2026-27.

Major Requirements

The requirements for the major are as follows:

  • Four ARTS (studio art) courses:
    • One or two at the 100 level, at least one of which is to be taken prior to  
    • Two or three at the 200 or 300 level, at least two of which are to be taken prior to  
  • Two ARTH (art history) courses
  • Two Electives: can be additional art history courses, studio courses, or architecture courses in the department. They can also be transfer credits in art history, studio art or architecture from an approved university/ study abroad program. Courses from another Colgate department, such as Film and Media Studies or Museum Studies, may also count as electives with approval from the student's adviser and the department chair.
  •  (Prerequisites: one 100-level studio arts course and two 200- or 300-level studio arts courses). To be taken prior to senior year.
  •  (Prerequisite: ). To be taken in the fall of the senior year

GPA Requirement

A GPA of C (2.00) in combined studio courses and art history courses is required of all majors. Only one course below a C– will be accepted for the major.

Honors and High Honors

After completing  in the fall semester, students have the opportunity to apply to continue their project in the spring semester as an independent study, . Some projects completed in  may be nominated for honors at the end of the spring semester. The award of honors is dependent on departmental evaluation. GPA Requirements: Honors — 3.20 in courses within the department; High Honors — 3.70 in courses within the department.

Art Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the  catalog page.