Art History

Many opportunities exist for professional practice in art history. Mastering the 21st century skills required to study art at the college level can be a highly rewarding and enjoyable learning experience. Individuals who study art find exciting opportunities to creatively investigate and communicate ideas that influence ways of thinking and impact the world in which we live.

Sample Occupations

  • Art Administration
  • Curator
  • Gallery Owner
  • Art Buyer
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Collections Manager
  • Art Advocate
  • Applied Arts
  • Art Critic
  • Art Educator
  • Art Therapist

Types of Employers

  • Art Museums
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Marketing/PR Firms
  • TV Stations, Film Companies
  • Corporations
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Libraries, Museums, Galleries
  • Schools, Colleges, Universities

Preparing for your career in

Art Administration: Learn about fundraising for nonprofit organizations, take elective courses related to marketing, management or finance, develop strong interpersonal skills, volunteer or intern with a museum or gallery to learn about administrative practices, build a strong foundation in art history, anthropology, classical civilizations, and a foreign language as this is important for certain positions, study abroad, most art historians will specialize in a period or region

How do I know if its right for me?

ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.

RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.

EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.