The department introduces its students to fundamental problems in art history, and, like other liberal arts departments, it teaches critical habits of thought useful in any career. Majors who wish to go on to graduate work in art history, archaeology, museums or conservation will find themselves well prepared; some majors turn to the commercial sector and, with or without an advanced degree, work in galleries or auction houses. Recent graduates have also gone into medicine, law, and many other fields.

The department offers three programs for the prospective major, each with different requirements. Majors concentrating in art history elect Program 1 and take courses in five distribution areas (East Asian, Ancient Mediterranean, Medieval/Islamic, Renaissance/Baroque, and Modern and Contemporary—including American art and photography). Majors who wish to combine art history courses with studio art courses given by the Program in Visual Arts may elect Program 2 (or may elect Program 1 with a certificate in visual arts, an option that shifts the balance of required courses toward art history). Program 3 combines art-historical study with training in archaeology, including some practical experience in excavations.