Art History
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
