Online Art Schools & Degree Programs: Best in 2017

Finding online art programs can be tricky business. First, there’s defining “art”: graphic arts, fine arts, liberal arts and performing arts. So many choices and so many things to think about. Second, there’s identifying which schools have online programs in the field, and which programs make the most sense for you. The following page highlights some of today's top colleges and universities with quality online degree programs in multiple arts disciplines, and provides an in-depth guide for anyone looking to learn more about higher education in these diverse fields.

An In-Depth Guide on Online Arts Programs

A sample listing of job titles alone demonstrates the exceptional breadth of the visual arts professions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites more than 40 job titles and career paths for graduates of online art degree programs. Aspiring or growing artists can find higher educational options at the certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree levels, as well as some at the graduate level. For those going into production, commercial and marketing-related arts fields, the associate degree can provide an adequate introduction. But many will find that they need to complete a four-year degree for many arts jobs.

The curriculum in arts graduate degree programs builds on specializations within lecture and studio programs that lead to a Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, or tracks that concentrate on art history, art theory or art field business. Theory/history tracks typically lead to master’s and doctorate degrees of art (MA, PhD). Master’s degrees and professional certificates may benefit artists in fields such as technology, marketing, or healthcare who are seeking leadership roles and promotions. Doctorates are ideal for art lecturers, practitioners, and researchers that wish to teach at the post-graduate level.

Earning an Online Art Degree: A Timeline

Earning a degree in the arts requires time and energy. Earning an online degree in the arts requires those same things, as well as detailed information about online learning in the field: how it works and for whom it makes sense. The following timeline shows a years-to-completion estimate for those with no previous college, from earning a two-year associate degree, to taking the entire eight years (or longer) to go straight through to a doctorate in arts. Knowing the length of each of the online arts degrees can help students map out and track long-term goals and accomplishments.

There are “general studies” arts degrees. Online colleges also offer associate, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates in arts fields such as:

• Animation and visual effects
• Art history
• Fashion design
• Fine art
• Game design
• Graphic design
• Historic art preservation
• Illustration
• Industrial design
• Interior design
• Jewelry and metal arts
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Sequential art
• Multimedia or web design

Online Associate Degree in Arts – Two Years

The Associate Degree in Arts (A.A) is a two-year, 60-unit educational program that provides a lower-division general education paired with an overview of the arts and elective courses in the arts curriculum. Online associate degrees and certificates are commonly offered at junior or community colleges, fully online schools and private academies. The A.A. degree program can be ideal for students who are beginning to examine their options in the arts fields. It can provide cost-saving alternative to students planning to go on to a four-year online arts degree programs by covering the undergraduate general educational core courses required in bachelor’s degree programs.

An online associate degree in arts may also provide baseline information in some arts fields for students eager to work on their own or those entering the arts professions. Courses can include studies in art history, painting, illustration, computer design software, arts merchandising, fabrics and materials. Online art degree programs requiring studio time may allow students to make arrangements at a convenient location or may require limited on-campus attendance.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Art – Four Years

Like campus-based art schools, online art degree programs at the bachelor’s level typically require up to 60 undergraduate general education credits and two years of direct studies in the arts for another 60 credit hours. Applicants to four-year academies, schools, colleges and universities offering online art degrees must have a high school diploma to apply. Standardized college test scores are often a major requirement. To remain enrolled, students are required to maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA. All related studio projects, comprehensive exams and portfolios must also receive passing grades.

Courses can include studies in 2D and 3D modeling software, art history, color and composition, figure drawing and human anatomy, art preservation, jewelry design and materials, multimedia design, and art criticism. Many schools require satisfactory completion of senior projects and a portfolio.

In addition to pursuing a bachelor’s of arts (B.A.) degree, students can opt to enroll in studio programs with coursework leading to a bachelor’s of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. A B.F.A. program typically reduces the breadth of liberal arts courses required to graduate and supplements them with focused courses in the art specialty selected by the student. Often, these are hands-on, studio degrees leading to a body of work, gallery presentation, or arts portfolio.

Applying to Online Undergraduate Degree Programs in Art

Colleges, art schools and universities offering undergraduate online art degrees all require applicants to hold a high-school diploma. Institutions offering two-year online art degree programs leading to A.A. degrees and certificates may require completion of specific high school preparatory courses.

Institutions that provide options for bachelor’s-level online art degrees often require applicants to provide SAT and ACT aptitude test scores as a qualifying measurement. The school may also ask students to complete an admissions essay or formal declaration of academic goals. Letters of recommendation may not always be required, but endorsements of academic aptitude from former teachers or professors can sway admissions officers.

Here are the key elements for applying to online undergraduate degree programs in art:

1. Complete the formal college application. These are almost always available online or may be downloaded, completed and submitted. Heed all application deadlines.
2. Submit test scores from placement tests (if required by the school).
3. Submit official transcripts from high school and all previous post-secondary institutions. Transcripts must be mailed in sealed envelopes by registrars or other school officers.
4. Submit letters of recommendation where appropriate. Consider letters from former teachers, representatives from arts organizations, arts mentors or employers. Submit a portfolio if requested.
5. Where appropriate, submit a statement of academic purpose. Address career goals, the fit of the online degree program, and previous work or volunteer experience. Admissions officers use these essays to assess writing and reasoning abilities as well as determining what a student may contribute to the college community.
6. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) – if appropriate.

Online Master’s Degrees in Art – Five to Six Years

Institutions offering online art degrees beyond the baccalaureate may offer a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. As with their bachelor’s degree equivalents, the master’s degrees in arts are primarily divided into studio-based degrees and academic/research paths. Within the two main disciplines, students can choose among specialized options including fields of animation, art history, art theory, graphic design, fashion or interior design, illustration, photography studio art, visual effects and web design. The MFA traditionally will present graduate-level coursework combined with a concentration in studio or production work building on previous skills and technical knowledge. Coursework for both paths is delivered entirely online, however some schools require short-term campus residency for MFA students.

Non-artists may prefer earning an MA in art. Some studies and careers along this pathway include roles in art administration, art education, art preservation, gallery/museum/library administration, and arts publishing.

Applying to a Graduate Online Degree Program in Art

Each art school, college or university establishes its own entrance requirements. Some schools are governed by state or institutional requirements. As a general rule, all students must have completed their undergraduate degrees in order to apply to a graduate program. Common application requirements for graduate online degree programs in art include submissions of:

• A formal application.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
• Official sealed transcripts of prior undergraduate and any graduate degree work.
• Statement of purpose addressing choice of discipline, academic and artistic goals, and reason for selecting the school.
• Resume citing history in the arts (employment or voluntary), awards, exhibitions, etc.
• Portfolio (MFA).
• Reference letters of recommendation from former teachers, mentors, employers, arts organizations attesting to your experience and portfolio.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) – if appropriate.

Doctor of Fine Arts Degree – Eight Years +

The Doctor of Fine Arts (PhD) is an academic degree pursued by both practicing artists and designers, and by arts researchers, historians and educators. The degree is designed primarily for graduate students seeking post-secondary education careers. A PhD may also be a degree of choice for an arts consultant, historian, conservationist or lecturer. Traditionally, the MFA was considered a “terminal degree” allowing artists and designers to hold university faculty positions. More recently, however, universities are telling artists to earn their PhDs if they plan on becoming professors. Inside Higher Ed reports that MFA holders are finding an advantage in the highly competitive academic employment line if they go on and complete their doctorates. Another master’s degree in arts holder told the Huffington Post that it was only after he completed his PhD did he make it to the final interviews.

Doctoral degrees are comprised of 48 credit hours of advanced coursework and independent directed studies toward completing a scholarly dissertation. Currently there are only a few institutions offering a Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA) degree. Most DFA’s are conferred as honorary distinctions to artists.

Evaluating Online Art Degree Programs

The strength of any online art degree program lies in the school’s ability to consistently deliver courses of high academic quality and degrees recognized by the many communities that make up the art and design world. Institutional rankings and reputations are earned by the faculty, curriculum, and services that support online students. Strong overall performance often begins with the voluntary assessment of financial and academic accountability by the process known as formal accreditation.

What Is Accreditation?

When an institution applies for accreditation, it begins a transparent process by which an independent agency rates the school against commonly accepted arts and letters standards. Accreditation protects the value of a college degree, especially in the eyes of the professional and academic communities. The lack of accreditation negatively impacts the school’s reputation. Schools without accreditation may not offer federally backed student aid in the form of loans and grants. Students should verify that their prospective schools and colleges hold accreditation from one of the six regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Transfer students need to be especially aware of proper accreditation to ensure that their previous college credit will be accepted at their prospective online art degree programs or if their current work will be accepted by academic evaluators for programs in the future.

Does the School Offer Students and Grads Necessary Support Services?

Students should evaluate how much bang they get for their education dollar. Does the institution offering online art degrees simply host digitized classes, or does it provide online course and career counseling, online tutoring, professional library and research assistance, and job listing/placement services? Do students receive continued career support after they graduate?

Academic Resources

Schools offering online art degrees should offer information on student graduation rates, average time to complete degrees, and career track records of graduates. Art students should be curious enough to research the academic or artistic credentials of faculty members. Studio arts students may wish to work with a talented mentor and teacher; will the professor or instructor remain on the faculty during the length of the degree program? Program aspirants should also examine degree requirements and course descriptions, along with any fine print in the college application. Does the class leader have experience conducting online courses and workshops?

Test-drive the Online Course Delivery System

Not everyone is cut out for online learning. Most schools provide access to a course demo that includes the range of email, chat, discussion threads, and video and voice conferencing software. Students can assess their ability to study online and how smoothly the online art degree programs operate through the learning interface. There should not be a steep learning curve; the student should spend energy learning art, not on how to access archived lectures.

How well does the school support online students? Is there a round-the-clock phone number, chat or email for technical support? Does the system provide access to all course materials, class registration functions, with research libraries and college offices (art department, tutors, financial aid, career counseling)?

Online Art Programs & Info

Art Schools Degree Search Tool

With so many possibilities for studying art now available via online learning, prospective students can easily find themselves overwhelmed while trying to narrow their options. There are many factors to consider before enrolling, such as flexibility, tuition and fees, available concentration, and student support. After identifying the level of degree and field of art they wish to pursue, students can use the search tool below to help sift out the best degrees matched to their needs.

Nation's Best Online Art Schools: 2015-2016