Art History Degree Online
Art is all around us. It includes the design of a book cover. In includes classic paintings in museums, too. As the old saying goes, “I may not know art, but I know what I like.”
Our love of art is very personal. What we like depends on our opinion. But the steps toward a career in an artistic field are down to a science.
If you want to get a job in art or art history, your first step is to do an art or art history degree on line.
What is an Art or Art History Degree?
An online degree in art history is the study of art. More specifically, you’ll study:
- time periods
- aesthetics
- cultural influences
- ideologies
- social norms,
Art records human history. The earliest examples are the cave drawings of our prehistoric ancestors. Classical Roman and Greek statues are prime examples of art. The chapels and cathedrals of the Middle Ages are as well. Renaissance paintings and designs are other prime examples. We’ve also seen a new version of art in digital graphic design in the modern era.
Art includes a wide variety of ideas, emotions, and expressions. Therefore, a broad education is the best foundation for art or art history majors. A liberal arts curriculum does just that. It exposes you to broad ideas and concepts. It’s a solid foundation for a career in this field. Naturally, art or art history degrees are also a good place to start.
How Much Can You Earn With an Art or Art History Degree?
What is the median salary for an art history graduate? This is a difficult question to answer for a B.A. in Art or Art History.
If you want to be an artist, you might earn an annual salary of $49,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If you want to use your art degree in a museum or school, you could earn a median annual salary of $49,574, according to PayScale.
Of course, the income for artists and related workers varies. For example, as an art teacher, you’ll earn less per year than an artist who sells their work for millions of dollars. The sky’s the limit for many careers in this field.
What is Required for an Art or Art History Degree?
You should begin your education by getting a bachelor’s art history online degree. As mentioned above, a liberal arts degree or art or art history degree are a great place to begin.
An undergraduate degree takes four years of study at an accredited college or university when you attend full-time. The timeline for graduation can be shortened by taking extra courses (e.g., during the summer). Of course, the time to graduate is longer if you get your online degree in art history as a part-time student.
You might begin your studies at a community college or junior college. Usually, this involves working towards a two-year degree, which is an associate’s degree. Then, you can transfer to a four-year college or university to complete your undergraduate studies.
Both on-campus and online art programs usually require around 120 semester credit hours or 180 quarter hours to graduate. All but one program in our rankings below requires 120 credit hours (the other requires 124 credits).
What are the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Art or Art History Degrees?
There are many good online arts programs available. But what’s the best online art history degree? The best one for you depends on what you want to do with the art degree.
Colleges often include arts/graphic arts programs in architecture schools. If so, you’ll complete liberal arts subjects in addition to the major.
OSR has reviewed ten options to make your school search easier. We’ve ranked them below as the best online art & art history bachelor’s programs.
To arrive at our rankings, we evaluated each of the bachelor’s in art history degrees using the same seven criteria:
- The number of degree options available
- The median annual wages two years after graduation
- The school’s admissions rate
- The school’s graduation rate
- The median debt upon graduation
- Student satisfaction
- The school’s type of accreditation (regional accreditation, which is preferred, or national accreditation).
By using these measures, we can develop a clearer picture of what these programs and schools have to offer. This, in turn, can help you in your school search.
At the program level, we look at the number of degree options available. We also examine the median annual wages two years after graduation. The more degree options that are offered, the greater the flexibility you have in planning your education. Likewise, the more money you’re likely to make after graduating can be considered a strong factor in deciding which programs are best.
The other five factors evaluate the schools that offer these programs. Schools with higher admissions criteria, better graduation rates, and lower median debt upon graduation are ranked higher. Schools with higher student satisfaction scores and accredited institutions also earn higher rankings.
You can learn more about our ranking methodology on our methodology page.
Now, let’s look at the best online bachelor’s degrees in art or art history. The art history degree programs below are listed in order of highest to lowest score.
Online Art History Degrees
1. Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts & Sciences
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $111.92 per credit (in-state); $500 (out-of-state)
- Tuition rates are just $111.92 per credit hour for in-state students. This is by far the most affordable program on this list.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,391
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,149
- Student Satisfaction: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 81.67
This online degree in digital arts and sciences from the University of Florida is part of UF’s Digital Worlds Institute. The Institute includes a host of degree programs that focus on skill-building for the digital world.
Classes are done collaboratively. You’ll have chances to work on team projects in online learning environments.
Some of the featured online art history courses for college credit include:
- Principles of Interaction and Usability
- Digital Animation Techniques
- Entrepreneurship in New Media
- Digital Storytelling
- Principles of Digital Visualization
Likewise, you must take electives in Animation and Game Design. You’ll study Experience Design or general digital design to fulfill the requirements for graduation.
One of the best features of this program is its low cost. It’s just $111.92 per credit for in-state students. The University of Florida also has a very low graduate debt level of $18,149. This is roughly half the average for U.S. college graduates.
2. Online Bachelor of Arts in Design Arts & Practices
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $500 per credit
- This is an interdisciplinary program. It explores art history and art theory. You’ll also study art practice and the foundations of design.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 3
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,757
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $22,919
- Student Satisfaction: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 81.67
This online art degree from the University of Arizona helps students like you gain valuable skills. It also helps in your future art-related careers. Included in those skills are:
- Organizational skills
- Project management
- Computational thinking
- Visual communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking skills
Since this program is multidisciplinary, you can pursue careers in various areas. This includes graphic design, web design, and illustration. Animation is also a popular job area.
Of course, this online degree in design arts and practices includes many classes in artistic disciplines. You’ll take courses in illustration and typography. Animation and contemporary art are part of the curriculum as well. You can even take courses in architecture and cinema.
This program also includes a capstone project. The capstone occurs during your final year of studies. It’s a way of showing what you’ve learned about art throughout your studies in the program.
3. Online Bachelor of Arts in the Arts
Quick Facts:
- Length: 124 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state)
- You have the freedom to choose your area of concentration in the arts. You can pick from fine art, graphic arts, or an art history concentration. There are many other choices as well.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 3
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,402.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $21,038
- Student Satisfaction: 3.1 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 75
As noted above, this online bachelor’s in art from SUNY Empire State lets you customize the program for your interests. This is unique among the degree programs on this list.
The areas of specialization you can choose from are varied as well. You can select from fine arts, graphic arts, or performing arts. Other options are creative writing, media arts, or art history. Arts management is an additional option.
You’ll learn about art in the context of history and culture, regardless of which track you pursue. Coursework also examines art through:
- current issues
- philosophical questions
- art theory
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for art. You’ll also have more advanced artistic skills. You gain improved techniques for creating art and a lot of research skills as well. Furthermore, you’ll have skills associated with developing unique ideas and perspectives on art. You will be able to communicate your perspectives through art, too.
You’ll have the guidance of a faculty member to rely on throughout the program. They will help you develop your course of study and maximize your opportunities to learn and grow.
4. Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Photography
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $320 per credit
- This program examines the development and evolution of visual art over the centuries. Your studies will be from a multicultural point of view.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 6
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,282.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,250
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 70
The online bachelor of arts program in digital photography from Southern New Hampshire University is one of six online bachelor’s degrees in from the university. You can also major in:
- Graphic Design & Media Arts – 3D Modeling & Animation
- Game Art & Development
- Graphic Design & Media Arts
- Graphic Design & Media Arts – Web Design
- Game Programming and Development
The digital photography track focuses your education on the basics of photography. This is done as an art and a science. Coursework focuses on topics related to cameras and lenses. You’ll also learn about lighting and editing technologies.
Additionally, you’ll explore the creative aspects of photography. This includes learning about composition and creative lighting techniques. You’ll learn about framing and color theory as well.
There is also a portfolio requirement for this degree. This allows you to explore your photographic skills and get feedback on your work. You can then use your portfolio to help you showcase your work to potential clients.
5. Online Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $561-$661 per credit
- This program explores artistic trends. You’ll learn about the relationship of art and economics, social influences, and politics.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 6
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,766.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,000
- Student Satisfaction: 3.9 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 66.67
ASU’s online bachelor of arts in art history degree program is a traditional 120-hour semester-based program. It takes approximately four years to complete.
During your four years of studies at ASU, you’ll learn about various artistic trends. You’ll also explore the social, political, and economic contexts in which those trends developed.
Your studies begin with ancient art from the prehistoric era through the Medieval period. Then you’ll learn about:
- Renaissance-era art
- modernism
- art history of Asia and Africa
From there, you’ll explore topics related to specific art forms, like photography.
You’ll benefit from a research methods class as well. This course gives you the chance to do art history research. You can develop skills required for scholarship in the field of art history.
6. Online Bachelor of Arts in Design
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $477 per credit
- Grand Canyon University offers two different design degrees. There’s one in animation and another in website design. There are also two different film tracks. This gives you four online bachelor’s degree programs from which to choose.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 4
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,335
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $29,160.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 66.67
A unique feature of this program from Grand Canyon University is that you take one class at a time. This format allows you to focus your studies on a single subject. This is one of the only programs on this list with this format.
As noted above, this is a design-centered bachelor’s degree. However, there are other options. This includes two tracks for film studies.
No matter which program you choose, you’ll pursue a degree that examines creative arts and technology. You’ll study topics related to the visual arts, kinematics, and typography. You can also learn to be a problem solver and a creative thinker.
The animation track prepares you for a future career as an animator. This degree is suitable for a career in illustration or graphic design. Likewise, the web design track helps you develop the skills needed to become an independent web designer or work for a creative firm.
7. Online Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Art History
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $380 per credit
- You can transfer up to 90 credits into this program. This can shorten your time to graduate to as little as one year.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $48,270
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $18,625
- Student Satisfaction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
UMass Lowell’s online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in art history offers a multidisciplinary education.
This program focuses on art history. It includes classes that help you understand how and why artistic movements developed around the globe. To do so, this program might include courses on:
- Art Appreciation
- History of Art
- Studies in World Art
- American Art
- Contemporary Art and Culture
In addition to studying these and other aspects of art, you will find many chances to develop your critical thinking skills. Furthermore, there is a focus on honing analytical skills. This enables you to assess and communicate the importance of specific works of art through oral and written communication.
There are 36 required credits in art history. This is in addition to a world languages requirement and six credits of interdisciplinary coursework. You need 36-38 credits of university core courses and a variety of free electives as well.
8. Online Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: Approximately $643.00 per credit (in-state; this includes fees); $836 per credit (New York/New Jersey Residents; this includes fees); $964.50 (out-of-state; this includes fees)
- This online art history degree helps you understand the cultural influences on the visual arts. You’ll also develop an appreciation of efforts to display and conserve art, teach art skills, and think critically.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $42,962
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $24,834
- Student Satisfaction: 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 63.34
Most students that take online art history programs from Mansfield University do so to continue their studies in graduate school.
However, this program is for you if you wish to do your bachelor’s degree and then enter the workforce. The close advisement from faculty members might help you find a job in a museum or gallery or other related fields of work.
The program’s classes promote a multicultural point of view. You’ll learn how culture influences art throughout history.
You’ll take classes that include:
- Cultivation of Visual Literacy
- Knowledge of Culture
- Evaluation of Aesthetics
- Execution of Effective Research
This program is from an accredited university. Mansfield ranks toward the top of our list for student debt upon graduation. At $24,834, the average Mansfield graduate has far less debt than the national average.
9. Online Bachelor of Arts in Art
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: $223 per credit (in-state); $494 per credit (out-of-state)
- This program includes courses in foundational arts and studio arts. You’ll also take art history and criticism. There is a capstone project as well.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 1
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $39,136.50
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $22,867
- Student Satisfaction: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 58.34
The University of Montana offers this online art program to students nationwide. In addition to general education classes, you’ll take 57 credits in the art department. This rounds out the graduation requirements.
This online bachelor’s degree program includes foundational courses, like Introduction to Art History. There are studio arts courses, like graphic design, as well. You’ll also take art theory and criticism classes, like Topics in Film and Media studies.
Additionally, there’s a 3-credit senior studio project. This course gives you the freedom to work on a project of your choosing. It needs to show your artistic skills.
When taken with art education courses, this program can lead to a career as an art teacher. Required coursework in the College of Education extends the number of total required credits. It also extends the timeline for graduation. However, you will be eligible for licensure in a K-12 school.
10. Online Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Quick Facts:
- Length: 120 credits
- Time to complete: 4 years (if attending full-time)
- Format: Online
- Tuition: Approximately $822.13 per credit (this includes fees as well)
- This art history program includes studies from antiquity to present-day. There’s also studio coursework in fine art.
Online Program Information:
- Number of Degree Options: 2
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $28,896
School-Wide Information:
- Admission Rate: 100% (this university has an open admissions policy)
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Median Debt Upon Graduation: $33,269.50
- Student Satisfaction: 3.2 out of 5 stars
- Type of Accreditation: Regional (2 out of 2 points)
OSR Score: 58.34
This online bachelor of arts in art history from the Academy of Art University allows you to study art history. You’ll also develop fine art skills.
Sample courses include:
- Art History Through the 15th Century
- American Art History
- 20th Century Art
You’ll also take twelve credits of fine art studio classes. Additionally, you’ll complement your art history and studio work with courses on art and artists. This includes:
- Asian Cinema
- Book Art
- French
This online degree program in art aims to prepare you for working in art-related fields. Graduates have gone on to work for museums and art galleries. Some work as publishers and archivists. Others work for art foundations and public arts organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of online courses in art or art history are there?
As you can see in the rankings above, there are various art or art history online bachelor’s degrees. You can study visual arts, performing arts, or digital arts. You can also study art history, art education, and modern art.
What’s so great about studying art is that the subject matter is endless. Whether you like art historians or studying modern and contemporary art, an art history degree online might be for you. You can study mediums like photography or sculpture. You can also study time periods like the Baroque period or the postmodern era. You can even study specific artists like Andy Warhol or Beethoven.
In addition to a large scope of topics that you can study, you can also get a variety of degrees. A bachelor’s degree is the most common art or art history degree. But, you can also pursue a two-year associate’s degree as preparation for getting your four-year bachelor’s degree.
Some students continue their studies after their undergraduate degree. There are many master’s degree or doctorates in art or art history. Usually, students that pursue one of these degrees do so to prepare for a career in academia (like teaching at a university). This is a good track if you enjoy research or art curation, such as working as a museum director.
Of course, the path you take is up to you. Your specific needs and wants, your interests and talents, and your goals for a future as an artist should guide your school search.
Is art or art history a good career to pursue?
According to the BLS, the number of careers in certain fields of art is expected to grow in the coming years.
For example, the BLS predicts the number of careers in the craft and fine arts sector will grow by 14 percent through 2029. This represents much faster growth than average.
However, the BLS also notes that the number of jobs available in the arts field depends heavily on the state of the economy. If the economy continues to grow, more people could start and sustain careers in the arts. If the economy slows down, it will be harder to begin a career in this field.
But choosing your career path isn’t just about crunching numbers and looking at what experts think will happen. Instead, when you consider whether art or art history is a good career, you should think about whether or not it’s a career you want to pursue.
You certainly need the artistic talents and skills to start a career in the art field. But you also need to have the desire to do so. You can go to school and learn all sorts of artistic techniques. You can take a few business classes and be fully prepared on paper to start your career. If the desire to do so isn’t there, you might not find success.
The point is that many factors determine whether or not a career is a good one. Be sure you consider these factors before deciding about your education and job future.
What careers can you have with a degree in art or art history?
As noted earlier, art is a big field that offers many career paths. You can become a ballerina or an art critic. Being a journalist or an animator are other options. There are many different career paths for art graduates and art history graduates!
Likewise, a degree in art or art history could lead to a career as an art educator or an illustrator. You can be a curator or museum director or an archivist. People with degrees in this field become photographers, graphic designers, and web designers. Some even become professional artists. There are art history professionals of all kinds as well.
Of course, your job path might lead elsewhere. With a degree in art or art history, you might find a business, marketing, or travel career. You might work for a newspaper or magazine, or be a consultant for a content creator, too.
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