Art History Programs

Complete Guide to Earning an Art History Degree

Are you fascinated by the stories behind great works of art? A degree in Art History could launch you into an exciting career in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. With job growth outpacing the national average and diverse career opportunities, now is an excellent time to pursue this rewarding field.

Why Choose Art History?

Art History combines visual analysis, historical research, and critical thinking to understand how art shapes human experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in this field are growing fast, with a projected 9% increase in curator and museum worker positions from 2022 to 2032.

What Degree Options Are Available?

Choose from three main degree paths:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) – Perfect for entry-level positions
  • Master’s Degree (2-3 years) – Advanced roles and specialization
  • Doctorate (4-7 years) – Research and teaching positions

What Will You Study?

A typical undergraduate program requires 120 credit hours, including:

Core Requirements

  • General education (40-45 credits)
  • Major-specific courses (36-45 credits)
  • Foreign language study (12-16 credits)
  • Electives (20-30 credits)

Key Subject Areas

  • Ancient and Classical Art
  • Medieval Art
  • Renaissance and Baroque Art
  • Modern and Contemporary Art
  • Non-Western Art Traditions
  • Art Theory and Criticism

Top Art History Programs

1. New York University – Department of Art History

100 Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003
Program Website

Program Highlights:

  • Global perspective emphasis
  • Extensive museum partnerships
  • Prime NYC location for internships
  • Annual tuition: $58,168 (2023-24)

2. University of California, Los Angeles – Department of Art History

100 Dodd Hall, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Program Website

Program Highlights:

  • Museum Studies specialization
  • Archaeological Studies track
  • Part-time options available
  • CA resident tuition: $13,752 (2023-24)

3. University of Michigan – History of Art Department

855 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Program Website

Program Highlights:

  • Digital art history focus
  • University Museum partnership
  • In-state tuition: $15,948 (2023-24)
  • Traditional and innovative tracks

Career Opportunities and Earnings

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports these median annual salaries:

  • Museum Curators: $60,110
  • Art Teachers (Secondary): $61,820
  • Archivists: $57,580
  • Gallery Directors: $65,000+

Professional Growth Opportunities

Enhance your career with:

Industry Insights

According to the American Alliance of Museums:

  • Museums contribute $50 billion annually to the U.S. economy
  • 850 million museum visits occur yearly
  • Digital collections are expanding rapidly
  • Global perspectives are increasingly valued

Funding Your Education

Access these financial resources:

  1. Federal Aid through FAFSA
  2. Merit-based scholarships
  3. Work-study opportunities
  4. Professional grants
  5. Paid internships

Keys to Success

Set yourself apart by:

  • Completing meaningful internships
  • Mastering foreign languages
  • Developing digital skills
  • Building professional networks
  • Pursuing advanced education

Essential Resources

Connect with these organizations:

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Art History offers a dynamic blend of cultural understanding, critical thinking, and creative engagement. As museums and cultural institutions embrace new technologies and perspectives, graduates find increasingly diverse opportunities to make their mark in this fascinating field.

Start your art history journey today by exploring program options and connecting with professionals in your areas of interest.