If you have a passion for art, you might consider earning an online art history associates degree. There are many exciting fields associated with this area of study, such as conservation, authentication, and curation.
An associate degree in art history can help prepare you for entry-level roles and give you a solid foundation for further studies.
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Whether you are interested in working in a museum, an auction house, or even a school, this degree program can help you develop specialized skills and grow your appreciation for art.
Online Art History Associates Degrees
If you decide to pursue an art history associate’s degree, you can expect to gain a foundational knowledge of art across history.
Your courses will likely explore:
- Art’s transformation through different eras
- Cultural distinctions that make art unique
- The future of art and upcoming trends
- How anthropology, the study of man, relates to the study of art
- Various mediums of visual art, such as painting and photography
You may encounter artists you know—like da Vinci, Dali, and Monet—while also gaining a richer understanding of lesser-known artists and the cultural forces that shaped them all. Your classes may also explore the public discourse around modern art, its future, and the ongoing influence of art through the ages.
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Most students use an art history associates degree as a springboard to a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in art history. To complete an associate degree, you are typically required to complete at least 60 credit hours, which can often be completed in 2 years with a full-time curriculum.
With an associate degree, you may be qualified for a number of entry-level roles. Graduates tend to pursue positions as art technicians, museum technicians, and administrative assistants.
Art History Careers & Salaries
An art history associate’s degree can become the foundation for a variety of career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in the field of art history may pursue the following career paths.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Art Directors | $100,890 |
| Historians | $63,940 |
| High School Teachers | $61,820 |
| Curators | $60,110 |
| Archivists | $60,050 |
| Graphic Designers | $50,710 |
| Craft and Fine Artists | $49,960 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | $47,630 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $39,680 |
| Retail Sales Workers | $29,180 |
Many of these careers require additional education and training. In fact, most often, professionals in these careers have an on-campus or online bachelors or even an on-campus or online art history masters degree. But an associate degree can help you qualify for further studies or for entry-level roles in the field.
The types of jobs you can obtain and your salary will depend on a number of factors, such as your chosen industry, your experience, your education, and your employer.
Art History Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
To provide a solid foundation in the field, art history associate programs tend to cover a wide variety of topics. Your curriculum may include courses like the following:
- Intro to Art History: This course is a survey of art across time, from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing on artistic styles, movements, and expressions of cultural norms.
- Humanities through the Arts: This course explores humanities and the role of the arts, focusing on Western art.
- Studies in Contemporary Art: This course focuses on visual art in the modern era, from 1945 to the present day.
- Non-Western Art: This class covers a broad range of art from every corner of the world.
- Fashion and Art: This class explores the fine line at the intersection of fashion and fine art.
- History and Theory of Photography: This course takes an intimate look at photography, from its inception in the early 19th century to today.
- Race and Representation through American Art: This course explores how art has been used as a form of social commentary on racial differences in America from the 1600s to the present.
- Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Art: This course focuses on mid-contemporary art in the context of Western European and North American artists.
- Theories of the Avant-Garde: The class explores the development of the avant-garde and the artists who advanced the theory of abstract art.
- Renaissance Art: This course discusses art of the Italian Renaissance period from the 13th to 16th
All of these courses are designed to provide you with a richer understanding of the changes and developments that art has undergone throughout the ages.
How to Choose an Online Art History Associate Degree Program
When it comes to choosing an online art history associate’s degree program, you may want to consider these factors:
- Accreditation. It’s strategic to only apply to schools that have regional accreditation, which is a mark of credibility.
- Transferability. If you plan to continue studying after you complete your associate’s degree, you may want to verify that your degree will be able to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
- Tuition and fees. It can help to determine your budget, as costs can vary depending on the school and program. You may also want to compare the financial aid offerings at various schools.
- Flexibility. Some online art history degrees offer asynchronous study, meaning you can take the courses anytime on your own schedule. Synchronous classes often follow a stricter schedule.
The program that’s right for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals.
AA in Art History Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for an art history associate’s degree can vary from one school to the next, but here are some common criteria:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- Minimum GPA
- Personal essay
In addition to these requirements, some programs may have application fees or ask for letters of recommendation.
Associate in Art History Degrees Accreditation
Regional accreditation is an essential factor to consider when searching for schools. If a school is accredited, it has been found to meet a recognized set of educational and operational standards.
Employers often prefer candidates who hold accredited degrees since they can have confidence in the quality of their education. In addition, it’s often necessary for credits to be earned at an accredited school in order for them to be eligible to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
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You can check to see if a school is accredited in the US by utilizing the database on the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many financial aid opportunities for associate students who qualify. Federal aid is one of the most common financial aid options, and it often takes the form of grants or low-interest loans. Similar programs also exist at the state level.
You can apply for government aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Scholarships are another option you could explore. They’re often awarded by schools or public or private organizations. Many scholarships are based on merit, need, nationality, or a particular field of study.
What Is Art History?
Art history is the study of visual art throughout human existence. The primary aim of art history is to analyze works of art and consider them within the context of the time and culture in which they were created. It also explores the symbolism, expression, and movement that a work of art represents.
Studying art history allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the purpose of art. You can also learn to interpret what past art is communicating on behalf of the past civilizations who created it.
Is Art History a Good Career?
Yes, art history is a good career for many professionals. There’s a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond. Those with an associate degree in the field may qualify for assistant and entry-level roles in the field, but most positions require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
It’s common for art history professionals to work in museums. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, archivists, curators, and museum workers tend to earn between $30,450 and $96,500 each year.
Teaching art history is another common career path. Education, training, and library occupations make a median of $57,220 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Can You Do with an Associates Degree in Art History?
Those who earn an associate’s degree in art history often go on to further studies. If you attend an accredited school, your associate degree can often count toward a bachelor’s program. Others who earn their art history associates go straight into the workforce.
Graduates may qualify for entry-level roles in museums, while others may try their hand at creating their own art. Assistant positions are also common roles for associate degree holders. Some graduates even go on to work in the world of art sales.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates in Art History Degree Online?
The length of time it will take you to complete your AA degree in art history will vary depending on the program and course of study you choose. A traditional, 16 week semester, associate degree program generally takes 2 years to complete with full-time studies.
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Some online programs offer accelerated programs that allow you to stay continuously enrolled year-round. These tend to have shorter 6 week or 8 week classes, and you can often finish your program in less time. Enrolling part-time can offer more flexibility, but it will generally take you longer to complete your degree.
What Degree Do You Need to Teach Art History?
Generally, a bachelor’s degree or higher is required to teach art history. The study of art history helps students understand the historical context of visual arts.
Art history is typically offered to students at the high school level or greater, and becoming a high school teacher usually requires a bachelor’s degree as well as a teaching certification.
Teaching at the collegiate level will typically require a master’s or doctoral degree, depending on the school. For instance, many community or junior colleges hire teachers who only hold master’s degrees.
Is an Art History Associate’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an art history associate’s degree is worth it for many students. If you want to work in the world of art in nearly any capacity, this degree can provide a solid foundation.
There will always be a desire to understand and interpret art, something art history graduates are uniquely primed to do. While an associate degree can help you qualify for entry-level roles in the field, an associate degree can also act as a stepping stone for a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects significant job growth in this field. For instance, archivists, curators, and museum workers are expected to see 19% job growth over the next ten years. Employment for education, training, and library occupations is expected to grow 10% over the same period (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Universities Offering Online Associates in Art History Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Cerro Coso Community College offers an Associate in Art History degree for transfer. After earning this degree, students can transfer anywhere in the CSU system and have junior standing. Courses include Survey of Western Art from Prehistory through the Middle Ages, Drawing I, Survey of Asian Art, Modern Art, and more.
Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The City College of San Francisco offers an Associate of Arts in Art History degree for transfer. The program emphasizes cultural diversity and project-based assignments. Courses include Western Art History, Basic Drawing, History of Modern Art, and a strong foundation in core subjects.
Credits from this degree can be easily transferred to many 4 year schools throughout California.
City College of San Francisco is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Essex County College offers an Associate in Art that includes courses like Art History I and II, Introduction to Sculpture, Fundamentals of Painting I, Introduction to Photography, and more. Students also have opportunities to study the art of different cultures.
Essex County College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Front Range Community College offers an Associate of Arts degree in Art and Art History. The degree is designed to easily transfer to 4 year schools in Colorado, giving junior standing as a major in Art or Art History. The average class size at Front Range is 19 students.
Front Range Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Associate in Arts in Art History program at Foothill College is designed to develop students’ awareness of art and how it relates to political, social, and religious issues. Courses include Introduction to Asian Art, A History of Women in Art, Cultural Anthropology, and more. Some courses are available online.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
At Lansing Community College, the Associate of Arts in Art History can be earned online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. The program is designed to help students understand how art influences society. Classes are taught by expert faculty, and credits can be easily transferred to many 4 year schools.
Lansing Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northern Virginia Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with a specialization in Art History. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in core arts and sciences. Coursework includes History and Appreciation of Art, History of Modern Art, and opportunities to take electives.
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Santa Monica College offers an Associate in Arts in Art History degree for transfer. The program is designed to help students create portfolios, develop strong writing skills, and prepare academically for upper-division coursework.
The credits are designed to easily transfer to schools in the California State University system. Counselors are available to help students choose the best courses to meet their academic goals.
Santa Monica College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The University of La Verne offers an Associate of Arts in General Studies. This is a highly flexible online program with asynchronous courses. The program requires the completion of 30 semester hours’ worth of electives. Students can take courses related to the bachelor’s degree they intend to pursue after the program.
The University of La Verne is accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Wake Technical Community College offers an Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Art. The program provides opportunities for students to develop creative and technical skills. After completing the program, graduates often transfer into BA or BFA programs in studio art, art history, and related fields.
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Getting Your Art History Associates Degree Online
If you have a love for art, pursuing an associates in art history online degree can help you develop foundational skills in this area of study.
As a graduate of this program, you may find yourself continuing your studies, or you may choose to start your career immediately in an entry-level position. Once you begin your studies, you may be able to better determine what you want your future within the art world to look like.
You can take the first step in your educational journey today by exploring the many online program options available to you from accredited colleges and universities.
