CAS: History of Art & Architecture

Sample Pathway

Below is an example of a four-year plan of a College of General Studies student pursuing a degree in history of art and architecture. Students will work with their CGS academic advisors and the history of art and architecture department to plan their own pathway to a history of art and architecture degree.

  Semester I Semester II
Freshman Year CGS Required Courses
CAS AH 112		 CGS Required Courses (London or Boston-New England semester)
Sophomore Year CGS Required Courses
CAS AH 111
CAS AH 114		 CGS Required Courses
CAS AH113
Elective*
Junior Year CAS AH course from one area of study (Africa, Asia, Europe/US, Islamic World, Latin America)
 CAS AH course (300 level or higher) from a second area of study (Africa, Asia, Europe/US, Islamic World, Latin America)
Elective*
Second Language (if needed)		 CAS AH course from one chronological period (pre-1300, 1300-1750, 1750-present)CAS AH course (300 level or higher) from a third area of study (Africa, Asia, Europe/US, Islamic World, Latin America)
Elective*
Second Language (if needed)
Senior Year CAS AH course (300 level or higher) from a second chronological period (pre-1300, 1300-1750, 1750-present)
CAS AH elective (300 level or higher) or CAS AH 400 or 500 level seminar
Elective*
Second Language (if needed)		 CAS AH elective (300 level or higher) or CAS AH 400 or 500 level seminar
Elective*
Elective*
Second Language (if needed)

*Choose your electives carefully to fulfill any remaining BU Hub requirements. You will find a list of all of the courses that carry Hub units on the University’s BU Hub website. External courses are not eligible for Hub general education credit.

Please note that the Advanced Placement test does not replace any of the requirements for the major.

College of General Studies Program Requirements

  • Two rhetoric courses: CGS RH 103 and CGS RH 104
    • CGS RH 104 is taken during the London semester
  • Two natural science courses: CGS NS 201 and CGS NS 202
  • Three social science courses:
    • CGS SS 104 is required and is taken during the London semester
    • Students select at least two additional SS courses and will work with their academic advisor to determine course selection
  • Three humanities courses:
    • CGS HU 104 is required and is taken during the London semester
    • Students select at least two additional HU courses and will work with their academic advisor to determine course selection

Major Requirements

A total of 11 courses is required for the major, five of which must be at the 300 level or higher. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in all AH courses taken toward the major. Please see the CAS Bulletin for details.

  • CAS AH 111 Pyramids to Cathedrals: An Introduction to Ancient and Medieval Art
  • CAS AH 112 Introduction to Art in Europe and the United States from the Renaissance to Post-Modernism
  • CAS AH 113 Arts and Monuments of Asia
  • CAS AH 114 Kongo to Cuba: Art, Exchange, and Self-Determination in Africa and Latin America
  • One seminar at the CAS AH 400 or 500 level
  • At least three courses covering different areas of study chosen from the following five groups: Africa, Asia, Europe/US, the Islamic World, Latin America
  • At least two courses covering different chronological periods chosen from the following three groups: pre-1300, 1300–1750, 1750–Present
  • One additional AH course at any level

For more information, please see the History of Art and Architecture Department webpage. Please contact Jodi Cranston (cranston@bu.edu), Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Venice Study Abroad

Students pursuing a degree in the History of Art and Architecture are highly encouraged to apply for the Italy Venice Studio Arts: Architectural Studies program for the fall or spring terms of their junior or senior year. More information is available on the Study Abroad website.

Continuation Requirements

  • Completion of the CGS required courses and appropriate electives
  • Cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.00

Graduation Requirements

Boston University students completing a degree in CAS must also complete the following requirements.

This is a sample pathway to be used in consultation with your CGS Academic Advisor.

It is subject to change according to course availability and individual circumstances. 

Last revised: 03/17/2025