Best Online Master’s in Art History Programs

An online master’s in art history prepares graduates with the research, writing, and analytical skills needed for many careers within the art field. Art history graduates work as K-12 teachers, museum curators, and art historians. Many graduates also apply their archival skills in museums and libraries.

The following guide looks at the best online master’s in art history programs, common courses offered, and potential careers for graduates.

During a master of fine arts (MFA) or a master’s in art history, graduate students deepen their knowledge of fine art technique and process and the historical context of the arts. Depending on their focus area, master’s students take studio classes and create work for an MFA show or complete seminars in art history, building up to a master’s thesis. Graduate students in art and art history benefit from internship opportunities, such as working at a museum or gallery and networking with other fine artists and scholars.

As students near graduation, programs may provide job placement assistance or connections with professional resources for a career in art or art history. After graduation, MFA students can open their own studio or work in a commercial studio. They can also become art professors, as an MFA represents the terminal degree in the field. Art historians may work as curators, art educators, or art directors.

When deciding whether to pursue an art or art history master’s degree, prospective students must weigh the benefits of an on-campus versus an online program. Students moving directly from an undergraduate degree to graduate school, or those with a strong local university, may prefer an on-campus program. Individuals who are unable to relocate for school or with family and professional obligations may prefer the flexibility of an online program. In an online program, students complete internship requirements locally.

Graduates with an art or art history master’s degree work in a variety of fields, including fine arts, education, and business. Artists and art historians interested in education can work in museums or galleries as curators, or as a K-12 art teacher or professor. While an MFA qualifies candidates for academic positions as the terminal degree in its field, graduates with a master’s in art history may not qualify for tenure-track positions. Graduates may also work full time as fine artists, or become art directors and work in advertising, television, or another visual field.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

When researching art or art history master’s programs, prospective students should consider several key factors, such as cost and location. Students with specific career goals should also research specializations, internship options, and graduate placement records.

Comparing the cost of different programs allows students to find an option that fits their finances. In addition to considering tuition, fees, and other expenses, students should research financial aid opportunities. Many master’s programs offer fellowships, scholarships, or grants to support graduate students. They may also provide research or teaching assistantships, which can carry a tuition waiver. These options can make a program with a high tuition cost more affordable than one with lower tuition.

Location can also affect cost and job prospects after graduation. Public schools offer tuition discounts for residents, while some online programs provide tuition breaks for fully online students. An online program also offers an accessible option for students unable to relocate for a master’s program. Prospective students considering online programs can research the top online art and art history master’s programs.

Prospective students should also research specializations and internship opportunities, which can increase their competitiveness after graduation. Some art history programs, for example, offer museum studies components for candidates interested in working as a museum curator. MFA programs may offer internships with local fine artists or galleries, which can help students identify career paths.

Accreditation requires an independent review from a nonprofit accrediting agency, which measures an institution or program by its teaching standards, student learning outcomes, and graduation requirements. Regional or national accreditation evaluates entire colleges or universities to ensure they follow high standards for granting degrees, while programmatic accreditation reviews a specific program, such as a business school.

In art and art history, most programs do not hold programmatic accreditation. Instead, they receive accreditation from a regional or national accreditation agency. Some art schools may hold accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, a nonprofit which designs standards for art degrees. Regardless of whether a program holds regional, national, or programmatic accreditation, prospective students should always choose an accredited program over an unaccredited program. Accredited institutions meet the standards for federal financial aid, and some licenses and certifications only accept accredited degrees.

During the admission process, art and art history master’s programs evaluate applicants to determine which candidates are likely to succeed in the program. The application allows prospective students to demonstrate their strengths, and in many cases, the process requires an essay where applicants explain their education and career goals. The application may also qualify graduate students for fellowships, assistantships, and other financial aid opportunities.

Prospective students should plan to spend several weeks on their applications. The process differs depending on the university, with some online programs assigning an admissions adviser to assist applicants. MFA students may also need to submit a portfolio for review or participate in an interview. By researching the requirements, deadlines, and process for each program, prospective graduate students increase their chances of admission and financial aid opportunities.

Graduate students earning a master’s in art history or a master of fine arts customize their degree around their interests. Within their program, graduate students specialize in a fine art or area of art history, building toward a final research project or art show. Prospective graduate students can learn more about concentrations, standard classes, and opportunities for professional development in this section.

Graduate students earning a master’s degree in art history or an MFA in any fine art take specialized courses depending on their discipline and focus area. They may complete advanced seminars or studio classes, culminating in a master’s thesis or final project to demonstrate their knowledge. While curricula vary by program, the sample curriculum below shows some of the most common classes.

Typically, a master’s degree in art history takes two years of full-time study and comprises 60 credits. During that time, graduate students complete coursework in art history, design a research project for a master’s thesis, or study for a master’s exam. If students require extra time to research and write a master’s thesis or complete the examination, this can add time to the degree. Most MFA programs require between two and three years. Rather than writing a master’s thesis, MFA students may complete a project to meet the graduation requirements.

Time to completion can also vary depending on the student’s other obligations and the program structure. Students who work full time while earning a degree, for example, may require additional time. Other students may be able to pursue an accelerated option to complete their degree faster. Program requirements, such as a thesis or project, can also add time to the degree.

The cost of a master’s degree varies by program. In general, in-state, public universities charge lower tuition rates than private schools. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that in the 2012-2013 academic year, public institutions charged an average of $10,408 in tuition and fees for graduate students. In comparison, private universities charged more than double that amount, for an average tuition cost of $21,955 per year. Some programs offer in-state tuition to fully online students as an incentive to attend the program, even if they live out of state.

The length of the program also affects the total cost. An MFA may require three years of study to complete the graduation requirements, which increases the tuition cost. In addition to tuition, graduate students must plan for the cost of technology, fees, and living expenses. These factors can double the total cost of a program. However, many programs provide funding opportunities for graduate students, such as scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. In some cases, these awards may offer a tuition waiver. Prospective students should inquire about funding opportunities when applying.

Most careers in art and art history do not require a certification or license. However, some professionals may benefit from completing a specialized certification or earning a license. For example, artists and art historians working in education may need a teaching license or board certification.

A free resource for artists seeking jobs, the Art Jobs Board also provides information about internships and unpaid job opportunities. The organization offers workshops to support professional artists.

With a focus on job opportunities in design, AIGA’s job board also includes academic positions, freelance opportunities, and internships.

Run by a collection of scholars, the H-Net job resources in art and art history list academic job openings; fellowships; and visiting professorships at colleges, universities, and museums.

The academic journal of the Smithsonian Museums, American Art publishes new research on art and art history, including submissions from graduate students.

The association offers a membership directory for artists looking for a local appraiser along with other resources on the appraisal process.

Art and art history students benefit from joining professional organizations, which provide career services, networking opportunities, and educational resources. Students benefit from membership discounts and job opportunities, while professionals rely on publications to stay current in the field and conferences to connect with other artists and scholars. These resources can help graduate students transition into the workforce.

The CAA dates back to 1911 when it was founded to encourage collaborations between artists and art historians. Its publications include The Art Bulletin and Art Journal, and the association also provides career resources for artists.

Founded in 1914, AIGA promotes the value of the graphic arts, providing professional development resources for specialists in art and design. AIGA also offers a job board, membership discounts, and networking opportunities for members.

Founded to help artists advance their careers, NAIA provides information on securing an art show, a member directory for networking, a regular newspaper, and several discount programs for members.

The Society of Illustrators has promoted illustration since 1901. Today, the Society runs a museum in New York City, hosts events, and offers competitions for illustrators.

Bringing together art educators, NAEA provides support for pre-K-12 art teachers, professors, and students planning to become art educators. NAEA offers resources on teaching, provides summer programs, and hosts conferences.