Career pathways and opportunities for Art History majors
Considering a degree in Art History? Here, you’ll find information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and the in-demand skills you’ll develop as an Art History major. You’ll also learn steps you can take as an Art History student to maximize career opportunities.
- a broad range of artistic traditions and processes from across the globe, in their historical and cultural frameworks and as they evolve through time, through historical coursework
- how to operate with confidence in the professional world of museums and arts institutions through exposure via coursework, supplemented by any internship and travel experiences abroad
- how to examine cultural products with a critical eye informed by current modes of critical and theoretical thought
- Critical thinking, professional writing, problem solving, visual literacy and evidence-based research, which prepare art history majors for a range of career opportunities
- Conduct cultural research using a range of sources, including traditional print sources and online image and archival databases
- Explore the impact of technology on the dissemination and reception of visual objects
- Interpret a culture’s values and beliefs, showing visual literacy and using current modes of critical and theoretical thought
- Classify and catalog artifacts. Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display
- Describe and present research about historical topics to an audience using audio-visuals, through directed research seminars
- Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit
Art History majors can use the skills they learned to pursue a range of careers. A BA in Art History also prepares students for graduate studies in various fields, including art history conservation, architecture and law, which will provide qualifications for specific professions.
- Museum and gallery preservation, conservation, or collections management (in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors)
- University professors
- Art and estate appraisal and sale
- Development, fundraising, or grant writing
- K-12 education
- Educational program coordination for arts councils or historical commissions
- Library/Information sciences
- Archival management
- Tourism
- Legal sector work such as IP law
- Publishing
To best prepare to enter or advance in your career field of interest, prioritize gaining specialized knowledge and experiences most valued by employers. This might include internships, on- or off-campus jobs, research experience, a minor, or a certification.
- Make diligent efforts at developing writing, research and language skills, which will give graduates an advantage in a range of careers.
- Complete internships or volunteer in museums or galleries.
- Complement your learning with further study in history, religion, anthropology, business, and a foreign language.
- Develop skills in business management, technology, marketing, fundraising and grant writing to increase marketability.
- Develop a network of contacts through informational interviews and referrals to help you become a more competitive applicant.
- Enhance your credentials based on your career goals
- Prepare for graduate study in certain fields by maintaining a high GPA and developing your network for strong recommendations. Advanced degrees are often essential for advancement.