The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) in Art History degree completion program at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed specifically for domestic transfer students with at least six or more completed courses at a regionally accredited college or university. The bachelor’s in Art History combines study in the humanities and social sciences, and complements the natural sciences.
Art historians concern themselves with the multifaceted historical implications—including personal, social, political, economic, and aesthetic—that accompany imagery and objects like buildings, paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, films, and decorative arts. Drawing on this interdisciplinary approach, BU MET’s part-time undergraduate degree program in Art History prepares students for career opportunities supporting culture and the arts at museums, galleries, educational institutions, and architectural and planning firms, as well as via publishing and municipal or state cultural programs.
Flexible, Part-Time Degree Completion—at Boston University
The BLS in Art History at Boston University’s Metropolitan College is a self-paced bachelor’s degree completion program offered in a convenient, part-time evening format—ideal for busy professionals who seek to earn a Boston University degree without turning their personal lives upside down or putting their careers on hold. Along with self-paced programs in a variety of majors on campus, MET also offers the Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program, leading to a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.
A Foundation for Success in Art History
Students who complete the bachelor’s degree in Art History will be able to demonstrate:
- Historical understanding of the relation between society and art objects, artistic movements, and expressive trends.
- In-depth exposure to important art and artistic movements over time, and an ability to emphasize their aesthetic and social characteristics.
- A broad-based, foundational education in the liberal arts, including exposure to the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences—comprehensive enough that it may be considered complete in itself or suitable as preparation for graduate study.
Hear from Alumni
“When my family and I decided to come to Boston, I knew that the time was right to get an academic education in art history, as my goal for the future is to work either in the curatorial or development department of an art museum. I chose MET because of its orientation towards nontypical students and professionals with different experiences. What I appreciate most about MET classes is that they are discussion-oriented and personally engaging.”—Myriam Walter (MET’17), Art History major
Why Complete Your Art History Bachelor’s at BU?
- Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s art history bachelor’s program, an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio ensures close interaction with highly qualified faculty who draw from active research and substantial professional achievements in areas such as art history, English and American literature, history, and philosophy.
- Extensive Network: Study principles of art history and the humanities alongside peers with professional experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts throughout the arts and nonprofit worlds, and benefit from a global alumni community with strong connections.
- Student Support: Benefit from access to personalized professional academic advice from the team of academic counselors in MET Enrollment & Student Success.
- Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, and many others.
- Flexible Schedule: Pursue your studies part-time, at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus.
- Affordable Tuition: Complete your bachelor’s part-time at BU at a substantial savings compared to full-time study.
- Financial Assistance: Undergraduate students at BU MET are eligible for a range of financial aid and community-minded scholarship opportunities designed to support those investing in their education part-time who still need to navigate full-time responsibilities.
Bachelor’s in Art History Curriculum
Candidates for the bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan College are required to complete a minimum of 32 courses (128 credits), including Hub requirements, major requirements, related courses, and electives.
Hub Requirements
All BU undergraduate students, including transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Art History may, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Aesthetic Exploration and Historical Consciousness.
Major & Related Courses
A total of 14 courses (56 credits), completed with a grade of C or higher, is required.
Required Courses
Choose eight art history courses (32 credits), including the two courses below:
MET AH 111 Survey of Western Art I
MET AH 112 Survey of Western Art II
The remaining six courses must be at the 200 level or above.
Related Courses
Choose six courses (24 credits) from three of the following disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Classics
- English literature
- History
- Modern foreign languages and literature
- Music
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religion
- Sociology
- Urban affairs
Electives
Electives are chosen with the advice of an academic counselor. The number of electives varies depending on transfer credit.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
Competitive Tuition
Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.Comprehensive Financial Assistance
Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.How Much Does This Program Cost?
BU MET’s bachelor’s degree completion programs allow students to quickly complete their degree at an affordable part-time tuition rate, enrolling in two to three courses (8–12 credits) each semester. Eligible graduates from any public Massachusetts community college receive a 50 percent tuition reduction.
Total program cost is dependent on the quantity of transferrable credits and number of courses taken each semester. For a cost estimate based on your academic background, please connect with an admissions advisor.
This chart shows the variable costs dependent on the volume of incoming transfer credit:
| Incoming Transfer Credits** |
68–80 (17–20 courses) |
36–64 (9–16 courses) |
24–32 (6–8 courses) |
| Remaining BU Credits for Degree Completion |
48–60 (12–15 courses) |
64–92 (16–23 courses) |
96–104 (24–26 courses) |
| Time to Degree | 4–7 semesters (16–28 months)*** |
6–11 semesters (24–44 months)*** |
8–13 semesters (32–62 months)*** |
| Tuition per Credit* | $567 | $567 | $567 |
| Fees per Semester* | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Total Degree Cost* | $27,516– $34,545 |
$36,738– $52,989 |
$55,032– $59,943 |
*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition & fee rates. Some courses may require a $200 undergraduate lab fee (for non-computer science courses).
**To determine your transferrable undergraduate credits, schedule an appointment with Assistant Director of Admissions Kevin Ahearn.
***Program completion time is dependent upon transfer credits and pace of enrollment (two or three courses per semester).
Please note that enrollment in four or more courses in a semester requires students to pay the full-time (per semester) tuition rate.
Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit the Boston University Financial Assistance website. We also encourage you to review the scholarship opportunities for BU MET undergraduate students.
Get Started
Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.
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