Earning a Bachelor’s in Art History degree is a great idea! Art History is a well-respected field of study that is often the precursor to careers in education, law, and other such prestigious areas. Students in this degree learn the myriad of ways that history and culture have been influenced by artistic expression.
This coursework gives individuals a unique lens into the nature of the human spirit, from prehistoric eras to modern-day pieces of work. Students study mediums of all kinds and learn to finely identify artists and works of art.
QUICK LINKS
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – Check out our additional FAQs below!
- What career can I have with an Art History degree? Art Museum Curator, Art Publisher, Lawyer, or Marketing Manager, to name a few.
- How much money will I make with an Art History degree? $50,000 – $90,000 annually.
- How many credit hours do I need for a BA in Art History? 120 hours.
METHODOLOGY
The below institutions of higher education represent some of the finest schools and faculty members in the nation, giving students the most outstanding opportunities in art history available.
The research was performed specifically from each school’s website to obtain degree-specific facts and tips. In addition, information was gathered from various, highly reputable, publicly available sources ranking similar degree programs. The voices of the students attending schools offering this degree have been weighed and retrieved from various and viable sources from the web.
Our picks for the Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Art History Degree Programs have been listed in random order, so you may choose a program that is best for you based on the following:
- Regionally Accredited programs to ensure ease of credit transfers & preparations for graduate school,
- Exceptional Faculty experienced in the field of Art History; the same scholars who instruct traditional brick and mortar counterparts,
- 100% Online or Hybrid learning formats, offering instructional videos, seminars with industry leaders, livestreams, digital documentations and slideshows, as well as, Student Support Services and innovative, yet easy-to-use Learning Management Systems,
- Prepares students for a variety of career choices; comprehensive education in a strong foundation of Arts and the Humanities; often focused on careers in Law, Politics, Education, or other Humanitarian Services, to name a few,
- Builds strong written and oral communication skills, in addition to, analytical and problem-solving skills,
- Financial Aid opportunities,
- Enhances artistic abilities, as well as, imagination and philosophical viewpoints,
- Offers degree concentrations related to the field of Art History,
- Degree may be awarded as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Professional Studies in Art History.
See our Methodology page which details the plethora of criteria we use in order to develop the most accurate and up-to-date rankings on the web!
BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAMS
UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
At the University of West Georgia, the online Bachelor in Art History degree coursework emphasizes the interrelationship between historical, cultural influences and works of art.
Students are immersed in a wide-reaching curriculum that gives them the freedom to design their approach. Faculty members specialize in medieval art and modern/contemporary art and theory.
Students will examine how art and historic cultural influences interact during the course, such as pilgrimages in medieval times and the art created to support religious teachings and inspire spiritual responses.
The tuition rate at this online school is one of the most competitive in the nation and perhaps the most affordable on this ranking, at approximately $145.74 per credit hour.
Campus Location: Carrollton, GA
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the University of West Georgia are required to submit a completed online application with the $40 nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- 18th/19th Century Art
- Italian Renaissance/Baroque Art
- American Art
Degree Outcomes:
The overarching goal of this excellent distance education program in the history of art is to develop students’ understanding of art, art history, and design and technical and communication skills in art studios and galleries.
Students will understand the broad scope of content and conceptual development in the creation of art. Graduates have a fundamental understanding of design and visual art and are prepared to enter into challenging master’s programs or applicable employment positions.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA’S ONLINE BACHELOR IN ART HISTORY
Did You Know?
The University of West Georgia had 11,474 students enrolled in at least one online course in the 2019-2020 academic year. In the previous year, 8,295 students took online classes.
PRESCOTT COLLEGE
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Program Standouts:
Prescott College is an excellent online school that provides a unique approach to the art history discipline. Students major in an online Bachelor of Arts and Humanities, which combines several artistic mediums to have a comprehensive understanding of the history of art.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Arts & Letters provide students with the opportunity to design a competency that combines two or more areas of the arts or to select an individual competence, such as Creative Writing or Studio Arts.
Each student studying in the Department of Arts & Humanities takes courses that focus on rigorous, hands-on learning.
Campus Location: Prescott, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, an official high school transcript representing an exemplary GPA, official college transcripts (if applicable), an academic focus essay, an academic reference, and SAT or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Photographic Tactics for the Environment
- Opening the Creative Person: An Applied Approach
- Film and Literature: Elements of Desire
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Prescott are very well-prepared to enter into prominent master’s degree programs in art history or a related field of interest.
Having gone through such a rigorous and challenging program, alumni have a solid understanding of the discipline and finely tuned communication, presentation, and persuasion skills.
Through exploring the arts and humanities, students will gain insight into the historical, social, environmental, religious, and cultural contexts of the human experience. Students of this program will produce original pieces of art or literature or an analysis of art or literature that communicate effectively with an audience.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PRESCOTT COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Did You Know?
Students and faculty lead trips to the Arizona-Mexico border, Africa, and Latin America, Disaster Relief projects (students and faculty collected funds to travel to New Orleans to assist after Hurricane Katrina and Rita,) to assist and support sustainable efforts for environmental purposes.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES IN ARTS, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT
Program Standouts:
The University of Arizona’s online Bachelor in Arts, Media, and Entertainment aims to introduce distance education students to archetypal areas in art history and not only focus on visual art mediums.
At this online school, students engage in topics that cover film, music, literature, and the history behind them all.
Students work closely with faculty advisors who help point their degrees in the right direction while focusing on media and entertainment. A graduate of the Arts, Media, and Entertainment program works in print media, film, television, theater, outreach, public relations, and marketing.
Campus Location: Tuscon, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements:
Those who are applying to the University of Arizona must submit a completed online application with the nonrefundable application fee ($50 in-state, $80 out-of-state), official high school transcripts, official college/university transcripts (if applicable), SAT and/or ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Jazz History
- Literature and Film
- Rock and American Popular Music
- Hop-Hop Cinema
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this fine institution of higher education often work in areas such as print media, theater, film and television, outreach, public relations, and marketing.
Students learn how to develop critical and evaluative skills of art, analyze how artists and art forms contribute to human development and recognize how art, media, and entertainment can shape, and are shaped by, cultural norms.
It is a much more versatile degree program than many other Art History degrees. UoA alumni are well-prepared to take on positions of employment in numerous areas in the art, media, and entertainment industries.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S ONLINE BACHELOR IN ARTS, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT
Did You Know?
“Bear Down” is the motto of the University of Arizona. John “Button” Salmon, the legendary quarterback at the university and student body president, made the motto popular. In 1926, Salmon’s final words were to his teammates: “Tell them, tell the team to bear down.”
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Arizona State University is one of the strongest and most popular online schools in the country and offers a Bachelor in Art History through the renowned Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. It is one of a few programs of this kind available.
The program provides high-quality coursework that prepares individuals for lifelong careers in the field of Art History. Students can grasp the differences in forms and functions in visual media over time.
Studying art history can help you gain an in-depth understanding of cultural expressions. Employers in museums, galleries and art agencies will hire graduates of this program.
Campus Location: Tempe, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school or GED transcripts representing an exemplary GPA/score, SAT and/or ACT scores, and financial aid documentation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Art from the Prehistory Through Middle Ages
- Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- History of Photography
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of ASU have filled numerous positions within the field, such as archivist, instructor, curator, museum technician and conservator, agent, and manager! Trends that have shaped the world are examined through the lens of art.
You’ll become more comfortable with research, writing, and cultural expression, as well as strengthening your ability to conduct analysis and communicate clearly. Alumni are also well-prepared for continuing education programs, with a strong and supportive network and alma mater such as this one.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
The World University Rankings and the Academic Ranking of World Universities rank ASU in the top 100 universities globally! More than 1,100 clubs are active at the university.
MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The Mansfield University of Pennsylvania online Bachelor in Art History program is one of the most popular of its kind and has received a great deal of attention from journalistic resources. This degree completion program develops an awareness of the cultural traditions in the visual arts worldwide.
A focus on visual literacy and global awareness is embedded into the curriculum, creating a dynamic and comprehensive visual arts program, integral to any strong liberal arts university and necessary to the development of global citizens.
Campus Location: Mansfield, PA
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements:
All applicants must submit high school transcripts and/or GED testing scores as well as SAT/ACT test scores. An art portfolio is not required for consideration for this program. Students must have a solid and consistent GPA level and must maintain said academic performance within the program.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Art
- Visual Studies in Aesthetic Experience
- Special Problems in Art
Degree Outcomes:
As it is well-worded in this program’s vision, students learn to “celebrate artistic and cultural creativity by interpreting objects of art and culture in ways that increase knowledge, enrich the spirit, engage the mind, and stimulate the senses”.
Graduates have vastly increased levels of critical and academic thinking and go on to fill numerous positions of employment across all areas.
Students who complete the Art History Program are prepared to become art historians, art teachers, graphic designers, museum curators, and local leaders and business owners.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
The university was founded in January 1857, four years before the Civil War. The institution has undergone five name changes over the next 157 years.
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR DEGREE IN ART HISTORY PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Merging the study of Western Art with the “skills and practice of fine arts education,” students receive a very well-rounded curriculum in which they are educated and trained in identifying and discussing art and art history using relevant and modern tools, and they have a broad-based, general education to assist with other important skills.
The Academy of Art University offers online courses over a 7.5 or 15 week period. There is a wide variety of coursework available at the Academy – video, narrated slideshows, digital documents, expert interviews, livestreams, etc.
As you finish assignments, you upload them to the Academy’s Learning Management System (LMS), so your classmates can see them and your instructor can provide visual and written feedback.
Campus Location: San Francisco, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
Students must submit the relevant and necessary documentation for admission consideration—transcripts from all high school institutions or GED test scores; an art portfolio is not required but is highly encouraged.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Art of the Dutch Golden Age
- 20th Century Art
- Italian Renaissance Art
Degree Outcomes:
The Academy of Art University sets students up with a prestigious diploma and glowing references and networking connections. Graduates fill various impressive positions of employment in the field of art history and are armed with the knowledge and skill to continue their education in master’s programs.
If you seek employment in gallery management or museum management, arts administration, education, curation, restoration, visual technology, antique connoisseurship, or any other field, you will gain a broader perspective on how artistic production is produced thus strengthening your skills as a critic and art historian.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR DEGREE IN ART HISTORY PROGRAM
Did You Know?
Academy of Art University is the first art university to participate in the biannual New York Fashion Week event.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has an online Bachelor in Art History designed to create visually literate students with a fundamental understanding of the historical development of art in societies and cultures from prehistoric eras to present-day works.
Students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to learning will be able to examine environmental, poverty, governance, peace and conflict, education and so on.
Using interdisciplinary research methods, students will examine complex issues relating to the environment, poverty, governance, peace and conflict, and education.
Campus Location: Lowell, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 86%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official high school transcripts.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Art Appreciation
- Comparative Arts
- Studies in World Art
Degree Outcomes:
Throughout this online coursework, students develop the ability to conduct in-depth research, utilize critical thinking skills, and organize their perceptions and thoughts about the artwork to prove well-informed analyses honoring historical and cultural contexts.
A BLA degree has many advantages for students who want to pursue graduate studies or careers in various fields, such as education, law, business, governance, human services, and museum studies, among many others.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
The average mid-career salary of the graduates of this university is $116,100 annually. The university also ranks number 1 in lifetime ROI among other public research universities in Massachusetts.
SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE
ONLINE BACHELOR’S OF THE ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online school offers a Bachelor in the Arts degree program that concentrates on art history while deepening students’ understanding of historical and cultural contexts, theoretical and philosophical issues, and current developments and perspectives related to art.
Depending on your interests, you will investigate historical and cultural contexts, theoretical and philosophical issues, and current developments and perspectives related to art. Concentrations are available in fine or graphic arts, performing arts, creative writing, media arts, and arts management.
Campus Location: Sarasota Springs, NY
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Retention Rate: 52%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts, and an application essay.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Word Art History
- Study in Art History
- Issues in Contemporary Art
Degree Outcomes:
This curriculum develops a wide array of transferrable and applicable skills. Graduates have gone on to teach, work in museums or galleries or media, or become art therapists.
You can manage art organizations, work in media and firms, or even advance in your current occupation in the arts industry. Students have the opportunity to create an interdisciplinary major that allows them to traverse numerous areas of interest while honing knowledge in art history.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S OF THE ARTS DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
It offers more than 110 online degrees and certificates today and has a presence in every region of the state, as well as seven international locations.
LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY
ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Lindenwood University’s online Bachelor in Art History gives students a broad foundation and critical understanding of visual culture in the context of art. Through a wide range of coursework, individuals deeply delve into the methods and objectives of art history.
You can choose from a diverse selection of courses that range from the arts of Europe and America to those of Africa and Asia.
Using experience and state-of-the-art technology, you will explore such issues as to why an object was created, how it was made, who may have been able to see and appreciate it and incorporate the use of technologies like virtual reality into the studies.
Campus Location: St. Charles, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 70%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official high school transcripts representing AP credits, and financial aid documentation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Classical Myth
- Early Modern Gender Studies
- Nineteenth-Century Art
Degree Outcomes:
Throughout this online curriculum, students develop an appreciation for the innate desire to create through various platforms and the effect that has had on civilizations and societies across a lifetime. Some students graduate in three years through the fast track option!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN ART HISTORY DEGREE PROGRAM
Did You Know?
The school’s heritage dates back 200 years ago!
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Online Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Program Standouts:
More than 150 online degrees and certificates are available at Penn State World Campus, located in University Park. Students earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences online through Penn State’s World Campus. They offer a wide range of courses in the arts and humanities and the natural sciences.
Those with interest in art and art history can select elective classes accordingly. Certificates and associate degrees can often be earned while pursuing a bachelor’s degree, adding value to resumes. To graduate, students need 120 credits.
Campus Location: University Park, PA
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 93%
Admission Requirements:
Your applications must be submitted electronically, and a non-refundable application fee is required. You need to submit your high school transcripts and English proficiency test results.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Research Methods in Sociology
- Studies In Public Address
- International Relations
Degree Outcomes:
To provide a broad education, bachelor’s degrees in letters, arts, and sciences introduce methods of analysis used in liberal arts disciplines. Nonetheless, it can provide insights into the social, cultural, and organizational issues that you will encounter in leadership positions.
This degree is suitable for anyone but is especially suitable for those with practical experience.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENN STATE WORLD CAMPUS’ ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LETTERS, ARTS, AND SCIENCES PROGRAM.
Did You Know?
You will be able to access the world’s largest alumni association at Penn State. This will have an incredible impact on your life and will matter greatly. You’re invited to join a club that spans the globe when you apply to Penn State.
ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Art History?
Art History is the study of art and how it relates to a time period of history in which it was created. Studying this important topic provides an insight into cultural backgrounds, as historical narratives can be very helpful in creating a bright future.
What can I do with an online Bachelor of Art History degree?
Most graduates are interested in a career in which they can let their creative juices flow. Here is a list of a few suggestions in which your degree can be utilized:
- Art Publisher
- Museum Curator
- Art Teacher
- Art Librarian
- Art Auctioneer
- Museum Administrator
- Art Restorer
- Art Authenticator
- Museum Art Store Management
Are there other related careers where my Art History degree can be useful?
Yes, an Art History degree can also lead to careers in:
- Law
- Writing & Communications
- Teaching
- Design
- Marketing
- Photography
- Public Relations
- Plus, many more!
How much money can I earn with an online Bachelor’s degree in Art History?
The BLS reports that the average salary can vary greatly depending on job title and degree of education. Often, Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers positions require a Master’s degree. Salaries can range from 49,850 to upwards of $87,760 annually. Historians earn between $63,680 and $114,810 annually, according to the BLS, as of May 2019.
How long will it take to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History?
Typically, your bachelor’s degree will take approximately four years to complete. You will be required to earn approximately 120 credit hours.
Will I need a BA or BS degree in Art History?
Generally, an Art History degree is awarded in the form of a Bachelor of Arts degree, primarily since an arts degree is considered in the category of “language, history, and humanities,” therefore, offering the student a broader education.
Can I earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History online?
Yes, in our ranking, we have outlined several quality Art History degree programs that do offer distance learning degree programs. Online programs are great for those with busy home life, busy social life, or for those who are holding down a full-time job.
What will I learn in a BA in Art History degree program?
A Bachelor’s in Art History degree is very versatile; therefore, you can count on a wide array of topics, such as:
- Introduction to Art
- History of Art
- Architecture History
- The Conservation of Art
- Arts of America
- Plus, much more!
In addition, you will learn vital skills in critical analysis and reasoning, visual observation, and research, as well as, the ethical and aesthetic implications of art. You will also learn the critical skills needed to apply your art history degree to other fields, such as law, journalism, or medicine.
Can I earn a graduate degree in Art History?
Yes, if you would like to pursue further education in Art History, Master’s and Doctoral degree programs are available.
Take a look at these links for more information: