Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Harris
Explore art’s evolution, cultural nuances, and career pathways with an Online Associate’s Degree in Art History—a gateway to diverse artistic pursuits.
Art history studies visual expression and aesthetic objects in historical and stylistic contexts. An online associate’s degree in art history helps students prepare for entry-level roles and gives a basic understanding of topics in Art History. Individuals explore topics like art transformation through various eras, cultural distinctions making art unique, upcoming trends in the field, etc. Most students take up an online associate’s degree in art history as a gateway to a bachelor’s or master’s program in art history. Degrees in art history can lead to various careers, including exhibiting design and installation, art therapy, art education, art-making, etc.
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Find the Best Online Associate Programs in Art History
Enrolling in an art history program indeed presents several significant dilemmas, such as deciding on the specific program, choosing the right school, and selecting the most suitable university. Other crucial factors to consider include costs, job placements, starting salaries, employment rates, acceptance rates, and more. Based on several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of art history’s best online associate programs:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Foothill College | 12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, California 94022 | $19,925 | 60% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Associate Program in Art History
To finish an associate’s art history online program, students are typically required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, which can be completed in two years in a full-time curriculum. To provide a solid foundation in this domain, the program covers a wide range of topics like humanities through arts, studies in contemporary art, non-western art, fashion and art, basics in art history, and so on. By completing this program, students can acquire versatile skills in critical thinking, social awareness, and communication that are desirable for occupations including government, education, business management, and research. The general education courses are designed for students to transfer to four-year public or private institutions. After graduating from an associate’s program, individuals can expect roles such as craft and fine artists, graphic designers, archivists, curators, high school teachers, historians, art directors, etc.
Curriculum and Coursework
The art history program provides a comprehensive overview of the domain, from prehistoric to the present. Through the curriculum, students develop a deeper understanding of the origins and history of different types of art as well as styles and techniques. By pursuing coursework in the associate programs of art history, students also develop interpersonal, analytical thinking, and communication skills. They will gain historical and cultural awareness to evaluate art globally. Most associate’s in art history online include courses that consider influential artists, artworks, art theories, and more from across several geographic regions. Students must take core classes in mathematics, component areas, communication, life and physical sciences, language and culture, creative arts, and more. Different institutes have differently designed curricula; however, students can find standard courses, including:
Introduction to Art History
This course offers students an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing the various factors that influence the visual appeal of artwork, including political, religious, cultural, artistic, and economic elements. Students will deepen their understanding of art by exploring different research methods in studying object history and ontology.
Western Art
The course helps students learn about Europe’s literary, performing, and visual arts and other regions that share European, United States, Canadian, or other cultural traditions. Students learn about the complexity and depth of innovation at times, religious symbols and sentiments, the progress of society, and more.
Studies in Contemporary Art
It is an interdisciplinary course that allows students to gain an understanding of contemporary art domains like abstract art, pop art, surrealist art, and minimalist art. This course explores topics including body, identity, technology, migration, society, culture, memory, globalization, artistic critique, and the passage of time of sociopolitical institutions.
Composition and Rhetoric
This advanced-level communication course explores the art of persuasion and argument. Students explore the strategies and functions of view through writing, reading, and oral presentations. It will also help them apply the best teaching and writing practices at different levels.
United States History
This course explores the United States’ history from the arrival of the first people in America around 15,000 BC. Students learn about independence declared by the Second Continental Congress as the “United States” and crucial aspects of the Revolutionary War. Some other critical topics explored in this course are the Bill of Rights, Hamilton’s financial plan, the Indian victory in the West, and so on.
Some of the other common courses across various curricula are:
- Humanities through Arts
- Non-Western Art
- Fashion and Art
- Theories of the Avant-grade
- History and Theory of Photography
- Nineteenth and Twentieth-Century Art
- Renaissance Art
- Learning Framework
- Race and Representation through American Art
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
The art history associate’s degree online program helps students explore the history of different locations and people from across the globe. Completing this program will allow students to acquire versatile critical thinking, communication, and social awareness skills needed for government, education, research, business management, and more occupations. Some integral skills students acquire from the multidisciplinary program include the ability to:
- demonstrate learning of European prehistoric art, starting with mobile cave painting, petroglyph art, and upper paleolithic rock;
- listen and speak with stakeholders to ensure students understand the employee’s ideas and client’s desires for publications, advertisements, and so on;
- demonstrate research and analyze historical documents and artworks;
- demonstrate cultural awareness to evaluate historical and cultural contexts of works of art from around the globe;
- demonstrate understanding of critical art theories, artworks, and artists from across different geographical regions;
- demonstrate preserving historical documents, photographs, maps, and other related materials to cultural organizations;
- explore artists from different periods like Renaissance, Asian, and more from the past to present stages;
- demonstrate understanding of media, popular culture, and social justice texts, and make connections between power and language;
- demonstrate knowledge of Western philosophy, medieval art, European history, a survey of Eastern art, and much more to develop curriculum;
- demonstrate an understanding of developed human civilization and provide insights into the culture and how it changed over time.
Types of Degrees Art History Students Can Obtain
There are two online art history associate’s degrees in the United States: an Associate of Arts in art history and an Associate of Science in art history. Both programs are offered on-campus or online by institutes nationwide. These degrees help students qualify for further studies or even entry-level positions.
Associate’s of Science in Art History
The Associate in Science in Art History helps students get a general education founded on art history’s concepts, methods, knowledge, and perspectives. The program equips them to make informed judgments and apply scientific reasoning and methods to investigate problems in the social and natural sciences to conclude.
Associate’s of Arts in Art History
This program helps students explore the history of different locations and people from across the globe and understand that it is needed to be part of the global community. The curriculum explores art’s transformation through various eras, cultural distinctions making art unique, the future of art and upcoming trends, and more.
Areas of Specialization for Art History Students
Though rare at the associate level, specializations in art history offer students opportunities to explore specific periods or themes deeply. While an associate’s degree may not have formal specializations, students can focus on particular areas through elective courses, enhancing their understanding and preparing them for future academic or career endeavors. Here are a few specializations a student of an art history associate’s degree can pursue at a higher level:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | This concentration on photography helps students understand the process of photographic image-making. It expands awareness of historic and contemporary photo-based processes from concept formation to image captures in completing artworks. | Photographer Photo retoucher Photojournalist Studio photographer |
| Studio Art | The Studio Art concentration is taken up by those students who want a comprehensive study of visual art components. They understand elements of architecture, painting, acting, pottery, origami, and so on. | Studio artist Gallery curator Art Instructor Art therapist |
| Painting | The painting concentration helps students envision painting as a basic form of artistic and visual expression. Students learn about essential sources for historians, like recording events, places, emotions, cultures, and people. | Gallery curator Art teacher Mural artist Portrait painter |
| Art History | Some colleges provide a concentration in art history as a specialization or art history program that can help students learn about the human past and its relationship to our current. It can help students analyze the various forms of material and visual culture from past to contemporary times. | Archivist Museum educator Art historian Gallery manager |
| Design | This concentration helps students understand how to solve problems relative to increasingly complex projects and experiences. They learn about various artistic techniques, historical contexts, styles, and research methodologies. | Industrial designer Graphic designer Interior designer UI/UX designer |
| Fine Arts | A fine arts concentration helps students understand studio art, math, photography, and more. They learn about aesthetics, portrait painting, life study, printmaking, composition painting, history or crafts, etc. | Museum educator Art teacher Freelance artist Art conservator |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
The associate’s in art history program typically requires around 60 credit hours, which usually take two years to complete with full-time study. Most institutions operate on a 16-week semester schedule, while some offer an 8-week option. Part-time schedules are available, allowing students to balance other interests. This flexibility extends the program duration to three to four years. Here’s a summary of the associate’s art history program:
- Full-time: The associate degree in art history can be completed in 2 years full-time.
- Part-time: The associate degree in art history can be completed in 3-4 years on a part-time basis.
Requirements for Getting into an Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Program
An associate’s degree can open paths to new job opportunities and can be used to transfer into a four-year program. Admission requirements can vary from institution to institution. Still, candidates need to generally meet some conditions to gain entry to an associate’s art history degree program, including being above 18 years of age, having a high school diploma, having a general education development test, GPA requirements established by the college, etc. Some standard online associate’s degree in art history admission requirements include:
- Application fee and form
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- A 2.5 or more GPA is typically required
- Official academic transcripts
- Some colleges need PSAT scores
- Some schools may require ACT or SAT scores
- Personal statement
- Resume
How to Ensure an Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Is Accredited
Accreditation validates the quality of educational institutions and programs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards. It helps students make informed choices about where to pursue their education, as accredited institutions assure a quality learning experience. Additionally, accreditation enhances the credibility and recognition of degrees and certifications in the job market. Some art schools hold programmatic accreditation from the National Association of Art and Design1. It establishes national standards for online associate degrees in art history and other credentials for art and design disciplines, assists these institutions, and ensures they provide optimum learning conditions to art and design students.
Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
To understand this process, refer to the Guide to College Accreditation.
Where to Find Free Courses for Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Students
Free courses offer valuable learning opportunities, covering diverse subjects and skills. While they lack accreditation, they provide knowledge enhancement, skill development, and personal enrichment. These courses allow students to explore interests, expand their horizons, and supplement formal education, making learning accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints.
Here are a few examples of free art history courses students can explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Art History Renaissance to 20th Century [2] | This course includes knowledge that helps students pass any college-level art history class. It consists of a history of art from 1300 to the 20th century. Students also learn about the European Renaissance through study guides and worksheets.. | Udemy |
| Modern and Contemporary Art and Design [3] | Through this course, students explore modern art concepts and ideas. They can better understand designers’ and artists’ processes, develop critical thinking and visual skills, and gain confidence in learning and discussing art. | Coursera |
| The Architectural Imagination [4] | Through this free course, students can read, analyze, and understand various forms of architectural representation. They can learn basic principles to produce architectural models and drawings. | Harvard University |
Ways to Pay for an Online Associate’s Degree in Art History
Considering the substantial costs of education and student loans, it is crucial to strategically plan for financing an online associate’s degree in Art History. Given students’ financial constraints, exploring various funding options is essential to successfully navigate the program with financial stability and peace of mind. Here are ways students can fund their program:
Private student loans
Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions offer private student loans to cover educational expenses not met by federal loans or scholarships. They often have variable interest rates and require a credit check or cosigner. While they can bridge funding gaps, they generally have less favorable terms and fewer borrower protections than federal loans.
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards that do not require repayment, typically based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific talents or affiliations. They can significantly reduce the cost of education and are offered by various organizations, including colleges, foundations, and private entities.
Grants
Grants are financial aid awards governments, institutions, or organizations provide to students based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment, making them valuable resources that help students afford their education.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Accessing grants, loans, and work-study funds is crucial to help pay for higher education expenses.
To understand more about how to pay for college, students can refer to the financial aid guide, which will help them find additional ways to fund their education.
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With an Online Associate’s Degree in Art History
Art history professionals are responsible for studying artistic developments and movements through different periods. Depending on a student’s interests and specialization, this degree can lead to careers in government and private organizations, museums, schools, colleges, galleries, heritage sites, and more. Those students who have completed an art history associate’s degree can pursue an entry-level position, including:
- Curators
- Archivists
- Professors
- Art Associate
- Gallery Assistant
- Museum Guide
- Photo Editor
- Painter
- Graphic Designer
- Photographer
- Art Librarian
- Gallery Host
- Art Teacher
- Illustrator
- Visual Artists
- Art Director
- Artwork Manager
Some career choices available are listed below:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Directors [5] | Art directors are generally responsible for visual imaging and styling in newspapers, product packaging, movie and television productions, and more. These professionals create the overall design and direct others to develop layouts and artwork. Associate degree students may find roles as assistants in this domain. | Communication, creativity, leadership, resourcefulness, and time-management skills. | 4% (as fast as average) | $100,890 |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers [6] | Archivists process, catalog, appraise, and preserve historically valuable documents and permanent records. These professionals can oversee collections of artwork and other historical items to conduct public service activities for an organization. Museum technicians may also be required to restore and prepare documents and objects in museum exhibits and collections. | Analytical, customer-service, detail-oriented, and organizational skills. | 12% j(much faster than average) | $50,120 |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists [7] | Anthropologists and archeologists plan cultural research, customize data collection methods according to specific domains like region, specialty, or project, and record observations taken in the field. They also analyze data, laboratory samples, and other data sources to uncover patterns about human culture, origin, and life. | Analytical, critical thinking, communication skills, and physical stamina. | 6% (as fast as the average) | $61,910 |
| Historians [8] | Historians gather historical information from various sources, including books, artifacts, and archives. They interpret and analyze historical data to determine its significance and authenticity. These professionals trace historical developments across the field. | Analytical, communication, foreign language, problem-solving, and research skills | 4% (as fast as average) | $63,940 |
| Art History Writers and Authors [9] | Writers and authors develop content for different media types, including blogs, books, magazines, and advertisements. They choose subjects that interest readers and write fiction or nonfiction scripts, biographies, or other formats. | Adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, determination, persuasion, social perceptiveness, and writing skills. | 4% (as fast as the average) | $69,510 |
| Survey Researchers [10] | Survey researchers design surveys and, do data analysis, summarize survey data using graphs, fact sheets, and tables. They collect factual data like salary information and employment or ask questions to understand people’s preferences, beliefs, desires, and opinions. | Analytical, communication, critical-thinking, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills | 6% (faster than average) | $59,740 |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Graduates
Completing an online art history associate degree is generally sufficient to qualify for entry-level positions in the field. No mandated licensure or certifications are required to enter the profession.
Additional Resources for Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Graduates
Students can benefit from joining professional organizations after completing their associate’s degree in art history. These groups connect graduates with industry peers and keep them updated on trends. Additionally, associations provide accreditation, validating and enhancing the capabilities of professionals in the field. Here are a few resources that students with an online associate’s degree in art history should be associated with:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| College Art Association of America | The College Art Association, or CAA, is an organization that connects students to a large community of associations and professionals working together to advance practices, research, and the impact of visual arts. They provide scholarships, professional opportunities, and development to connect with fellow practitioners and scholars. |
| Art Libraries Society of North America Home | The Art Libraries Society of North America has over 1,000 members who want to foster excellence in design, art image management, and librarianship. Members can access the society’s publications, programming, networking resources, professional development, and thought-provoking debate forums. |
| American Council of Learned Societies | The American Council of Learned Societies supports the circulation and creation of knowledge, advancing understanding of humanity and its present, past, and future endeavors to enhance human experiences. They collaborate with member organizations, scholars, students, foundations, the public, and more. |
| Association of Historians of American Art | The organization provides a forum for individuals to present and advance new approaches and examine problems confronting the domain. Members can network with colleagues, access the member directory, and find archives of AHAA materials, including CAA-sponsored sessions, book reviews, and more. |
| International Center of Medieval Art | The International Center of Medieval Art (ICMA) is a leading institution dedicated to studying and appreciating medieval art worldwide. Through research, publications, conferences, and collaborations, ICMA fosters a global community of scholars and enthusiasts, advancing understanding and appreciation of medieval artistic heritage. |
FAQs About Online Associate’s Degree in Art History Programs
What is an associate’s degree in art history?
An associate’s degree in art history is a two-year undergraduate program that explores various periods, movements, and theories in art. It provides foundational knowledge in visual arts and prepares students for further study or careers in museums, galleries, and educational institutions.
Why should you do an associate’s degree in art history online?
How long does it take to complete an online associate’s degree in art history?
What can you do with an online associate’s degree in art history?
Is an associate’s degree in art history online worth it?
Is an associate’s degree in art history enough for employment?
Does an associate’s degree in art history include practical learning?
Citations:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Art History Renaissance to 20th Century- Udemy
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design- Coursera
The Architectural Imagination- Harvard
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Art Directors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Anthropologists and Archeologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Historians
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Art History Writers and Authors