Online Art History Degrees
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Art history majors study works within the social, political, cultural, and intellectual contexts to which they belong and both represent and define. Well-designed online art history degrees develop a student’s imagination, powers of observation and expression, and the ability to assess and organize visual information.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $49,850 for archivists, curators, and museum workers, jobs well-suited for an art history graduate. Additionally, the BLS projects an 11% growth rate for jobs in this sector, which is much faster than the projected 4% growth rate for all other occupations. Art history majors can look forward to entering a professional arena with high income potential and opportunities for career growth.
Answers to Concerns About Students Studying Art History
What can you do with an art history degree?
Popular career options for art history graduates include art conservationist, curator, museum administrator, and art authenticator.
How long does it take to get a degree in art history?
Like most undergraduate programs, a bachelor’s in art history comprises 120 credits and takes four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Online programs may take less time.
How do you become an art historian?
Art historians typically need a master’s degree or doctorate in the field. Learners may also pursue a degree in a closely related field. However, bachelor’s degree-holders generally qualify for entry-level positions with ample opportunities for career growth.
What do you need to get into an art history school?
Admission requirements for an art history degree include a high school diploma, SAT or ACT scores, a transcript, and at least one recommendation letter.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Get a Degree in Art History?
For many students, pursuing a degree in art gives them the opportunity to turn their passion into an occupation. Whether a student decides to pursue an on-campus or online art history degree, they can reap benefits similar to the five listed below.
- 1
Career Advancement
A degree in art history demonstrates that graduates possess the necessary knowledge and training for managerial positions. Graduates can choose from various workplace settings including museums, schools, and architecture and design firms. - 2
Expand Academic Options
A bachelor’s in art history fulfills the educational requirement for graduate programs in the field and in areas like archeology and sociology. - 3
Continue Current Employment
Working students can often pursue an online art history degree without sacrificing their job or income. - 4
Early Graduation
Most online art history degrees offer several start dates, asynchronous coursework, and an accelerated delivery schedule, which often allows students to graduate ahead of their on-campus peers. - 5
Increase Income
The BLS reports that bachelor’s degree-seekers earn higher weekly median salaries ($1,248) than workers with an associate degree ($887) or employees with some college experience but no degree ($833).
Courses in Art History School
Art history majors typically enroll in classes focusing on defining eras in the ancient and modern art world. They also study distinctive artistic styles of expression and conception throughout history and worldwide. Art history majors also study critiquing and authentication techniques and pedagogy.
Specialization areas in art history usually focus on a particular genre or period such as Baroque art or the Renaissance. Many art history programs include onsite visits to local museums and art centers. The courses described below represent a small sample of classes typically offered in an art history program online.
This course gives students the chance to examine the works, philosophies, and contributions of various renowned European artists like Michelangelo, Boticelli, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt. The course focuses mainly on the development, growth, and modern-day influence of European art and architecture. However, students also explore contemporary topics such as fashion, urban space, and performance art in various European cultural centers.
Introduction to European Art
Students examine the aesthetics of modern art from a spiritual perspective. The course covers topics such as surrealism, abstract expressionism, and theosophy. Learners study the works of Kandinsky and Mondrian, the pioneering artists of this genre and era. The course guides students in developing the critical tools needed to evaluate and enhance the modern art experience. Modern Art and Spiritual Thought
The class introduces students to research methods specifically relating to art history. Students learn how to frame an authentic art history research question, which will form the basis of a scholarly inquiry. The course also provides learners with the tools to develop, research, write, and present their findings. Art Historical Methods
The course familiarizes students with the modern art movement from the mid-1800s to the present. Students explore various aspects of modernism through original films and audio works, photographs, fiber sculptures, and other contemporary art forms. Topics include motivations and methods of modern artists, fashion as art and design, and nontraditional art materials and mediums. Modern and Contemporary Art and Design
In this course, students examine the different representations of women in art throughout history. Degree-seekers also study the work of influential female artists such as Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Eva Hesse. They examine how women artists viewed and represented various female-centered themes such as motherhood, female sexuality, and prostitution. Women in the Visual Arts
Scholarships for Art History Students
Prospective art history majors can find various scholarship opportunities within the field. Several professional organizations and private nonprofits also maintain financial aid programs for students pursuing a degree in art history or museum studies. The three scholarships below provide a starting point for art history majors seeking financial assistance.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship | $1,000 | The program welcomes applications from Asian American students pursuing a degree related to art and communications. Applicants must hold full-time enrollment. Prospective first-time students or current college students may apply. |
Catherine W. Pierce Scholarship | Up to $3,600 | Full-time students pursuing an art or art history degree at an accredited four-year institution can apply for the scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit an essay for consideration. |
The Frederic Whitaker and Eileen Monaghan Whitaker Foundation Scholarship Fund | $2,000 | The foundation accepts applications from undergraduate students pursuing a degree in fine art, art history, or museum studies. Applicants must show a 3.0 GPA or higher and submit a short essay. |
Online Art History Programs
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Arizona State University's online bachelor's in art history provides a flexible option for learners interested in art. Located in Scottsdale the online school has an established reputation in higher education. The school delivers 126 online programs, with 54 online options for bachelor's students.
With various scheduling options, the art program provides flexibility for online learners. Working professionals who enroll in online programs can complete academic requirements around their schedule. Learners in the online program complete assignments and participate in class discussions virtually. Undergraduate degree-seekers typically graduate in four years, unless enrolled part time.
Learners at the school access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Degree-seekers at the accredited institution can receive federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant. Students can discuss funding options, including grants and scholarships, with qualified financial aid counselors.
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
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