As an academic discipline, art history is the study of art (both fine and practical or decorative) and architecture. Concerned with the whole of human history, art history
examines creative works as aesthetic products of human ideas, feelings
and conditions within a cultural and/or historical context.
Professional Skills
Many careers do not necessarily demand a specific major, but require
a variety of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. The study of art history
develops many of these critical, analytical, and communicative skills,
and can be a solid preparation for a variety of other professional
fields. In addition, it is important to note that, today, art history
may provide a unique advantage for entry into the fields of law,
medicine, science, or business, as many employers welcome
professionals with broad intellectual backgrounds and interests.
These developed skills range from historical knowledge of past
cultures, to the formal and theoretical analysis of aesthetic works; and, therefore,
provide the student of art history the opportunity to examine the
quality, motivation, and meaning of images and objects from the past.
Visual and Data Analysis
| Communication | Human Interaction
| Research and Education
| Defining Quality and skillful visual articulation
| Speaking and writing effectively and persuasively
| Developing sensitivity to multiple cultural viewpoints
| Working with primary and secondary source materials
| Analyzing the aesthetic qualities of utilitarian objects
| Presenting and defending theories and ideas
| Understanding the residual effect of the creative process and how it effects a culture
| Gathering, analyzing, organizing and interpreting information
| | Accessing historical and/or cultural values inside a specific context | Conveying comoplex information (ideas, theories, and observations)
| Interpreting a culture's values and systems: religious, political, social, and economic
| Examining evidence, building complex theories, and establishing arguments
| | Recognizing the specifics of a work of art or architecture (school, period, style, creator) | Describing unique and original impressions about an image and/or object
| Explaining current/contemporary movements through reference to historical events, activities, and products
| Evaluating research results and establishing topical projections
| Comparing and contrasting aesthetic works
| Collaboratively speaking with others on a topic
| Participating in group projects and events
| Determining the provenance and authenticity of aesthetic works
| Thinking critically about the creative process and the embedded methodology
| Articulating other scholars thoughts and ideas
| Constructing forums for aqcademic interaction and debate
| Learning professional tools and formats conducive to effective writing
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Source: University of Texas at Austin, Fine Arts Career Center; Rutgers University, Careers Services
Art History Career Alternatives The knowledge and skills gained through the study of art history serve as a foundation for a wide range of occupations and career choices. Today, the employment outlook for most graduates is competitive, but the following art history career alternatives reflect the professional possibilities for students at a variety of educational levels. With preparation, arts-related entry level positions can be found in education, museums, non-profit and government agencies, and business.
Teaching/Education
| Research/Communication | Administration/Management
| Business/Professional/Technical
| Education Coordinator
| Art Librarian
| Museum or Corporate Curator
| Gallery Owner or Manageer
| Art Educator (public/private)
| Arts Research Specialist
| Museum Director
| Conservator or Restorer
| | Art History Educator (higher education) | Archivist | Preservation Manager
| Arts / Artist Attorney
| Museum Docent
| Art Critic
| Cultural Events Organizer
| Artist Agent or Representative
| Arts Therapist
| Historic Preservation Specialist
| Non-Profit Arts Specialist
| Exhibition Designer or Handler
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Art History Degrees and Certificates
Associate of Arts (AA)
| Bachelor of Arts (BA)
| Master of Arts (MA)
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| | Two-year period of study | Four-year period of study
| One to three-year period of study beyond the completion of four-year baccalaureate degree
| Minimum three-year period of study beyond the completion (or equivalent) of a graduate degree
| | Terminal (vocational) or transfer (lower level undergraduate preparation for four-year academic institution) | Terminal or requirement for graduate study
| Terminal postgraduate or requirement for doctoral or fellow study
| Terminal doctorate or requirement for postdoctoral or fellow study
| | Usually granted by a community college | Undergraduate or baccalaureate degree usually granted by a college or university
| Graduate degree usually granted by a university
| Doctoral degree usually granted by a university
| Survey level knowledge in art history, theory, and/or methodology
| Broad level of knowledge in art history, theory, methodology, with additional coursework in languages and humanities
| Advanced level of knowledge in art history, theory, methodology, with additional research requirements
| Expert level of knowledge in art history, theory, methodology, with extensive and original research requirements
| | Approximately 60 semester units | Approximately 120 semester units
| Approximately 60 semester units over the awarded 120 undergraduate units
| Minimum of approximately 45 semester units over the awarded 180 graduate units
| No maximum time limitations
| No maximum time limitations
| Maximum time limitations
| Maximum time limitations
|
Professional Certification: Usually granted to recognize acquired knowledge and skills in museums, galleries, or archives management, and/or technology.
Possible Employers
Teaching/Education
| Research/Communication | Administration/Management
| Business/Professional/Technical
| Public Schools
| Libraries and Archives
| Art Museums
| Art Galleries
| Colleges and Univerisities
| Research Institutions
| Historical Societies
| Public Relations Agencies
| Museum Education Programs
| Newspapers and Magazines
| Fundraising Establishments
| Legal and Consultant Firms
| Community Organizations
| Publishing Houses
| Corporations
| Auction Houses
| State and Federal Parks
| Media Organizations
| Non-Profit Arts Foundations
| Antiquarian Trade
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Art History Career Online Resources IVC Art History Program Contacts and Student Organizations
*Under Construction
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