Available's in Art and Fine art History Program Guide

portrait of Staff Writers

by Staff Writers

Published on Baronial 19, 2021 · Updated on Jan 21, 2022

Ready to start your journey?

Earning an art degree prepares painters, photographers, sculptors, and multimedia artists to strop their craft, while an art history caste prepares graduates for careers as museum curators, art gallery assistants, or art teachers. Artists also gain valuable skills while critiquing each other's work and organizing exhibitions and shows, which can translate into jobs in nonprofit organizations or event management.

With a broad base of critical thinking and technical skills, art and art history graduates work in a variety of growing fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects, for example, that positions for fine artists, multimedia artists, and museum curators will abound between 6-13% by 2026, making now a terrific fourth dimension to pursue a caste in the field. By completing a available'due south in art and art history, graduates are opened to numerous career opportunities while besides studying their passion.

What are the best art and art history programs?

Should I Get a Bachelor's in Art and Art History?

Fine art and art history degree programs provide core abilities in the fine arts, and the caste frequently includes a technical element for artists who rely on computer programs or piece of work with difficult materials. As a fine arts caste, an art program trains students how to exist fine artists, while also building skills in critiquing, analyzing, and creating visual work. Some programs include a design selection for students interested in visual or graphic blueprint. Art history majors also gain valuable skills for careers in museums or galleries, along with the writing and research abilities to succeed in a multifariousness of other fields.

Prospective art and art history students benefit from their plan's back up organization while in school, which may include networking opportunities with local artists, museums, and galleries. Some art programs offer opportunities to exhibit student piece of work or build a professional portfolio while in schoolhouse. Equally students near graduation, art and art history programs can also offering assistance finding internships and locating job opportunities. After graduation, many fine arts careers hire candidates with a bachelor'south in art and fine art history for entry-level positions as museum educators, multimedia artists, and designers.

When choosing between different art and art history programs, prospective students may wish to counterbalance the benefits of an online bachelor's degree. Online programs provide opportunities to interact with beau students and critique work, while completing whatever degree requirements (such as an internship) locally. The online or hybrid format may as well appeal to professionals pursuing a degree around their piece of work obligations. Students moving straight from high school into a bachelor's programme, or those with a strong local fine art program, may prefer an on-campus option.

What Tin can I Do With a Available'south in Fine art and Art History?

An art and art history bachelor's degree prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in the arts, humanities, and educational activity. Some graduates with an art degree become fine artists and produce work in their chosen medium to sell. Art and art history majors may besides work every bit educators, in museums curating exhibits and teaching visitors about the museum'due south drove, or in fine arts galleries. Majors with a specialization in blueprint tin work as graphic designers or interior designers (depending on their background), and graduates with strong computer skills may piece of work as multimedia artists.

Fine Artist

Fine artists create art for exhibition and sale. They work in a variety of artistic mediums, drawing on unlike techniques and materials to create art. Some work in glassware, textiles, or paint, while others are illustrators, photographers, or sculptors. Fine artists may work for a commercial art studio or may be self-employed.

Median Annual Bacon: $49,160*

Museum Curator

Museum curators oversee a collection of artwork or historic items in a museum or gallery, and they help design exhibitions featuring the museum's drove. They may also play a function in preserving or processing collection materials. Larger museums may require curators to hold a master's degree, while smaller museums may hire candidates with a bachelor'south in art or art history.

Median Annual Salary: $47,360*

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers communicate ideas visually, and often rely on computer software to create an original design. They develop the layout for advertisements and magazines, and graphic designers too create production designs. They may piece of work for a visitor or in a freelance chapters, and a available's in art or design often meets the entry level task requirements.

Median Annual Salary: $48,700*

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia artists create visual furnishings and animation for companies, including video games, storyboards, and CGI effects. A bachelor's degree in art with experience in computer graphics programs qualifies candidates for entry level positions in the field.

Median Almanac Salary: $70,530*

High School Teacher

High school teachers create lesson plans, assess student learning, and brainwash young learners in a particular subject. Fine art and art history majors may become fine art teachers or teach social studies. In some states, graduates with a bachelor's in art and fine art history may need additional educator grooming to authorize for a didactics license.

Median Annual Bacon: $59,170*

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Choose a Available's Program in Fine art and Art History

Prospective students take many choices when it comes to earning a bachelor's caste in art and art history. From liberal arts colleges to specialized art and design schools, students may struggle to narrow down their options. By considering key factors such as the cost, location, and time to caste, prospective fine art and art history majors can detect the program that best fits their interests and career goals.

The cost of an fine art caste varies depending on the institution. When considering costs, students need to inquiry tuition, fees, and associated expenses such as housing, commuting, and parking. Public schools offer a lower tuition charge per unit for in-country residents, and many institutions provide discounts for fully online students. Location tin also bear on the power to gain internship opportunities and network for jobs later graduation. Finally, the time to degree may make an expensive programme less plush if students can transfer in college credits.

In add-on to these factors, prospective art and art history students as well demand to consider the specializations available at each program. An art pupil interested in printmaking, for case, may merely wish to consider programs that offer a runway in printmaking. Students can likewise research the graduation requirements to learn how many general art classes they must take versus the specialized courses in their track.

Finally, some students may adopt the flexibility and accessibility of an online caste. The elevation online art and fine art history programs allow students accommodate their coursework around piece of work and family obligations, allowing students to earn a degree on their own schedule.

Programmatic Accreditation for Available's Programs in Fine art and Fine art History

Accreditation ensures that degree-granting institutions follow the highest standards for educational practices. Regional or national accreditation evaluates an entire institution, measuring student learning outcomes, degree requirements, and faculty qualifications. By contrast, programmatic accreditation assesses a unmarried program inside the higher or university, such as the business school, a teacher education program, or a social piece of work program.

As with many other fine arts and humanities majors, about art and art history programs do not hold programmatic accreditation. Instead, fine art and art history departments receive accreditation through the regional or national accrediting bureau. However, some specialized art schools hold programmatic accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Fine art and Pattern, which sets standards for art degrees. Accreditation matters because simply accredited institutions qualify for federal fiscal aid and meet the requirements for certain licenses and certifications. An accredited degree may also help graduates on the job market.

Bachelor's in Art and Art History Program Admissions

To use to a available's in art and art history program, candidates must submit required access materials. These materials give students the take a chance to print the admissions commission and demonstrate their ability to succeed at the higher level. Some art programs set their own prerequisite courses before students can join the major, which students consummate after being admitted to the college or university.

The access process varies depending on the schoolhouse, but almost require an application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and exam scores. The process may require more involved interaction for online programs, however, and may include working straight with an admission counselor to complete the process. Students should research the admission process when deciding whether to employ to a item schoolhouse; this ensures they meet the minimum requirements and prerequisites earlier spending money on an application fee.

Prerequisites

Some art and art history programs ready a minimum GPA for admission, which may exist equally loftier equally a 3.0 GPA. Programs may acknowledge students on a provisional basis if they exercise not meet a minimum requirement.

Admission Materials

Most programs require an online or paper awarding, which lists the applicant's educational history, background, and any relevant information. Students may exist able to complete the Common App, which lets students use one awarding to use to whatever of 700 different colleges and universities. Students must provide high schoolhouse or college transcripts, depending on the program. Incoming transfer students with at least one year of higher credit oft but need to provide higher transcripts. Many programs require ii or three letters of recommendation, which speak to the applicant's bookish hope. Applicants should give their recommenders at to the lowest degree three weeks notice. Colleges and universities may require either SAT or Human activity scores. Some schools waive this requirement for transfer students with at least 1 yr of college credits. Most programs charge an application fee to review the access materials. Students tin can apply for a fee waiver, and some schools do not charge a fee for applications.

What Else Can I Wait From a Available'south Program in Art and Art History?

A available'southward caste in art and art history may offer concentrations in painting, sculpture, drawing, or fine arts. Each program designs its ain graduation requirements, concentrations, and curriculum, however, then students should research their potential programs carefully.

Concentrations Offered for a Bachelor'due south Degree in Art and Art History
Concentration Description Careers
Painting Painting students learn diverse techniques of painting and study the history of the medium, with an emphasis on the studio component of painting. Students often piece of work together to critique each other's piece of work, and artists incorporate the feedback into refining their art. Art teacher, gallery curator
Art History Students who accept an art history track within an art or art history program written report the changing nature of art, from ancient sculpture to postmodern graphic fine art. Majors may specialize in a particular area of art history, such every bit the Renaissance, modern art, or the Baroque period. Museum educator, archivist
Photography Photography majors report the history of photography, printmaking, and post-production. Almost programs comprehend digital photography, with the pick to learn darkroom developing. Photography students may likewise larn 3D design and analogy techniques equally part of their pedagogy. Photographer, photo retoucher
Blueprint Some art and art history programs offer blueprint tracks, where students study graphic and visual design elements. Blueprint students may as well specialize in industrial pattern, interior blueprint, or user experience design. Learners as well explore traditional and computer blueprint, which builds skills for a variety of careers after graduation. interior designer, UX/UI design, industrial blueprint, graphic design
Fine Arts Some programs offering a general fine arts runway for students who want to build skills in a multifariousness of dissimilar disciplines. Fine arts students may take classes in sculpture, painting, drawing, 3D design, photography, and other studio or fine arts. Fine art teacher, museum educator

Courses in a Bachelor's in Fine art and Art History Programme

Fine art and art history degree programs offer broad introductory classes in different mediums earlier students specialize in an area of fine art. Some programs crave a foundation in fine art before majors take advanced classes in one area. While each program sets its own curriculum, many offer a version of the classes listed below.

Sculpture

Sculpture classes introduce art students to different methods, materials, and processes around making sculptures. Students build technical skills while learning how to critique sculpture. The class may likewise cover the history of sculpture and learn about different materials such as wood, plaster, metal, and dirt.

Drawing

Many fine art programs incorporate a drawing class that builds skills in sketching, illustration, and design. The course emphasizes the role of drawing in fine art practice, while students practice different drawing techniques and acquire difference between abstract drawing and observational cartoon.

Photography

In photography classes, students larn to blueprint, process, and edit photographic art. The class may utilise digital imaging processes and crave studio projects based on different themes. Students build critiquing skills and learn to interpret photographic art.

Introduction to Art History

Art history students oft start with an introductory form, which covers major movements in art such as the Renaissance, romanticism, and postmodern art. They learn almost important artists, their medium, and the context for their piece of work. This class prepares art history majors for more than in-depth study of particular periods in fine art.

Senior Project

Many art programs incorporate a senior project for students based on their fine fine art specialty. Senior projects may include a research component, where students acquire about artists that inspire their work, and a studio component where students create work and critique each other's work. The class may finish with a studio exhibit to showcase the piece of work.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Available's in Art and Fine art History?

Typically, a available's degree takes 4 years of full-fourth dimension written report and requires a minimum of 120 credits. Withal, the length of an fine art degree may vary depending on the program and a student's educational groundwork. Students with pregnant transfer credits, for example, may be able to finish a bachelor'due south degree in art and art history in only one or two years. On the other hand, students who choose a part-time option may crave more iv years.

The plan structure also affects the length of time to degree. Some art programs require an internship component, which may add together time to the caste, or include a capstone projection with an art exhibition. Art history students may need to also write a research paper equally part of their graduation requirements. Because these requirements vary by programme, prospective students demand to carefully inquiry the curriculum at each potential programme.

How Much Is a Available's in Art and Fine art History?

The toll of an fine art and art history bachelor'due south degree varies depending on the programme and the establishment. In-state public colleges and universities accuse the lowest tuition rate, for case, with College Lath reporting that these institutions charged an average tuition rate of just under $10,000 a year in 2017/2018. Out-of-state public schools, by comparison, charged over $25,000 in tuition, with private schools exceeding $35,000 a yr.

An art caste may cost less if students secure scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial aid. Some schools also offer tuition discounts for fully online programs. When calculating the cost of a caste, students need to consider additional costs across tuition, such as books and supplies, fees, and living expenses. Online students may save on commuting, parking, and childcare expenses, which tin add together up to thousands of dollars each year.

When researching the price of dissimilar programs, prospective students should reach out to an admissions advisor to discuss tuition discounts, scholarships, and work study opportunities. Students may exist able to lower costs by transferring in college credits earned at another institution or a community higher, then transfer students too need to research each school's transfer credit policies.

Certifications and Licenses a Bachelor'southward in Art and Art History Prepares For

Art and art history graduates pursue a variety of careers after graduation, nigh of which do not require a certification or license. Nonetheless, artists who cull to specialize in education may decide to earn a teaching license or go a board certified fine art teacher. In addition, artists in graphics or animation may benefit from earning certifications in their specialty.

Education License

Art and art history majors may qualify for a didactics license, depending on their state licensure guidelines. Graduates can become art teachers or teach history or social studies. Some states may require additional teacher preparation before candidates with a bachelor's degree qualify for a teaching license.

Certified Fine art Instructor

The National Board for Professional Pedagogy Standards offers board certification for art teachers who demonstrate their content area noesis past passing an examination. Candidates must accept at to the lowest degree three years of teaching experience and a available'southward caste. The certification covers early and middle childhood or early on adolescence through young adulthood.

Unity Certified 3D Artist

Artists who work in the graphic arts can earn the Unity certified 3D creative person designation past completing an examination that covers rendering, lighting, and blitheness skills. The certification remains valid for 2 years.

Resource for Fine art and Art History Students

Fine art Jobs Board

The Art Jobs Board boasts over 500,000 artists using the free resource to observe paid and unpaid job opportunities, with events and workshops to support artists.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The online resources at the Met website include learning resources for students, teachers, and professionals, with a full timeline of art history.

Google ART Project

With over xl,000 images from museums around the world, Google's ART Project lets artists and fine art historians zoom in on images and learn well-nigh artists throughout history.

AIGA Design Jobs

AIGA offers a jobs board for design openings across the country, including positions for graphic designers, UX/UI designers, and bookish positions. The board also features freelance, internship, and pro bono opportunities for designers.

Appraisers Association of America

Artists looking for an appraiser tin can benefit from the Appraisers Association. Resources include a membership directory to locate a local appraiser.

Professional Organizations in Art and Art History

Students with a bachelor's degree in fine art and fine art history tin can leverage the numerous resources bachelor through professional associations. These organizations bring together artists working in different mediums, and provide networking opportunities, awards and competitions, and professional person development resources. Many organizations also offer career services, which include jobs boards where graduates can post their resume. By joining a professional person organization, artists and fine art historians connect with professionals in their field to advance their careers.

College Fine art Association

Dating back to 1911, the College Art Association promotes the commutation of ideas betwixt artists and art historians. The CAA publishes The Art Bulletin and Art Journal, hosts an annual conference, and provides data about chore openings.

Club of Illustrators

Founded in 1901, the Order of Illustrators supports the art of illustration and runs a museum in New York Metropolis. The Gild hosts events, confers awards, and organizes competitions for artists.

National Association of Independent Artists

NAIA offers opportunities to network, resources for hosting fine art shows, and information for artists to advance their career. Members receive admission to a directory for networking, discount programs, and the NAIA newspaper.

National Art Education Association

A professional system for art educators, NAEA members include Thousand-12 art teachers, professors, future fine art educators, and educational activity artists. The association publishes standards, provides resources on teaching, and hosts conferences and summer programs.

American Institute of Graphic Arts

Dating back to 1914, AIGA brings together design professionals, advocates for the value of blueprint, and offers professional evolution resources. Members receive access to the jobs board, member discounts, and health insurance enrollment assistance.

This guide ranks superlative online bachelor's in fine art and fine art history programs. Acquire nearly common classes every bit well as careers you lot can pursue with an art history caste. Nosotros answer your questions about earning a available'due south in graphic design degree — career outlook, admissions, cost, and program information. Find your calling with help from our bachelor'southward in history program guide. Learn more about the caste and related careers.

BestColleges.com is an ad-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Compare your school options.

View the almost relevant school for your interests and compare them past tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college dwelling.