Art History

Department of Art

Art history is the study of art created in the past by individuals from various cultures and parts of the world. The art historian seeks to interpret and understand works of art of many types, ranging from the monumental to small scale, by learning about artists' lives and their societies. Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History are equipped for a wide range of professional careers - in museums, galleries, auction houses or publishing.

An Art History major is not only a sound preparation for any professional field, it may also provide a distinct advantage for entry into those fields, given the increasing preference of law, medical, and professional schools for students with a broad intellectual background. The following list contains a representative sample of job titles of graduates with an Art History major. Use this as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.


Related Career Titles
Antiques Dealer
Architectural Conservation
Archivist
Art Administrator
Art Advisor
Arts Center Manager
Art Conservator
Art Critic
Art Dealer
Art Gallery Manager
Art History Teacher
Art Investor
Art Lawyer
Art Librarian
Art Preservationist
Artist Representative
Arts Council Director
Arts Grant Writer
Arts Organization Consultant
Corporate Curator
Curatorial Consultant
Estate Appraiser
Freelance Collection Manager
Freelance Writer
Museum Curator
Photographer
Visual Resource Curator
 


Employment Settings
Art Galleries
Auction Houses
Colleges and Universities
Federal Government
Museums Corporations
Publishing Companies
State Government


Related Skills
Adaptability
Analyzing and Interpreting
Appreciation of Aesthetics
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Creativity
Critical Analysis
Intense Research Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Interpretive Skills
Listening objectively
Organization Skills
Patience
Perseverance
Presentation/Public Speaking
Reading and Memorizing Facts
Understanding images
Writing concisely


Professional Organizations and Associations
The American Cultural Resources Association
The Art History Network
Art History Resources on the Web
Art Museum Network
National Association for Museum Exhibitions
The Society of Architectural Historians