Earning an Online Fine art History Available'due south Degree

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April 16, 2021 • six Min Read

Program, Career & Salary Information

An art history degree introduces students to artistic periods, such as the Renaissance and Bizarre eras, along with dissimilar types of art. Departments may hash out paintings, sculptures, architecture, and photography. Coursework often trains learners to make cultural inferences using artworks.

Graduates tin apply gained skills in perception and analysis to careers every bit museum workers, consultants, and independent artists, as well as to external positions in management and research. Additionally, earning an art history degree online helps students become familiar with technology, which can prepare them for tasks such as recordkeeping.

This page examines careers related to art history and covers elements of reputable, affordable online art history degrees, such every bit accreditation and common grade requirements. Students can use this information to identify programs that align with their career objectives.

Overview of Art History Degrees

Art history includes works from prehistoric cavern paintings to modern art pieces. Bachelor'due south students examine artistic masterpieces from various fourth dimension periods, while considering artistic methods, cultural significance, and pregnant. Learners develop their attention to detail, along with research and analytical skills applicable to multiple art-related positions.

For example, exhibit designers must empathise museum pieces and their historical contexts to build accurate displays. Art history students likewise gain an agreement of aesthetics, which proves necessary for creative professionals such as photographers, interior designers, quilters, and floral designers.

Some art history professions require work feel. Students tin can prepare for these positions by pursuing internships with organizations such as museums and historic sites. Art history programs may require internships and other in-person components, such as orientations or seminars. In-person experiences oft allow students to network, which can lead to career opportunities.

Platonic candidates for art history programs are creative and passionate most art. Well-nigh art history students pursue careers showcasing projects or educating others near fine art. Graduates oft secure roles as museum curators, tour guides, and art consultants.

Many art history careers accept positive growth projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 14% increase in curator positions from 2016-2026 and a 12% increase in employment for museum technicians and conservators during the same fourth dimension frame.

Application Procedure

Students applying to accredited online art history degree programs must submit a form and an application fee of $25-$70. Most schools crave applicants to hold a high school diploma or the equivalent, and many crave students to take completed prerequisite courses in categories such as English, math, social science, and foreign language. Schools may require a minimum GPA, often a three.0, and official transcripts from loftier schools and previous colleges. Students must request official transcripts from each school individually and may need to pay a fee.

Students should discuss transfer credits with an counselor to determine how many previous courses they tin can utilize to their available'south in art history. For instance, if a transfer student passed a photography class at a previous school, that class may only count as an elective if the new school does not offer an equivalent class.

Other access requirements may include Human activity or SAT scores and a completed FAFSA class. Applicants may also demand to submit recommendation letters from faculty.

Departments may require a personal argument detailing the bidder's artistic preferences, personal strengths, life experiences, or successes. Personal statements may include a specified word count range. Other schools may crave a portfolio of 10 or more artistic projects.

What Will I Learn?

The best online art history degrees explore cultures throughout history, including prehistoric cave paintings, Greek pottery, and Roman architecture. Learners may also explore modern art forms such every bit photography and digital art. Students acquire to identify works by artist, era, and medium. Students as well clarify pieces for meaning, based on elements such as technique and historical context. Studying these topics can introduce students to sociological, economical, and legal concepts throughout history. Fine art history programs too develop research and presentation skills and aid students gain cultural awareness.

The elevation art history programs typically require 120-128 credits and explore the most famous artistic periods and types through cadre courses. Students likewise complete general education requirements and electives, the required number of which vary past plan. For case, one school may require 30 fine art history credits, while some other programme requires 60.

Individual courses vary by school. However, the classes below are common to many fine art history programs.

  • History of Photography This form by and large explores the history of photography, beginning in the 19th century. Students examine techniques, styles, and purposes of photography with regard to cultural and political contexts. Students tin use these insights to evaluate photographs as fine art buyers and consultants -- and while creating new artwork.
  • Renaissance Art Departments may divide Renaissance studies into specific regions, such as Northern Europe, and into time periods, including early on and belatedly Renaissance. Classes often cover famous artists, works, and architecture. Students acquire to recognize traits of Renaissance work and can employ that noesis to careers as art consultants and art museum workers.
  • Survey of Western Fine art Learners explore art from Western cultures, from aboriginal to modern times. Some departments split these studies into two courses, often at the Eye Ages. Students learn nigh traits and techniques of Western fine art and tin can use this data as museum workers and art consultants.
  • Asian Art Online art history degrees often explore Asian art from areas such as China, Japan, and Bharat. This class may embrace art forms including architecture, painting, sculpture, and moving picture, with consideration to history and civilization. This class prepares students for positions as fine art buyers and managers of Asian art exhibits and programs.
  • Museum and Gallery Studies This class oft explores diverse museum careers, such as curator and director positions, along with management strategies and technical concerns for galleries. Additional topics may include ideals in art purchasing and the history of museums. Programs may also require an internship. This form prepares students for positions in art museums and galleries.
  • What Can I Practise with an Online Bachelor'due south Caste in Fine art History?

    While earning an online art history degree, candidates study cultures, creative techniques, and historic eras. Curricula develop skills that employ to careers in various fields. Graduates can use their art knowledge to oversee museum exhibits and can employ honed research skills to careers as financial analysts. Art history bachelor's programs also prepare learners for graduate studies, which tin can qualify individuals for advanced positions.

    Cadre Skills

    Online art history degrees familiarize students with different cultures. Students tin take courses in Castilian, Italian, Chinese, and Greek art. These classes examine each country's history during significant pieces' creation. This global sensation tin can help graduates engage in intercultural dialogues during museum tours and provide context for exhibits.

    Art history programs besides assist students become enlightened of minute details, equally they examine art pieces for meaning. This attention to item is necessary for professionals, including museum technicians and floral designers, who must consider color, occasion, and season when creating pieces.

    Learners likewise develop inquiry skills while considering the context of artworks, preparing students to build strong arguments every bit historians. Students may present findings in papers and at public events, which strengthens communication skills. Stiff oral and written advice abilities are crucial for art consultants, purchasing agents, and curators, who must hash out art pieces with clients and organizations.

    For graduates with an online art history caste, responsibilities and earning potential vary by career. Students should consider their career goals when selecting a school to ensure that they choose a programme that develops relevant skills.

    Potential Careers and Salaries

    Students in these programs develop skills applicable to professions in fine art history and other fields. For example, cultural awareness can assistance politicians cultivate international relationships, and attention to particular is crucial for event planners. Students tin also cull from diverse art-related career options. Graduates can design exhibits for museums, purchase artwork for galleries, teach higher courses, and propose stage companies on sets and costumes.

    Due to the variety of available career paths, students should consider their professional goals before choosing a schoolhouse to make sure program coursework aligns with their intended field. Additionally, some art history positions require a principal'south caste and field feel; a available's caste is the outset stride toward fulfilling these requirements.

    Career Profiles

    Art Teacher, Postsecondary

    Annual Median Salary: $69,960

    Postsecondary teachers typically work at colleges and universities. These educators structure lesson plans and review assignments for classes inside their subject field. These educators may also perform field research and help students choose courses. Postsecondary fine art teachers generally need at least a primary's degree.

    Museum Educator

    Annual Median Salary: $35,533

    Museum educators develop and oversee educational programs that reflect the system's values. These professionals may collaborate with schools, train workers, and consider budget requirements. This position often requires a bachelor'southward.

    Art Consultant

    Annual Median Salary: $45,969

    Fine art consultants suggest individuals and organizations on fine art purchases for home interior, business environments, fine art galleries, and investments. A bachelor's in fine art history provides necessary noesis related to selecting pieces and determining reasonable prices.

    Historian

    Annual Median Salary: $64,140

    Historians enquiry and appraise past events, people, and cultures by examining primary and secondary sources. Historians may present findings in books, scholarly manufactures, and presentations. They may also participate in public educational events. Typically, historians need a master's caste.

    Will I Need a Graduate Degree for a Career in Art History?

    A bachelor's in art history prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, including roles as bout guides at art museums and historical sites, museum technicians, and exhibit designers. However, advanced positions may require a graduate degree. Postsecondary teachers, for example, typically need at to the lowest degree a master'due south, with some schools requiring a doctorate. In higher education, advanced degrees can likewise qualify individuals for postsecondary didactics administrator careers, including positions as provosts and deans.

    A graduate caste can too do good candidates pursuing Yard-12 professions. For example, an art history graduate may earn a chief'south caste and certification to become a instructor. Graduates can also earn a principal's in educational activity to authorize for positions equally instructional coordinators, who shape fine art programs for districts.

    Professionals who work in museums and galleries, including curators and conservators, often demand a graduate caste. Still, bachelor's degree holders with extensive field experience tin sometimes advance to these roles without boosted teaching, particularly those who work for smaller organizations.

    Accreditation for Fine art History Bachelor'southward Programs

    Accreditation indicates that a recognized agency has reviewed a school'due south academic programs and verified that they meet ready standards. To authorize for federal aid, students should but consider accredited institutions. Additionally, graduate schools and employers often recognize only degrees from accredited schools.

    Colleges and universities can earn regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type, and regionally accredited institutions by and large simply accept degrees and credits earned from other regionally accredited schools. Vocational and trade schools often receive national accreditation.

    Individual programs and departments may as well concord field-specific accreditation. Some art-related programs concord accreditation from the National Clan of Schools of Art & Pattern (NASAD). However, because art history programs often focus on history rather than pattern, NASAD accreditation may not apply.

    While programmatic accreditation provides boosted validation of the plan's academic standards, institutional accreditation is the near crucial type. Regional accrediting agencies evaluate schools in a specific geographic region and include the Higher Learning Committee and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

    Fine art History Professional Organizations

    Art history professional organizations ofttimes host conferences and events that innovate members to developments in the field and provide networking opportunities. Many organizations also offer workshops, grooming opportunities, newsletters, publications, and resources related to art history concepts and techniques.

    Members may also bask access to scholarship opportunities and career resources. Some professional person organizations specialize in areas such as the Renaissance or curation. Students and professionals should look for organizations relevant to their career or academic focus.

    Renaissance Society of America
    The RSA was founded in 1954 and focuses on cultures and art from 1300-1700. The website provides resources on architecture, art, history, literature, and exhibits and connects visitors with open positions in the field. Candidates tin submit articles for publication in the RSA'due south publication, Renaissance Quarterly. The organization also offers fellowships for members, a mentoring programme, and an annual conference.


    Medieval Academy of America
    Founded in 1925, this organization concentrates on aspects of medieval times, including history, art, constabulary, and finances. The organization publishes field books, hosts an annual meeting, and provides resources for K-12 education. The website provides access to the Medieval Digital Resource database, along with grant and honor opportunities for students, teachers, and scholars.


    Contemporary Arts Center
    Since 1939, the CAC has showcased modern art through exhibitions on specific artists and themes. The center also offers programs for families, students, and teens. Members can benefit from shop discounts and reduced or free entrance into group events.

    Popular Resources

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