Online Art History Degree Programs

Whether you want to study ancient Egyptian artifacts or write reviews of the latest exhibits at the local museum, your knowledge of art history can provide solid career training. Keep reading to learn more about great careers in this field.

Career Opportunities for Art Historians Span the Globe

A college degree in art history not only exposes you to the art and artifacts of other cultures and time periods, but it can also provide and enhance skills in communication, research, observation, and teamwork. As an art historian, you can have career choices including:

• Teaching
• Acquisitions and archival for public and private collections
• Art criticism and reporting
• Scholarly research and grant writing
• Collecting and selling art and antiques

Your work can include observing, researching, and writing about many types of art. You can also study cultural influences, along with social and historical conditions that contribute to specific artworks.

Graduate Degrees in Art History Provide Best Career Potential

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that archivist, curator, and museum technician jobs will grow by about 18 percent--faster than average--through 2016. Tough competition for these jobs is expected due to cutbacks in arts funding. Although entry level positions in galleries and museums may be available to those with bachelor's degrees, most jobs as archivists and curators require a graduate degree. History students who are interested in the humanities can benefit from studying art history. Artifacts associated with specific historical periods can provide insight and varying points of view about historical events and cultural practices within specific time frames and locations.

College degrees in art history typically include core studies in math, language, writing, the humanities, and the sciences. Courses related to your art history major can include design, art appreciation, and seminars. Expect to study various areas of the humanities. While studying art history, you can gain an understanding of how all multiple aspects of human history and culture are interconnected and influence one another. If you're pursuing a graduate degree, you may also conduct research complementing your interests in art history.

Art Galleries, Classrooms, and Museums: Which Will You Choose?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job opportunities will grow about 18 percent between 2006 and 20016, but cautions that strong competition for jobs is likely. Based on May 2007 data, the median salary for curators was $46,000. As funding cuts become more prevalent, many museums are hiring curators and support staff on a contract basis, but interest in the arts is expected to fuel continued need for workers with career training in art history and related fields.

• Liberal Arts & Humanities