An online degree in art history can help students follow their passions and pursue careers they love. Internships, volunteering, and study abroad opportunities are just a few ways students can gain hands-on experience and prepare for their future careers. Earning a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, but some programs offer accelerated options with eight-week courses. Whether working full-time or having other commitments, you can still pursue your dream of earning a college degree.
Flexibility
Online art history degrees allow students to enroll in courses at times and locations convenient. The courses typically include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats, allowing students to study at their own pace and access course materials on demand. Students can communicate with instructors and fellow students through discussion boards and video conferencing tools.
Unlike some other degrees, most careers for art and art history graduates do not require licensure or certification. However, students may want to earn certifications to advance their careers if they wish to pursue teaching or museum work. An online degree in art history also provides students with a broad base of knowledge and skills that can be applied to many fields. The coursework often incorporates aspects of history, philosophy, cultural studies, music, languages, and gender studies. This interdisciplinary approach helps expand students’ perspectives and understanding of humanity and society, making it an excellent choice for those interested in learning about the impact of visual culture on human life. Those considering an online art history degree can learn more about enrollment options by speaking with an admissions advisor.
Access to Resources
An online art history degree teaches students about the diverse and vast world of artistic expression, from prehistoric cave paintings to modern-day works of art. Students develop skills in research and analysis, gaining an expansive view of cultural and historical development and a deeper understanding of the nature of human creativity.
This type of degree often leads to careers in preservation, education, and archiving. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for archivists, curators, and museum workers are expected to grow by between 6 and 13% over the next decade, making it an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in arts and culture.
The right program is crucial for pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in art history. Many online programs provide access to a learning management system (LMS), where students can participate in discussions with other students and their instructors, attend virtual lectures, receive course syllabi, and more. Depending on the school, online courses may be taught by university professors, graduate students, or professional artists with relevant industry experience. Some online programs offer concentrations in areas such as museum studies, curating, or art education to help students prepare for specific roles in the field. Many universities also offer internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Additionally, an online art history degree can open the door to membership in professional organizations that offer networking events, awards and competitions, and other resources.
Personalized Experience
Students who pursue an online art history degree can enjoy a personalized experience with the ability to tailor their studies to their unique interests and goals. For example, students may study a particular culture or art movement in depth. They can also select from various courses on topics such as the evolution of new artistic styles and the relationship between art and social movements in modern societies.
This flexibility can be significant for people who already work or have other commitments, as it means that they don’t have to worry about fitting study around different parts of their lives. Depending on the program, students can often access coursework via a learning management system (LMS). This allows them to engage with other students and faculty through discussion boards and online video conferencing tools and download course syllabi, reading materials, lecture recordings, and assignments. Unlike other degrees, an art history degree doesn’t prepare you for active participation in creating artwork. Rather, it teaches you how to observe and analyze visual content, making it an excellent choice for people with various career aspirations.
Flexibility
An online art history degree allows you to study the subject of your choice at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle. This is particularly important for students with other commitments outside of school, such as a job or family responsibilities.
The skills learned during an art history program—visual analysis, reading and writing skills, research skills, and a greater understanding of artwork’s role in society—are transferable to many careers.
Art history programs teach students to examine artworks from various cultures and eras and help them develop their original interpretation of a work. They also learn to read critically and develop strong communication skills, which are valuable in any career. Plus, since art historians must be able to note even the smallest details of an artwork, they’re trained in the skill of critical looking, which neuroscientists have found can train your eyes and brain to see differently. This can make you more aware of the world and even help you have a more positive outlook.