An art history degree does not restrict students to careers in art. Undergraduate majors in art history with a B.A. degree receive a balanced and rounded education that permits movement into other fields, either through employment or graduate work.
The creativity-enhancing study of art/art history can aid students in that the flexible and innovative abilities needed to create new paradigms have become attractive qualities in employees. An art-related curriculum develops just those skills.
Employment Opportunities for Art History Majors
- Teaching—certification required; graduate degree normally required to teach at college/university level
- Art Conservation
- Critic
- Museum Curator—graduate degree normally required
- Gallery and Auction House Professional
- Appraiser
- Tour Consultant
- Historic Preservationist
- Arts Administrator—combined with business
- Librarian
Potential Employers
Schools K-12, Art Schools, Universities, Colleges, Self-Employed, Corporations, Museums, Art Galleries, Arts & Humanities Councils, TV, Theatre, Historical Societies, Film Companies, Publishers, Non-Profit Organizations, Auction Houses, Newspapers, Magazines, and Tourism Boards
Combined Studies
Arts Administration - art history major and business minor/certificate; master’s degree in arts administration
Visual Resources Or Slide Librarian - art major and modern language courses; master’s degree in art history or library science
Art Librarian/Rare Book Librarian - art history major; master’s degree in library science
Museum Education - art major and education minor; graduate work in art history,education, or museum studies
Career Alternatives for Art Historians
Check out this wonderful resource created by the University of Notre Dame!
One of the most unique opportunities for Art History Majors (and non-majors!) is the Spring Break Away. During the Spring semester, students take an Art History course here at the main campus. Then, depending on the course, those students travel to Florence, Italy or Paris, France during Spring Break and spend the week fully immersed in the culture of the nation while still engaging in a scholarly way. Students have raved about the experience and many express their desire to return to those cities as soon as possible.
Check out our Spring Break Away Flickr Page!
Art History Majors are expected to complete an internship during their time in the program. Some students have held internships at the following institutions and organziations:
For more information on internship opportunities as an Art History Major, contact Dr. Madeline C. Archer, Program Director.
