Earning an Online Art History Bachelor'south Degree

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April 16, 2021 • half-dozen Min Read

Program, Career & Salary Information

An fine art history caste introduces students to artistic periods, such as the Renaissance and Baroque eras, along with different types of art. Departments may discuss paintings, sculptures, architecture, and photography. Coursework often trains learners to make cultural inferences using artworks.

Graduates tin can utilize gained skills in perception and assay to careers as museum workers, consultants, and independent artists, as well every bit 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 as accreditation and common grade requirements. Students tin can use this information to identify programs that align with their career objectives.

Overview of Fine art History Degrees

Fine art history includes works from prehistoric cave paintings to mod art pieces. Bachelor's students examine artistic masterpieces from various fourth dimension periods, while considering artistic methods, cultural significance, and meaning. Learners develop their attention to particular, along with research and analytical skills applicable to multiple art-related positions.

For instance, showroom designers must understand museum pieces and their historical contexts to build accurate displays. Art history students also gain an understanding of aesthetics, which proves necessary for artistic professionals such as photographers, interior designers, quilters, and floral designers.

Some art history professions crave work feel. Students 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 often allow students to network, which can atomic number 82 to career opportunities.

Ideal candidates for art history programs are artistic and passionate about art. Most art history students pursue careers showcasing projects or educating others almost art. Graduates often secure roles as museum curators, tour guides, and fine art consultants.

Many art history careers have positive growth projections. The Agency of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a xiv% increase in curator positions from 2016-2026 and a 12% increase in employment for museum technicians and conservators during the aforementioned time frame.

Application Process

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

Students should discuss transfer credits with an advisor to determine how many previous courses they can use to their bachelor's in art history. For example, if a transfer student passed a photography class at a previous school, that grade may but count as an elective if the new schoolhouse does not offering an equivalent course.

Other admission requirements may include Human action or Sat scores and a completed FAFSA class. Applicants may also need to submit recommendation letters from faculty.

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

What Will I Learn?

The all-time online art history degrees explore cultures throughout history, including prehistoric cave paintings, Greek pottery, and Roman architecture. Learners may too explore modern art forms such equally photography and digital fine art. Students larn to identify works by artist, era, and medium. Students besides clarify pieces for meaning, based on elements such as technique and historical context. Studying these topics tin can introduce students to sociological, economic, and legal concepts throughout history. Fine art history programs also develop inquiry and presentation skills and help students gain cultural awareness.

The top art history programs typically crave 120-128 credits and explore the most famous artistic periods and types through core courses. Students as well complete full general instruction requirements and electives, the required number of which vary past programme. For example, one school may require xxx fine art history credits, while another program requires 60.

Individual courses vary by schoolhouse. However, the classes beneath are common to many art history programs.

  • History of Photography This class generally explores the history of photography, offset in the 19th century. Students examine techniques, styles, and purposes of photography with regard to cultural and political contexts. Students can apply these insights to evaluate photographs as art buyers and consultants -- and while creating new artwork.
  • Renaissance Fine art Departments may divide Renaissance studies into specific regions, such as Northern Europe, and into fourth dimension periods, including early on and late Renaissance. Classes often cover famous artists, works, and compages. Students learn to recognize traits of Renaissance work and tin apply that knowledge to careers as art consultants and art museum workers.
  • Survey of Western Fine art Learners explore art from Western cultures, from ancient to mod times. Some departments divide these studies into two courses, frequently at the Middle Ages. Students larn nigh traits and techniques of Western art and tin can use this information as museum workers and art consultants.
  • Asian Art Online fine art history degrees often explore Asian art from areas such equally China, Nihon, and India. This class may encompass art forms including architecture, painting, sculpture, and moving-picture show, with consideration to history and culture. This class prepares students for positions every bit fine art buyers and managers of Asian art exhibits and programs.
  • Museum and Gallery Studies This form frequently explores various museum careers, such as curator and director positions, along with management strategies and technical concerns for galleries. Additional topics may include ethics in art purchasing and the history of museums. Programs may also require an internship. This course prepares students for positions in art museums and galleries.
  • What Can I Exercise with an Online Available'due south Caste in Art History?

    While earning an online fine art history caste, candidates report cultures, artistic techniques, and historic eras. Curricula develop skills that apply to careers in diverse fields. Graduates tin utilize their art knowledge to oversee museum exhibits and can utilise honed research skills to careers as financial analysts. Fine art history bachelor's programs also set learners for graduate studies, which tin can qualify individuals for advanced positions.

    Core Skills

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

    Art history programs also help students become aware of infinitesimal details, as they examine fine art pieces for pregnant. This attention to particular is necessary for professionals, including museum technicians and floral designers, who must consider color, occasion, and season when creating pieces.

    Learners likewise develop enquiry skills while considering the context of artworks, preparing students to build strong arguments equally historians. Students may present findings in papers and at public events, which strengthens communication skills. Strong oral and written communication abilities are crucial for art consultants, purchasing agents, and curators, who must talk over fine art pieces with clients and organizations.

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

    Potential Careers and Salaries

    Students in these programs develop skills applicable to professions in art history and other fields. For instance, cultural sensation tin can assist politicians cultivate international relationships, and attending to detail is crucial for event planners. Students tin also choose from various fine art-related career options. Graduates can design exhibits for museums, buy artwork for galleries, teach college courses, and advise phase companies on sets and costumes.

    Due to the variety of available career paths, students should consider their professional goals earlier choosing a school to make sure program coursework aligns with their intended field. Additionally, some art history positions crave a master's caste and field experience; a bachelor'south degree is the starting time step toward fulfilling these requirements.

    Career Profiles

    Art Teacher, Postsecondary

    Annual Median Salary: $69,960

    Postsecondary teachers typically piece of work at colleges and universities. These educators structure lesson plans and review assignments for classes within their subject area. These educators may besides perform field research and assistance students choose courses. Postsecondary fine art teachers generally need at least a chief'southward degree.

    Museum Educator

    Annual Median Salary: $35,533

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

    Art Consultant

    Annual Median Salary: $45,969

    Art consultants advise individuals and organizations on fine art purchases for home interior, business organisation environments, art galleries, and investments. A available's in art history provides necessary knowledge related to selecting pieces and determining reasonable prices.

    Historian

    Annual Median Salary: $64,140

    Historians research and assess past events, people, and cultures by examining principal and secondary sources. Historians may present findings in books, scholarly articles, and presentations. They may as well participate in public educational events. Typically, historians need a master's degree.

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

    A available'due south in art history prepares students for entry-level positions in the field, including roles as tour guides at fine art museums and historical sites, museum technicians, and exhibit designers. However, advanced positions may require a graduate degree. Postsecondary teachers, for instance, typically demand at least a master's, with some schools requiring a doctorate. In higher education, avant-garde degrees can likewise qualify individuals for postsecondary education ambassador careers, including positions as provosts and deans.

    A graduate caste can also benefit candidates pursuing Thousand-12 professions. For example, an art history graduate may earn a chief'south caste and certification to go a teacher. Graduates can also earn a master'due south in education to qualify for positions as instructional coordinators, who shape art programs for districts.

    Professionals who work in museums and galleries, including curators and conservators, often demand a graduate caste. However, bachelor'due south caste holders with extensive field experience tin can sometimes advance to these roles without additional education, specially those who work for smaller organizations.

    Accreditation for Fine art History Bachelor'due south Programs

    Accreditation indicates that a recognized agency has reviewed a school's academic programs and verified that they meet set standards. To qualify for federal aid, students should only consider accredited institutions. Additionally, graduate schools and employers oftentimes recognize only degrees from accredited schools.

    Colleges and universities can earn regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation is the well-nigh prestigious type, and regionally accredited institutions mostly only have degrees and credits earned from other regionally accredited schools. Vocational and merchandise schools ofttimes receive national accreditation.

    Individual programs and departments may also hold field-specific accreditation. Some art-related programs concur accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art & Pattern (NASAD). However, because art history programs oftentimes focus on history rather than design, NASAD accreditation may not apply.

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

    Art History Professional Organizations

    Art history professional organizations frequently host conferences and events that innovate members to developments in the field and provide networking opportunities. Many organizations as well offer workshops, training opportunities, newsletters, publications, and resource related to art history concepts and techniques.

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

    Renaissance Guild of America
    The RSA was founded in 1954 and focuses on cultures and fine art from 1300-1700. The website provides resources on architecture, art, history, literature, and exhibits and connects visitors with open up positions in the field. Candidates tin submit manufactures for publication in the RSA'southward publication, Renaissance Quarterly. The organisation as well offers fellowships for members, a mentoring plan, and an annual conference.


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


    Gimmicky Arts Heart
    Since 1939, the CAC has showcased modern art through exhibitions on specific artists and themes. The eye also offers programs for families, students, and teens. Members tin benefit from store discounts and reduced or free entrance into group events.

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    Whether you're looking to earn your online degree or y'all're a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered hither. Explore these resources to assist yous brand informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

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