Art History
Though highly competitive, the field of art history has job prospects for individuals who are creative and passionate about the craft. Read on to learn whether a career in art history is right for you and to find out about the education you need to find a job.
Inside Art History
A variety of careers are available for art history students, depending on the type of degree being pursued. Students who obtain a bachelor's degree in art history can pursue careers as museum technicians or find work at an art gallery or agency. Aspiring curators and archivists can earn a master's degree in art history. Those interested in careers in postsecondary teaching or research should also expect to earn a graduate degree.
Most degrees in this field examine art in specific periods of history, such as the Renaissance, Federalist, Victorian and Medieval periods. Bachelor's degree programs in art history typically require students to take studio courses in painting, sculpture, charcoal, and other mediums.
Many positions in the field of art history share similar characteristics. First and foremost, they require a passion for art and attention to detail. While working in a museum or gallery, individuals assist in preserving important records and valuable items such as paintings, sculptures, and photographs for storage or display. Archivists and curators may also be responsible for coordinating educational programs like tours and classes. Since these jobs, as well as other related careers like an art dealer or gallery owner, often work directly with valuable art, individuals should be extremely organized and comfortable taking on bookkeeping responsibilities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects demand for archivists, curators and museum technicians to grow significantly over the next few years (www.bls.gov). Intense competition in the field is also expected as qualified candidates often outnumber job openings. In May 2010, the median annual salary for archivists was $45,200, according to the BLS. These individuals worked in all sorts of organizations, including historical sites, museums and universities. The BLS reported that curators earned a median salary of $48,450 and museum technicians earned $37,310 in May 2010.
Learn More About Art History
Art history is a diverse career field, with opportunities at many different levels and across various specialties. Whether you'd like to work as an archivist or become a professor, Education-Portal.com has all the information you need to make your career and education decisions.
Degree Options:
Students typically use a bachelor's degree in art history as a jumping off point for jobs in many different fields or for graduate or professional school. Those who continue on to advanced degrees may be considering careers in academia.
- Art History Major: Information and Requirements
- Art History Degree and Certificate Program Information
- Top Schools With Graduate Programs in Art History
Career Options:
Below are only a few examples of careers that you can pursue with a degree in art history. For some of these careers, including those in teaching, you may be required to earn state certification. For more options, explore Education-Portal.com.
Distance Learning Options
Although hands-on training in art history cannot be done through fully online programs, hybrid programs are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Aspiring curators, art dealers, and art professors can complete hybrid programs in which they take some courses online and others on campus.
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2 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
- Certificate - Artistry: Cartooning
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (2 campuses)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Illinois (2)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- Texas (3)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Visual Arts
- Master in Computer Animation
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- Master in Graphic Design
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Illustration
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- Bachelor in Design & Technical Graphics
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Associate
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- Associate in Graphic Design
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in 2-D Animation
- Certificate in 3-D Animation
- Certificate in 3-D Modeling for Games
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- Certificate in Animation Production
- Certificate in Character Animation for Games
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art History
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art
- Art History
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Texas (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art
- Art History
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Arizona (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art
- Art History
- Arts Management
- Ceramics
- Metal and Jewelry Art
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Washington (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Metal and Jewelry Art
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Weaving and Textile Arts
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Virginia (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art History
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
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School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art History
- Multimedia Arts
- Musical Arts
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School locations:
- Ohio (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Art History
- Musical Arts
