Online Principal's Programs in Art History

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Online Master's Programs in Art History

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Pursue an Online Master's in Fine art History

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Pursuing a master's in art history online gives graduates the credentials and qualifications needed to have on exciting roles in some of the world's best museums, galleries, and auction houses. Whether yous already possess an undergraduate degree in art history and several years of feel in the field or you studied something unrelated and want to alter careers, this degree can help you lot reach those goals.

If you want to meliorate understand the merits of earning a master'southward in art history online, read on to learn about standard courses, available specializations, common careers, average salaries, funding options, and professional networking opportunities for workers in this field.

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Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

Top Online Main's in Art History Programs

#1 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
#2 Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL
#3 Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, LA
#4 University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA
#five University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE

What Can I Learn in an Online Primary's in Art History Programme?

Individuals who earn a master'due south in art history online caste develop a nuanced and advanced set of knowledge and competencies that can serve them well in many roles. Aside from gaining a deep agreement of historical time periods and artistic trends, learners too build highly transferable skills related to oral and written advice, enquiry, and analysis. Learners who decide to pursue a specialization as well build full-bodied noesis in a particular style, manner, or era of art.

Online and on-campus degree-seekers listen to lectures, complete readings, submit assignments, participate in group projects, and have examinations. Withal, online students can participate from any location with a steady internet connexion. Some online art history programs may require learners to participate in a practicum at an approved museum or art site, simply this can usually exist done near a student's home.

What Courses Are Offered in a Principal'due south in Art History Program?

The courses discussed in this section tin can give students a general sense of common art history coursework, but those looking for more than in-depth and detailed plans of study should bank check with private art history departments.

Icon History of Photography: Learners enrolled in this class explore the evolution of photography over time, starting time with its invention in the early 19th century and ending with the continued improvements being fabricated in digital photography. Students also familiarize themselves with photography artists.

Icon Women Artists Throughout History: Degree-seekers taking this class learn about major female artists throughout history, including Kahlo, Hesse, and O'Keefe. Learners likewise discuss common themes in their works of art and how artistic communities have helped and/or hindered them over time.

Icon Contemporary Fine art: This course familiarizes students with current trends, criticisms, and issues within the world of contemporary art. Special accent is given to ensuring artists of diverse backgrounds and interests are allotted infinite to show their piece of work.

Icon Art History Writing: Designed to help students build their art history vocabulary, this course provides the skills needed to write thoughtfully and precisely about private and commonage pieces of fine art. Students larn how to employ words to define aesthetics and provide insightful criticism.

Icon Exhibit Design: An important class for degree-seekers who aspire to work in museum and/or gallery settings, this course instills skills and competencies related to exhibition design. Students learn about exhibition graphics, foam core models, and creating attainable spaces for patrons and visitors.

What Exams or Projects Should I Expect?

Aside from completing coursework, students enrolled in a principal'south in art history online program must as well create a concluding projection.

Those who wish to work in more curatorial settings commonly opt for a culminating portfolio, case study, or exhibition design plan as a mode of building marketable job skills. Individuals who aspire to academic and/or enquiry posts typically research and write a thesis that explores a piece of fine art, several pieces of art, or a movement inside art history from a fresh or unique perspective. Some programs may besides require degree-seekers to participate in a practicum or internship.

What Specializations Are Available in a Master's in Art History Program?

Master'south in art history online programs comprehend a vast spectrum of topics, and many departments offer specializations to help learners develop nuanced skills and knowledge in their chosen expanse. A few of the most mutual specializations are discussed beneath.

  • Ancient Art: This specialization supports individuals interested in learning about the foundations of all art. Learners consider pieces originating from places like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and China.
  • Modern Art: Degree-seekers passionate nigh art created from 1750 until the nowadays gravitate toward this specialization, which exposes them to subjects in painting, sculpture, photography, and other fine art forms.
  • European Fine art: Europe serves as a major thespian in the earth of art history, beginning with ancient pieces and moving through Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Modern eras.

How Much Tin can I Make With a Career in Fine art History?

Graduates of principal'due south in art history online programs can choose from several careers, depending on how they want to utilize the degree and in what type of setting they promise to work. While no degree can guarantee a particular title or salary, the jobs highlighted below are commonly held past art history graduates.

Art Historian

Art historians piece of work in academic and enquiry settings to gather data most works of art and artistic movements. They may report papers and documents related to art, clarify paintings, and trace artistic developments throughout history in various areas of the world.

Median Annual Bacon: $61,140

Job Growth 2018-2028: 6%

Art Director

Using their knowledge of fine art history and movements, art directors create new visual styles and design elements used in printed and online materials. They may work in business firm for a unmarried publication or maintain a portfolio of freelance clients based on their interests and financial goals.

Median Almanac Salary: $92,780

Job Growth 2018-2028: 1%

Art Curator

Curators work in museums, galleries, libraries, and other spaces that share art. They catalog new materials, ensure authenticity, provide appraisals, inquiry pieces, write plaques, blueprint exhibits, and brainwash the public nearly the significance of individual pieces or movements within fine art history.

Median Annual Salary: $53,780

Task Growth 2018-2028: x%

Online Master'southward in Art History Program Accreditation

One of the most of import steps a student can have is to ensure their master's in fine art history online plan holds proper accreditation. Within this bailiwick, the National Association of Schools of Fine art and Blueprint (NASAD) provides programmatic accreditation. Yous can check and come across whether your prospective schools hold accreditation by using NASAD'southward searchable directory.

Degree-seekers should also look for schools that maintain institutional accreditation. You tin can employ the Department of Teaching'south Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to find approved schools.

How to Pay for a Principal's in Art History Degree

Because the toll of higher instruction continues to ascent each twelvemonth, would-be students are constantly looking for ways of reducing out-of-pocket costs. The following section explores common methods for paying for your master'south in art history.

  • Federal Funding: Filling out the Costless Application for Federal Student Assist (FAFSA) allows students to meet if they qualify for grants, piece of work-written report funds, and educatee loans provided past the U.S. Department of Education. The department disburses funds on a rolling basis, and students must make full out the FAFSA each year.
  • Fellowships: Many museums offer fellowships to help learners continue expanding their art history knowledge. Learners seeking a study abroad experience may also exist able to detect an international fellowship.
  • Employer Assistance/Reimbursement: Students already working in art history roles may exist able to receive employer-provided tuition assistance. This allows up to $five,250 per year to be excluded from the employee's income, thereby lessening taxes.

Scholarships for Master's in Fine art History Students

Support Creativity Scholarship

Who Tin Apply: This award supports graduate students working toward art history master'south programs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania. Applications are due by May 1.

Amount: $1,000

Employ FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Frederic Whitaker and Eileen Monaghan Whitaker Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Fine art history graduate students who submit applications by Nov xv will receive consideration for this laurels.
Amount: $2,000

Corporeality: $2,000

Use FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Rick Chace Foundation Scholarship

Who Tin can Use: Graduate students enrolled in museum studies or related programs are eligible to apply for this non-renewable award.

Amount: Varies

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Terra Foundation Fellowship in American Art

Who Can Apply: Students looking to spend a year at the Smithsonian American Art Museum conducting research can apply for this 12-month laurels.

Corporeality: Up to $60,000

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Metropolitan Museum of Art Fellowships

Who Can Employ: Graduate students enrolled in fine art history and related programs can employ for these fellowships. Recipients tin work on interdisciplinary projects and study objects in The Met collection.

Amount: Varies

Use FOR SCHOLARSHIP

Professional Organizations and Resources

Joining a professional association, whether every bit a student or a professional, tin can give you access to networking events, standing education programming, career back up, certification, and funding opportunities. The list below describes some relevant fine art history organizations.

  • College Art Association: Since 1911, CAA has supported the intersection of arts and academics. The group offers an annual briefing, awards, grants, podcasts, job postings, and publications.
  • Association of Historians of American Art: AHAA has served American art historians since 1979, providing members with almanac sessions, biennial symposiums, a membership directory, book reviews, travel grants, and professional opportunities.
  • Association for Fine art History: Members of AAH gain access to job postings, professional person opportunities, international events, and industry news.
  • Association of Art Museum Curators: Joining AAMC allows you to take advantage of awards and fellowships, national conferences, webinars, professional practices guides, and information well-nigh open up curatorial roles.
  • Midwestern Art History Gild: MAHS provides a great example of what to expect for when seeking a regional professional clan. The group offers publications, awards and grants, an annual briefing, and a career centre.

Online Master's in Arts Programs


  1. A major public college in Gainesville, UF offers an online MA in art education that trains candidates to become fine art educators. This two-year program emphasizes contemporary fine art, pedagogy theory, and studio work. Graduates often become K-12 teachers or art educators in museums, libraries, or community organizations.

    The 36-credit master's in fine art history curriculum stresses global perspectives and digital proficiency. The program frames art education in the context of diversity and social justice. Candidates complete courses in fine art education theory and practice, research methods, art history and criticism, and advanced studio practice. All candidates must complete a half-dozen-credit independent research and capstone project.

    While all coursework occurs online, many students complete the degree in a hybrid format. This commitment combines online learning with intensive one-week summer studio courses. Held each summer at the UF campus in Gainesville, studio residencies include in-person courses and socialization opportunities with peers and faculty.

  2. Eastern Illinois University

    Designed for practicing art teachers, EIU'southward MA in fine art pedagogy gives candidates the flexibility to nourish online classes while maintaining electric current employment. The programme highlights fine art education, art history, and studio practise. While EIU'due south principal'southward in fine art history holds Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation, the caste serves experienced teachers and does not atomic number 82 to initial education certification.

    The 33-credit curriculum includes courses on creative development and learning, research methods in art didactics, and creative technology in art didactics. All candidates must complete an contained research project and a comprehensive oral exam related to their research. Using a part-time format, the program typically takes ii years to complete.

    This primarily online program offers in-state tuition to all students regardless of location. Candidates complete all coursework online except for an viii-day studio residency held each summer on the EIU campus in Charleston.

  3. Northwestern Land Academy of Louisiana

    Located in Natchitoches, NSU offers a master of arts in art available primarily online. Focusing on fine and graphic arts, the plan highlights studio training and art history. Students can concentrate in photography, design, and new media.

    Candidates consummate a 33-credit curriculum roofing fine art history, avant-garde medium specialization courses, and a graduate seminar. Most coursework occurs online, only students must attend two, three-week summer residency sessions and a final exhibition on campus. Alternately, students can attend one full half dozen-week semester at the offset of the programme.

    All students complete a six-credit thesis project spanning their last two semesters. Using primary source documentation, students perform an intensive research investigation into their visual art field. They then present their findings and original work in a thesis exhibition. All candidates must complete a comprehensive oral examination based on previous coursework.

  4. University of Northern Iowa

    Available entirely online, UNI's MA in fine art education prepares graduates to teach art in K-12 schools and other educational settings. This interdisciplinary program offers both historical and contemporary perspectives on art history, art education, and studio art. Designed for practicing educators, the art history master's degree requires applicants to concur current education certification.

    The accomplice way program lasts five semesters. During the first year, students primarily accept art education courses in eight-calendar week modules. The second yr shifts focus to writing and research, with courses delivered in more comprehensive 16-week modules. Typical courses include holistic approaches for art pedagogy, curriculum and didactics in art education, and themes in fine art pedagogy.

    UNI'due south fine art didactics program uses a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Live courses occur on Wednesday evenings, and students complete other assignments on their ain schedule.

  5. University of Nebraska at Kearney

    I of Nebraska's major public colleges, UNK offers a main of arts in didactics: fine art educational activity. This program provides students with two emphasis areas: classroom education and museum education. The classroom instruction rail serves K-12 art educators. The museum education rails serves educators at museums and other community organizations. Courses for both concentrations occur entirely online. Designed for currently practicing fine art educators, the master'due south in art history degree does not issue in initial teaching certification.

    Candidates in both tracks consummate a minimum of 36 credits, divided amidst core courses, electives, and enquiry courses. Core courses build wide skills and noesis in art didactics, while electives enable students to explore areas of professional interest. Elective topics include creative photography, fine art criticism and philosophy, and women in art. Candidates complete six enquiry form credits, resulting in a comprehensive research paper that addresses a contemporary art education issue.

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