Art History is a fascinating and enriching field of study that offers students an in-depth exploration of visual and material culture from ancient to modern times. Pursuing a degree in Art History opens up a world of opportunities for individuals interested in art, culture, and history. Graduates with an Art History degree can apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of exciting career paths.
Art History programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which art was created. Students will learn to analyze and interpret works of art, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. Art History majors will also have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic styles and movements, from classical to contemporary art.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in museums, galleries, or academia, an Art History degree provides a solid foundation for a variety of professions. Graduates with an Art History degree can work as curators, art educators, art critics, or museum directors. The skills and knowledge gained through an Art History degree can also be applied to other fields such as journalism, advertising, or publishing.
What is an Art History Degree?
Overview of Art History Degree
An Art History degree is a liberal arts program that focuses on the study of visual and material culture from ancient to modern times. Students learn how to analyze and interpret art and gain an understanding of the historical, social, cultural, and political contexts in which it was created. The degree program provides a comprehensive education in art history, including courses in painting, sculpture, architecture, and other art forms.
Types of Art History Degrees
Art History degrees are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art History. These programs typically take four years to complete and provide a broad education in art history, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific areas of interest. At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art History. These programs typically take two to three years to complete and provide advanced education in art history, as well as opportunities to conduct original research and produce a thesis or dissertation.
Skills Gained from Art History Degree
Students who earn an Art History degree gain a variety of skills that are highly valued by employers. These skills include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and writing. Art History graduates are well-equipped for careers in fields such as museums, galleries, art conservation, art education, and publishing. They also have the skills necessary to pursue advanced degrees in related fields such as art history, museum studies, or library science. In summary, an Art History degree provides students with a comprehensive education in the study of visual and material culture, as well as a variety of valuable skills that are highly valued by employers in a variety of fields.
Why Pursue an Art History Degree?
Career Opportunities
Art history graduates have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. They can work in museums, galleries, auction houses, and other art-related businesses. They can also work in education, as teachers or professors, or in research, as art historians or critics. Graduates can also pursue careers in the art market, such as art dealers or appraisers, or in the media, as art journalists or writers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for art curators, museum workers, and archivists was $51,280 in May 2021. The job outlook for these professions is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Personal Enrichment
Studying art history can be personally enriching, providing students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and culture. Students can learn about the history of art, the techniques and styles of different artists, and the social, political, and cultural contexts in which art was created.
Studying art history can also help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively. These skills can be valuable in a wide range of professions, not just in the art world.
Furthermore, studying art history can broaden students’ perspectives and help them develop a greater appreciation of diversity and cultural differences. Art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, and studying art history can help students understand and appreciate this universal language.
How to Get an Art History Degree?
Choosing the Right Program
When looking for an art history degree program, it is important to consider the reputation of the institution, the program’s curriculum, and the availability of resources such as study abroad opportunities and internships. Some notable institutions offering art history degree programs include John Cabot University, Academy of Art University, and Arizona State University. Researching each program thoroughly can help you determine which program is the right fit for you.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for art history degree programs can vary depending on the institution. However, most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some programs may also require standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.
Program Duration and Cost
The duration and cost of an art history degree program can vary depending on the institution and program type. A bachelor’s degree in art history typically takes four years to complete, while a master’s degree can take an additional two to three years. The cost of tuition can also vary, with some institutions offering online degree programs at a lower cost compared to traditional in-person programs. It is important to research the cost of each program and consider financial aid options such as scholarships and grants. Overall, obtaining an art history degree requires careful consideration of the institution, program, and resources available. By researching each program thoroughly and considering factors such as admission requirements, program duration, and cost, you can make an informed decision about which program is right for you.
Art History Degree Curriculum
The Art History degree curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual and material culture from ancient to modern times. The curriculum is divided into core courses, elective courses, and a capstone project.
Core Courses
The core courses in the Art History degree curriculum are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the history of art. These courses cover topics such as the history of Western art, non-Western art, and contemporary art. Some of the core courses that students may be required to take include:
- Introduction to Art History
- Art of the Ancient World
- Medieval Art
- Renaissance Art
- Baroque Art
- Modern Art
Elective Courses
The elective courses in the Art History degree curriculum allow students to specialize in a particular area of art history. These courses cover topics such as the history of architecture, photography, and film. Some of the elective courses that students may choose to take include:
- History of Architecture
- History of Photography
- History of Film
- Contemporary Art
- Art and Society
- Art and Politics
Capstone Project
The capstone project is the culminating experience of the Art History degree curriculum. This project allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their coursework to a specific research project. The capstone project may take the form of a research paper, exhibition, or other creative project.
Overall, the Art History degree curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of visual and material culture from ancient to modern times. The core courses, elective courses, and capstone project work together to provide students with a well-rounded education in the history of art.
Art History Degree Careers
Graduating with a degree in art history can open up various career paths for you. Below are some of the most popular careers you can pursue with an art history degree.
Museum Curator
If you have a passion for art and history, becoming a museum curator can be an excellent career choice. As a curator, you will be responsible for managing and preserving a museum’s collections, creating exhibits, and conducting research. You will also be responsible for acquiring new pieces for the museum’s collection.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for curators was $59,130 in May 2020.
Art Teacher
If you have a passion for teaching and art, becoming an art teacher can be a fulfilling career choice. As an art teacher, you will teach students about art history, techniques, and help them develop their creativity. You can teach in elementary, middle, or high schools, or even at the college level.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for high school teachers was $62,870 in May 2020.
Art Historian
As an art historian, you will research and analyze art from different periods and cultures. You will work to understand the context in which the art was created and what it represents. You can work in museums, galleries, or universities.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for historians was $63,100 in May 2020.
Art Critic
If you have a passion for writing and art, becoming an art critic can be an excellent career choice. As an art critic, you will analyze and critique art, writing reviews and articles for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. You will need to have a deep understanding of art history and be able to communicate your thoughts effectively.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for writers and authors was $67,120 in May 2020.
Conclusion
Obtaining an Art History degree is a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of human culture through the study of art. Graduates of Art History programs have a variety of career options available to them, including museum work, art conservation, art education, and more.
Studying Art History provides students with a unique set of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and visual analysis. These skills are highly sought after in many industries and can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
While studying Art History can be challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. The knowledge gained through the study of art can help individuals better understand the world around them and appreciate the beauty and complexity of human culture.
Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the arts or simply want to deepen your understanding of the world around you, obtaining an Art History degree is a great way to achieve your goals.
