Best Online Bachelor’s in Art and Art History Programs

This guide ranks top online bachelor's in art and art history programs. Learn about common classes as well as careers you can pursue with an art history degree.
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Updated on August 16, 2023
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Bachelor's in art and art history programs cater to students looking to transform their passion for art, sculpture, photography, or multimedia into marketable professional skills. The demand for workers with art skills and strong art history knowledge varies widely across professions. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for multimedia artists and animators to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029, while the number of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to increase 11% over that same time period.

Earning a bachelor's degree typically qualifies students for entry-level positions, and some career paths require a more advanced degree. Read on to learn more about the top online bachelor's in art and art history programs. For even more information, consult our bachelor's in art and art history program guide.

What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Art and Art History Programs? Here Are Our Top 5:

#1 Pennsylvania State University-World Campus University Park, PA
#2 Arizona State University-Skysong Scottsdale, AZ
#3 University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA
#4 SUNY Empire State College Saratoga Springs, NY
#5 Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.

Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Art and Art History Programs

  1. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
    Location

    University Park, PA

    Tuition

    $21678

    Located in University Park, Penn State World Campus is the second-largest campus in The Pennsylvania State University system and offers more than 150 online degrees and certificates.

    Penn State offers an online bachelor of arts in letters, arts, and sciences through its World Campus. Core courses cover a broad spectrum of academic areas, from the arts and humanities to natural science. Students specifically interested in art and art history can choose suitable elective courses.

    Students must complete 120 credits to graduate. Tuition costs $576-$617 per credit. Applicants must submit transcripts. Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  2. Arizona State University-Skysong
    Location

    Scottsdale, AZ

    Tuition

    $14166

    Located in Scottsdale, ASU offers more than 200 degree programs that are delivered entirely online. More than 27,000 students graduate from ASU each year.

    ASU offers an online bachelor of arts in art - museum studies that helps prepare students for professional roles in archives, galleries, museums, and cultural centers. Courses include art from renaissance to modernism; the art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas; and art from prehistory through the middle ages.

    Students must complete a total of 120 credits to earn their degree. Tuition costs $561-$661 per credit. Applicants must submit transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. ASU prefers applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0.

    Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  3. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
    Location

    Lowell, MA

    Tuition

    $18257

    A public institution founded in 1894, UMass Lowell established its online learning platform over 20 years ago. The university offers a fully online bachelor of arts in liberal arts degree with a concentration in art history. Sample courses in the art history concentration include comparative arts, prehistoric to medieval art history, renaissance to modern art history, and American art.

    Students must complete 120 credits and earn a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate from this online bachelor's in art and art history program. Tuition costs $380 per credit, and applicants must submit transcripts. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and some transfer students can finish their degree in just 12 months.

    The University of Massachusetts Lowell is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

  4. SUNY Empire State College
    Location

    Saratoga Springs, NY

    Tuition

    $13415

    Located in Saratoga Springs, ESC opened in 1971 and currently offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs.

    ESC oversees an online bachelor of arts in the arts program. Students can choose from concentrations like visual arts or graphic design, or create their own interdisciplinary degree program.

    Tuition costs $295 per credit for in-state students and $353 per credit for out-of-state students. Applicants must submit transcripts and an essay. SUNY Empire State College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

  5. Lindenwood University
    Location

    Saint Charles, MO

    A private institution located in Saint Charles, Missouri, and founded over 200 years ago, Lindenwood teaches from a Judeo-Christian perspective. The school's values include integrity, dedication, and creativity.

    Lindenwood offers an online bachelor of arts in art and design degree program for students interested in learning about graphic and website design, architecture, the history of Western art, and design theory. Sample courses include digital photography, visual storytelling, programming logic, and drag and drop web design.

    Students must complete 120 credits to graduate. Tuition costs $450 per credit. Applicants must submit transcripts. Those with a GPA below 2.0 must also submit a resume and a personal statement. Lindenwood accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

    Lindenwood University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Art and Art History Program?

A bachelor's degree in art and art history may offer concentrations in painting, sculpture, drawing, or fine arts. Each program designs its own graduation requirements, concentrations, and curriculum, however, so students should research their potential programs carefully.

Concentrations Offered for a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Art History
Concentration Description Careers
Painting Painting students learn various techniques of painting and study the history of the medium, with an emphasis on the studio component of painting. Students often work together to critique each other's work, and artists incorporate the feedback into refining their art. Art teacher, gallery curator
Art History Students who take an art history track within an art or art history program study the changing nature of art, from ancient sculpture to postmodern graphic art. Majors may specialize in a particular area of art history, such as the Renaissance, modern art, or the Baroque period. Museum educator, archivist
Photography Photography majors study the history of photography, printmaking, and post-production. Most programs cover digital photography, with the option to learn darkroom developing. Photography students may also learn 3D design and illustration techniques as part of their education. Photographer, photo retoucher
Design Some art and art history programs offer design tracks, where students study graphic and visual design elements. Design students may also specialize in industrial design, interior design, or user experience design. Learners also explore traditional and computer design, which builds skills for a variety of careers after graduation. interior designer, UX/UI design, industrial design, graphic design
Fine Arts Some programs offer a general fine arts track for students who want to build skills in a variety of different disciplines. Fine arts students may take classes in sculpture, painting, drawing, 3D design, photography, and other studio or fine arts. Art teacher, museum educator

Courses in a Bachelor's in Art and Art History Program

Art and art history degree programs offer broad introductory classes in different mediums before students specialize in an area of fine art. Some programs require a foundation in art before majors take advanced classes in one area. While each program sets its own curriculum, many offer a version of the classes listed below.

Sculpture

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Sculpture classes introduce art students to different methods, materials, and processes around making sculptures. Students build technical skills while learning how to critique sculpture. The class may also cover the history of sculpture and learn about different materials such as wood, plaster, metal, and clay.

Drawing

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Many art programs incorporate a drawing class that builds skills in sketching, illustration, and design. The course emphasizes the role of drawing in art practice, while students practice different drawing techniques and learn difference between abstract drawing and observational drawing.

Photography

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In photography classes, students learn to design, process, and edit photographic art. The class may use digital imaging processes and require studio projects based on different themes. Students build critiquing skills and learn to interpret photographic art.

Introduction to Art History

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Art history students often start with an introductory class, which covers major movements in art such as the Renaissance, romanticism, and postmodern art. They learn about important artists, their medium, and the context for their work. This class prepares art history majors for more in-depth study of particular periods in art.

Senior Project

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Many art programs incorporate a senior project for students based on their fine art specialty. Senior projects may include a research component, where students learn about artists that inspire their work, and a studio component where students create work and critique each other's work. The class may end with a studio exhibit to showcase the work.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's in Art and Art History?

Typically, a bachelor's degree takes four years of full-time study and requires a minimum of 120 credits. However, the length of an art degree may vary depending on the program and a student's educational background. Students with significant transfer credits, for example, may be able to finish a bachelor's degree in art and art history in only one or two years. On the other hand, students who choose a part-time option may require more than four years.

The program structure also affects the length of time to degree. Some art programs require an internship component, which may add time to the degree, or include a capstone project with an art exhibition. Art history students may need to also write a research paper as part of their graduation requirements. Because these requirements vary by program, prospective students need to carefully research the curriculum at each potential program.

How Much Is a Bachelor's in Art and Art History?

The cost of an art and art history bachelor's degree varies depending on the program and the institution. In-state public colleges and universities charge the lowest tuition rate, for example, with College Board reporting that these institutions charged an average tuition rate of just under $10,000 a year in 2017/2018. Out-of-state public schools, by comparison, charged over $25,000 in tuition, with private schools exceeding $35,000 a year.

An art degree may cost less if students secure scholarships, grants, or other forms of financial aid. Some schools also offer tuition discounts for fully online programs. When calculating the cost of a degree, students need to consider additional costs beyond tuition, such as books and supplies, fees, and living expenses. Online students may save on commuting, parking, and childcare expenses, which can add up to thousands of dollars each year.

When researching the cost of different programs, prospective students should reach out to an admissions advisor to discuss tuition discounts, scholarships, and work study opportunities. Students may be able to lower costs by transferring in college credits earned at another institution or a community college, so transfer students also need to research each school's transfer credit policies.

Certifications and Licenses a Bachelor's in Art and Art History Prepares For

Art and art history graduates pursue a variety of careers after graduation, most of which do not require a certification or license. However, artists who choose to specialize in education may decide to earn a teaching license or become a board certified art teacher. In addition, artists in graphics or animation may benefit from earning certifications in their specialty.

Teaching License

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Art and art history majors may qualify for a teaching license, depending on their state licensure guidelines. Graduates can become art teachers or teach history or social studies. Some states may require additional teacher preparation before candidates with a bachelor's degree qualify for a teaching license.

Certified Art Teacher

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The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards offers board certification for art teachers who demonstrate their content area knowledge by passing an examination. Candidates must have at least three years of teaching experience and a bachelor's degree. The certification covers early and middle childhood or early adolescence through young adulthood.

Unity Certified 3D Artist

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Artists who work in the graphic arts can earn the Unity certified 3D artist designation by completing an examination that covers rendering, lighting, and animation skills. The certification remains valid for two years.

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What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Art and Art History Degree?

Jobs that can be pursued with a bachelor's in art and art history span several industries and specialty areas. Art major careers typically involve creating art or photography, designing graphics, and/or developing websites. According to the BLS, art and design workers earn a median annual wage of $48,130, which is higher than the median of $39,810 for all occupations. Demand for these jobs varies widely by career.

Professionals in art history tend to focus on careers in preservation, education, and/or archiving. This field is competitive, but growing — the BLS projects 11% job growth for archivists, curators, and museum workers between 2019 and 2029.

Learn more about how a bachelor's in art and art history can help you launch an exciting and rewarding career.

Historic Preservation and Restoration

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Careers in preservation and restoration span a variety of industries and specialties. Professionals may work with architecture firms, city planning offices, or museums. The primary goal of workers in this area is to preserve historic documents, artifacts, structures, and/or art pieces for display and research purposes. Job titles include museum technician, curator, and archivist.

Photography

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Photographers take pictures for commercial, private, industrial, fine art, and journalistic purposes. Some positions require professionals to take pictures out in the field in rugged conditions, while others involve capturing valuable lifetime memories at meaningful events like weddings. Many photographers work as freelancers, but others work for publications or marketing firms.

Design

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Design careers are popular in a variety of industries. Professionals might design textiles for the fashion industry, create graphic art for marketing campaigns, or decorate and plan interiors for homes or office buildings. Graduates with an art degree typically pursue roles as graphic designers, interior designers, game designers, animators, or fashion designers.

Film

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The film industry offers several opportunities for art and art history majors. For example, filmmakers may consult with art history professionals to maintain historical accuracy for a film. Additionally, art professionals may help design sets, edit footage, or create graphic elements for movies. Careers such as director, producer, or screenwriter may require a more specific film degree.

Education

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If you possess a passion for exploring art history and the evolution of artistic techniques, as well as a knack for demonstrating how to do something, pursuing a career in education may be the right path for you. With a bachelor's in art or art history, candidates typically qualify to work at the elementary, middle, or high school level; these positions often require a teaching license. To become a college professor or pursue research opportunities, graduates must typically earn a master's or doctorate.

Art and Art History Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's in Art and Art History Programs

Is art and art history a good major?

Pursuing an art or art history major can lead to wonderful career opportunities. However, some fields may be more competitive, and not every path boasts strong projected growth rates over the next decade. The best recipe for success is to establish your goals so you can select a program that develops the skills you need to launch a career.

What can I do with a bachelor's in art and art history?

Graduates with a bachelor's in art and art history qualify for a variety of positions across several industries. A few common jobs include museum technician, curator, interior designer, photographer, and multimedia artist. It's important to note that while a bachelor's opens up the door to many entry-level opportunities, you may need to earn a graduate degree to qualify for career advancement.

How many art and art history majors get jobs?

It isn't easy to transform an education in art or art history into a successful career. According to the Center for Education Statistics, the unemployment rate for bachelor's degree-holders ages 25-29 in 2018 was 2.9%. The rate was 3.7% for fine arts majors and 4.9% for graduates with a degree in the liberal arts or humanities. Starting a successful career may involve using your art skills in a field with higher employment rates, such as marketing, education, or design.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in art and art history?

Salaries vary widely depending on a worker's position, experience, and industry. For example, workers in the fashion industry earn a median annual salary of $73,790, while floral designers tend to make less than $30,000 per year. Overall, the BLS reports art and design professionals earn a median annual wage of $48,130.

What are the highest-paying jobs I can get with a bachelor's in art and art history?

According to PayScale, graduates with a bachelor's in art history earn an average salary of $61,010. The following positions rank among the highest-paying jobs in art or art history: creative director, interior designer, product designer, design manager, and visual designer. Workers in these roles make average salaries ranging from $78,000-$97,000.

Resources for Art and Art History Students

Art Jobs Board

The Art Jobs Board boasts over 500,000 artists using the free resource to find paid and unpaid job opportunities, with events and workshops to support artists.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The online resources at the Met website include learning resources for students, teachers, and professionals, with a full timeline of art history.

Google ART Project

With over 40,000 images from museums around the world, Google's ART Project lets artists and art historians zoom in on images and learn about artists throughout history.

AIGA Design Jobs

AIGA offers a jobs board for design openings across the country, including positions for graphic designers, UX/UI designers, and academic positions. The board also features freelance, internship, and pro bono opportunities for designers.

Appraisers Association of America

Artists looking for an appraiser can benefit from the Appraisers Association. Resources include a membership directory to locate a local appraiser.

Professional Organizations in Art and Art History

Students with a bachelor's degree in art and art history can leverage the numerous resources available through professional associations. These organizations bring together artists working in different mediums, and provide networking opportunities, awards and competitions, and professional development resources. Many organizations also offer career services, which include jobs boards where graduates can post their resume. By joining a professional organization, artists and art historians connect with professionals in their field to advance their careers.

College Art Association

Dating back to 1911, the College Art Association promotes the exchange of ideas between artists and art historians. The CAA publishes The Art Bulletin and Art Journal, hosts an annual conference, and provides information about job openings.

Society of Illustrators

Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators supports the art of illustration and runs a museum in New York City. The Society hosts events, confers awards, and organizes competitions for artists.

National Association of Independent Artists

NAIA offers opportunities to network, resources for hosting art shows, and information for artists to advance their career. Members receive access to a directory for networking, discount programs, and the NAIA newspaper.

National Art Education Association

A professional organization for art educators, NAEA members include K-12 art teachers, professors, future art educators, and teaching artists. The association publishes standards, provides resources on teaching, and hosts conferences and summer programs.

American Institute of Graphic Arts

Dating back to 1914, AIGA brings together design professionals, advocates for the value of design, and offers professional development resources. Members receive access to the jobs board, member discounts, and health insurance enrollment assistance.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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