To acquire an entry-level position in the world of art history, you should begin with an online Bachelor of Art History degree. Through the program, you will learn about the various aspects of art, communications, marketing, and sales.
What do you aspire to be with your online bachelor’s degree in art history degree? Generally, the most popular route to pursue is that of the art historian; although, in some markets, this title can only be obtained with a master’s degree or Ph.D. in the field. If you would like to be an art historian, earning your online Bachelor of Art History degree is an excellent start. As of May 2017, the BLS stated that the average salary for conservators, archivists, museum, and curators was $47,360 per year, with the highest ten percent earning $85,350 annually, depending on experience and museum location.
An art historian researches and preserves all types of artifacts for the public to enjoy. They keep records of the pieces found in archeological digs and compile information for publication. Art historians often work in offices, travel extensively and work closely with curators to create exciting art shows. An art historian must be familiar with all types of art and artifacts. You will need excellent communication and written skills, as well as, interpersonal skills to be a useful art historian.
Like that of an art historian, the educational requirements for becoming an art curator can be quite similar. Entry-level positions can be obtained with an online bachelor’s degree in art history; however, to achieve senior positions, you should strive to earn your master’s or doctoral degree, for it is sometimes required. The typical pay for an art curator is comparable to other art museum workers at approximately $47,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience.
Recommended Schools
An art curator should enjoy working with all types of artwork, artifacts, or anything of significant historical importance. Art curators keep a careful and detailed inventory of every piece of art that is in their museum. They coordinate art shows for public viewing and often are responsible for finding new artwork or artifacts, as well as, negotiating prices when buying and selling, or loaning out artwork from their own museum’s inventory.
Art curators must have excellent interpersonal skills to convey to patrons and art dealers the importance and value of a piece. Business skills are important as well in this position, due to the various aspects of dealing with marketing, sales, public speaking, fundraising, and overseeing a staff of personnel. Other requirements for a job as an art curator may include leadership or directorship experience, along with, published research and fluency in one or more foreign languages. Art curators typically work for museums, history centers, libraries or botanical gardens.
How are your writing skills? How would you like to combine your love for art with your love of writing? If so, a position as an art critic is for you! They are often hired to write reviews, interpret artwork and write articles for local newspapers, magazines, and social media. They focus on an artist’s inspiration, its message and how the art affects the viewer.
As an art critic, your online Bachelor of Art History degree may be sufficient; however, a minor degree in communications or journalism can also be helpful. An art critic’s salary is comparable to that of a reporter at approximately $39,370 annually; however, the highest paid ten percent earned more than $90,540 per year.
An online Bachelor of Art History degree can lead to many career options, such as an art teacher, tour guide, librarian, architect, art therapist, in addition to, an art consultant, art gallery manager, public relations manager, or special events coordinator. If your job description requires it, you may also need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in the above positions.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and rewarding field? Please see our choices for the Top 20 Bachelor of Art History Degree Programs.