From the earliest cave paintings to postmodern creations, art functions as a form of expression throughout human history. A degree in art history can open doors to an array of fulfilling careers, both in and out of the arts and history sectors. With an online degree in art history, graduates can find themselves working in museums, preserving art or even as top candidates for MBA programs. Follow this guide to learn about online art history degree programs, their benefits and the careers they can bring.
An online degree in art history affords students the same knowledge and the same career opportunities as traditional, on-campus programs, but without the inconvenience of commuting to class. Online learning programs are perfect for students with family or work obligations, as they allow the student to tailor their academic schedule to their needs. There are several online schools out there, so we’ve looked at specific data points for each college and selected the top programs in the country. Look below to find the top art history programs for the 2017 school year.
| University Name | Score | Net Price | Financial aid percent | Online Programs Aavailable | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | University Information | Credit for Experience | Placement Services | Counseling Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Score99.73 | Net Price |
Financial aid %56% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate97% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
| Mansfield University of Pennsylvania | Score86.73 | Net Price |
Financial aid %30% |
#Online programs1 |
Student-Teacher Ratio
| Grad Rate48% | Credit for ExperienceNo | Placement ServicesYes | Counseling ServicesYes | Read More Read Less |
The bureau of labor statistics provides the following data about job growth in the Field of Art. As well as the following national median salary data for several different careers in the field of Art.
  | | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Career | Description | National Median Annual Salary (2014) | Minimum Education & Licensure |
| Art Historian | Research and analyze artworks to put them into historical context and contribute to understanding their significance. | $55,879 | Master’s degree |
| Museum Conservator | Preserve artistic artifacts by analyzing damage and determining and carrying out treatment plans. | $39,940 | Master’s degree |
| Curator | Plan and direct exhibits in museums and galleries. Curators are in charge of acquiring, storing and displaying art. | $51,280 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Archivist | Preserve and keep records of artworks and their historical significance. | $49,120 | Master’s degree |
| Art History Professor | Teach art history at the postsecondary level. | $64,300 | Master’s degree |
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
The museum’s head conservator wanted to find a path that integrated her diverse interests in language, art, culture, and travel. She discovered an online art history master’s program could combine all her passions and launch an appealing career.
Excelled in chemistry and Italian in high school
Majored in art history, minored in chemistry
Studied abroad in Europe; visited historic art sites and museums
Got an internship as a conservator’s assistant
Earned an online Master’s in art history, specializing in conservation
Scored a position as an art conservator at the city art museum
Art history is an enriching and potentially lucrative field of study for a range of people—whether they are interested in documenting and preserving art works, curating museums, teaching art or even entering a seemingly unrelated field, like medicine or finance. However, traditional art history programs don’t suit everyone’s needs, especially when it comes to finding nearby graduate degree programs with the right art history focus. The ability to attend school from anywhere is one of the many benefits of earning an art history degree online.
Beyond convenience, online education affords students flexibility that traditional programs usually can’t, and because students don’t have to commute, pay for parking or go to cafes between classes, earning a degree online can save money, too. Art history students who earn their degrees online also cut costs by not having to rent an on-campus studio space. Instead, they can complete studio-based courses from their homes or personal studios with the guidance of an academic advisor.
Most accredited online art history programs follow the same curricula as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, so students can be confident that they are getting a quality education when studying online. Various learning platforms and tools allow students to effectively communicate with their peers and professors whenever they want, not just during prescribed classroom time. Students often complete course materials and assignments at their own pace, but some courses may have students participate in live lectures or group discussions online via webcam. Other programs, especially at the graduate level, may require internships or residencies where students spend a specific period of time on campus as part of their studies. Students should find out before applying if their online programs have on-campus components needed for graduation.
Prospective students may decide to study art history at various points in their academic or professional careers. Luckily, there are online art history degree programs to suit those who are just out of high school as well as those with extensive professional or educational experience who want to expand their knowledge and pursue higher-level careers. Take a look below to learn about different online art history degree programs that may be available.
Students seeking online bachelor’s degrees in art history typically have two options: a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA).
A BA in art history is designed to give students an overview of art history and related topics along with a comprehensive general education. Through electives and general education courses, BA students have the opportunity to explore disciplines outside their major while still focusing on art history. Students who earn an online BA in art history may be prepared for art history-related careers and internships, as well as opportunities in a variety of other professional or academic fields.
A BFA in art history focuses more on specialized art education. Students still have to take general education courses, but they may have fewer options regarding which general education courses are available to them, since specific, major-enhancing ones may be required. Students getting a BFA in art history tend to get a practical education in art along with a comprehensive exploration of art history. Graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in art history, Master of Fine Arts degrees and doctorate degrees.
A master’s degree is a great opportunity for students to expand on their undergraduate experience and get an in-depth education in art history or an art history-related concentration, like modern art of arts education. Some master’s programs may require students to have backgrounds in art history, either through their degrees or select coursework, but many accept applicants from a variety of educational backgrounds. Programs may require students to complete internships or on-campus residencies, where they can gain hands-on experience, visit museums and galleries or participate in studio time. Online art history master’s degree programs prepare students for PhD studies and advanced art history careers. Those focusing on arts education may or may not have to get additional credentials to become teachers, depending on the program.
A PhD degree is the highest educational credential students can earn. Not only can a doctorate in art history advance students’ understanding of specific art history concentrations and provide them opportunities to contribute to scholarly research and literature, many institutions require that prospective art history professors hold PhD degrees in a related field. Because PhD students tend to work either part- or full-time, many PhD programs are designed to be completed part-time. This means that earning a PhD in art history can be a considerable time commitment, depending on how much time students need to complete their required thesis. During their time of study, PhD students will get a highly in-depth education in their area of focus, often with hands-on learning, the aid of an advisor and internships.
Art has a deep history, and as a result, online art history courses cover a wide range of topics and eras. Depending on their areas of interest or concentration, students can take many different art history courses, including the following:
This course provides a comprehensive study of architecture, sculpture, and painting from the ancient through Gothic periods with emphasis on aesthetic values and historical implications, iconographic and symbolic significance.
In modern art courses, students analyze the work and thought of major masters of twentieth-century painting, sculpture, architecture and photography.
Students will learn a variety of strategies for interpreting and building meaning and experiences in visual art, and they will learn how to effectively communicate their analyses in writing.
History of photography focuses on the development of photography as an artistic form. Courses may explore how a photograph communicates its visual message, its function as a historical tool, photographic movements and specific photographers.
Online art history students may have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in practical settings, gaining experience and mentorship from museum curators, archivists or art conservationists.
Students can make choosing an online art history school easier by considering what is most important to them in a degree program. Here are some things prospective art history students should consider when narrowing down their online program options:
Students can help ensure they get a quality art history education by attending an accredited institution. Accreditation is an optional, comprehensive evaluation of schools’ adherence to certain quality standards. It’s important that students attend accredited online schools because employers tend to trust accredited institutions more, and students can only receive federal financial aid if they attend an accredited school.
Different bodies can provide accreditation, and they often have varying standards, so it’s helpful for students to look into how schools and programs earn their accreditation. There are national art school accreditors, like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, that assess the quality of online and on-campus arts programs. Many schools earn approval through regional accrediting bodies, which prospective students can learn more about in our complete accreditation guide.
For additional information on accreditation for art schools, take a look at our comprehensive online arts schools page.
Keeping track of the tasks they need to complete before beginning an online art history degree program can help keep students from getting overwhelmed during the application process. Making a schedule of important dates can keep prospective students on track with crucial deadlines and application requirements. Below is an example schedule for a prospective online masters of arts student who recently earned a bachelor’s degree.
| Time Before Program Start Date | |
|---|---|
|
Step 1
Graduate from bachelor’s degree program |
15 months |
|
Step 2
Begin entry-level arts job |
14 months |
|
Step 3
Request recommendation letters and write personal statement and letter of intent |
12 months |
|
Step 4
Apply for desired M.A. programs in art history |
11 months |
|
Step 5
Complete FAFSA®, apply for and secure financial aid like grants, loans and scholarships |
9 months |
It’s never too early for students to begin preparing for their educations and careers. Taking some preparatory steps before beginning their degree programs can help art history students get the most out of their online educations:
Studying art history can lead to a wide scope of related careers. Most of these careers deal with sharing, preserving, studying and educating others about works of art, but the specifics of how those things are accomplished can vary quite a bit. Those who study art history may become conservators, which mixes art history with chemistry to preserve pieces of art. Others may take on curatorial roles, planning exhibits and education programs.
Jobs for historians are expected to increase by 2 percent through 2024, so those with higher education levels and related experience will tend to be more desirable candidates for employers. Prospects for archivists and conservators are higher, with a 7 percent and 8 percent projected increase, respectively. Conservators can expect a 5 percent job increase, while postsecondary art teaching jobs are expected to rise 11 percent by 2024.
Becoming certified in certain disciplines can make art history graduates more appealing to employers. For those who can’t find certifications in their concentration, many professional associations offer continuing education programs that show employers a willingness to stay up-to-date on their knowledge and qualifications.
The Academy of Certified Archivists offers certification for archivists who have mastered the skills and knowledge needed to practice modern archiving. Applicants must pass an exam, which is offered yearly.
The Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute offers fellowships and internships that will enhance conservation professionals’ and students’ professional qualifications and skills.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM), a global organization promoting museum excellence, offers professional training and development to those who work in museums.
If you’re interested in the arts but aren’t sure that art history is right for you, take a look at these related online degree programs.
Those interested in planning, designing and constructing buildings and community areas might want to consider pursuing an online degree in architecture.
Landscape architecture is a good option for students interested in natural and man-made outdoor landscapes, designing parks, yards, and sustainable design projects.
Prospective students who are curious about the business aspects of the fashion industry, like marketing, buying and selling, might want to look into degrees in fashion merchandising.
Many professional associations and other resources can serve as great tools for prospective students wanting to learn more about various aspects of art history and its related careers.