Top 3 Online Art History Master’s Degree Programs

An online art history master’s degree may be an excellent way to build a career built on your passion for art. Suppose thinking and writing about artworks from any period in the past to the most contemporary visual arts inspires you. Are you fascinated by the great paintings and sculptures of antiquity? Does today’s world of galleries and art sales pique your interest? Do you also find the themes and trends in photography, fashion, or video art captivating?

You will learn about all of these and more in an online art history master’s degree. Because of this, your understanding of how art relates to culture will grow.  You will develop the language and critical inquiry skills to discuss art. Additionally, you will be immersed in the art and culture of past societies around the world or around the corner throughout your studies. As a result of your education, you can pursue careers in museums, art education, and auction houses, to name a few.  Read on to learn what to expect in a top master’s in art history online program, how to select a program, and potential careers!

Article Navigation: Can You Get a Master’s in Art History Online? | Degree Overview | What Courses Will I Take? | Concentrations | How Long is This Degree? | Internships | Top 3 Online Art History Master’s Degree Programs | MA vs. MFA | How to Choose a Program | Who Earns a Master’s in Art History? | Is It Worth It? | Are They Respected? | Careers | Conclusion

Can You Get a Master’s in Art History Online?

Undeniably, online education has been on the rise in recent years. Students can advance their skills, pursue their dream career, and receive an excellent education while at home. This holds true for master’s degrees in art history. Many top-ranked universities now offer programs for a master’s degree in art history online. Prospective students can find an abundance of graduate degree opportunities provided in a virtual format.

What is an Online Art History Degree Like?

In a master’s of art history online, you will study and write about art and art theory. Additionally, you will interact with other students and faculty in online forums. Most programs allow you to study at times convenient to you, without having to attend any “live” online sessions.

Many art history master’s programs online allow students to decide when and where they study. They are flexible. The majority of art history MA online programs require 30-36 credits to complete. A student decides how heavy or light a course load they have. Hence, this is excellent for people with a busy schedule.

Additionally, there now exist art history master’s online degrees with high value coursework. Students will receive an excellent foundation in art research, writing, and analytical skills. Professors often are experienced industry professionals.

Rather than traditional classrooms, learning will take place in virtual platforms like Canvas. These online hubs are where you can share ideas, engage with other students, participate in discussions, and ask your professors questions. Here you will submit assignments, find class materials, and have a home base for your educational journey.

A graduate degree art history online is a converging of classical and new. While learning about topics like Medieval Art, Non-Western Art, or the History of Photography, you’ll be part of a modernized learned experience. Content is custom-designed. Engaging videos, slideshows, digital documents, and resources are available. Learning portals are state-of-the-art, providing students with an excellent education.

Schools build programs to make you feel welcomed into a creative community. For that reason, they have been designed to foster sharing, learning, and growth.

When you complete an art history online master’s, you will be adept in a specialization related to art history. You will gain skills and expertise to prepare a career in the art industry.

Courses in an Online Master’s in Art History

Online art history graduate programs offer courses that cover different periods in art. Some courses cover the art of the ancient world, the renaissance or medieval periods. Others emphasize modern and contemporary art. Regardless, all will require looking at many different examples of art. You will read theories about how the works were created and how they fit into a cultural context. You will learn about the techniques and styles of different artists, and meanings that artists and viewers assigned to the work. All art history master’s programs will cover research skills, as these are important to careers in the field.

Students can expect to develop their analysis and research skills in courses like Research Methods. Other core courses may include Methodologies of Art History, Art & Ideology of the 20th Century, Writing Art Criticism. Later, students can choose electives that suit their interests. Possible electives may be a class in Casual Culture, Regional Modernism, Medieval Art, Italian Renaissance Art, or History of World Cinema. Additionally, some programs require courses in a foreign language.

Online Art History Master’s Degree Program Concentrations

The learning outcomes for students of online art history master’s programs will vary with each institution. For instance, certain master’s provide a broad foundation of knowledge for their students. This gives them a wide range of general skills that are transferable to more jobs. Graduates will leave with a grounded understanding of critical theory, visual literacy, cross-cultural skills, communication skills, and research skills.

MA art history distance learning programs may not offer an official concentration. However, students may be able to pick a combination of electives that allow them to specialize in certain topics. For example, History of Cinema, History of Photography, and History of Graphic Design are electives that students can take. These have some parallels and would give a student ample knowledge of different media.

Certain MA art history online programs do allow students to concentrate on focus areas like Medieval Art, Contemporary Art, East Asian Art, or 19th Century Art. Students who wish to continue their studies past the master’s level typically choose a specialization. If they have clear goals for their online master’s degree in art history, then prospective students benefit. Knowing whether a concentration is right for their future plans will help them choose the best program for their needs.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Art History?

The benefit of an online master’s in art history is that you can study on your own terms. The course load each semester is strictly up to the student. These art history master’s programs online are for people who work, have families, or who have a busy schedule. 

The time it takes to complete the required coursework depends on how many credits a student takes each term. It generally takes one to two years to get an online master’s degree in art history. Students can expect to complete 30-36 credits of required coursework. This includes virtual studio classes in some cases, such as with the MA in Art History with the Academy of Art University.

Are Internships Required?

Internships are not typically a requirement in a master art history online curriculum. They are, however, valuable tools for students. Internships are a great way for aspiring art professionals to get introduced to different fields. Students can learn new skills, make networking connections, and discover a potential career that calls to them.

Additionally, there are master’s degree in art history programs that offer a non-thesis option for students. Rather than defend a thesis, grad students can work on a project with an organization unaffiliated with their university. They would be supervised by a faculty member. This pathway offers similar benefits as an internship.

Top 3 Online Art History Master’s Degree Programs

1. Lindenwood University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Art History & Visual Culture
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $17,945

   The online master’s in art history from Lindenwood University is bound by Judeo-Christian values, including integrity, excellence, dedication, creativity, and community. These values are integrated into all of their degree programs.

   LU’s MA in Art History & Visual Culture is a 30-credit program with a lot of flexibility and includes required and elective courses. All classes are asynchronous, meaning it is easy to fit your studying around your work and family life. Students must take 15-credits of core courses. Each is worth 3 credits. They include Research Methods, Research and Scholastic Writing, Graduate Seminar, Thesis/Direct Project I, and Thesis/Direct Project II. However, students get to choose 15-credits in areas that interest them. Unless specified, each course is 3 credits. They can elect to take classes in:

   -Nineteenth-Century Art
   -History of Photography
   -Baroque Art
   -History of Graphic Design
   -Ancient Art
   -History of Games and Critical Theory
   -Medieval Art
   -History of World Cinema
   -Twentieth-Century Art/Modern
   -History of Costume and Fashion to 1900
   -Twentieth-Century Art/Contemporary
   -History of Costume and Fashion from 1900
   -Early Modern Gender Studies
   -Non-Western Art
   -History of Digital Art
   -Renaissance Art
   -Classical Myth
   -Art Theory and Criticism

   Students can also decide on a thesis or non-thesis option to complete the program. The thesis option has students develop a scholarship related to their field of study. They will investigate, evaluate, and create a thesis that refines their chosen field. Their thesis topic must be approved by a committee of three faculty members. Defending a thesis is the recommended pathway. It is also for students who wish to advance to a PhD.

   The non-thesis option involves working on a project with a professional organization. However, the kind of project will vary. Firstly, the idea must first be approved by a committee of three faculty members. Then, students will apply knowledge of theory and research methods of their field in a real-world setting. After that, they will produce some form of material for the organization or field of practice. They must also document progress on the project. Finally, their work will be reviewed by their thesis committee.

   There are even courses to help students with their thesis or directed project near the end of the program. Thesis/Directed Project I & II assists students in either their thesis or project. If they choose the non-thesis program option, then the direct project refers to the work a student must complete.

   Students have the opportunity to complete an internship, although internships may require on-site work. Internships ask students to apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting. Students are encouraged to connect with Career Services to find an internship related to their studies. Students can also seek out external organizations for their internship. An internship agreement must be signed by the student, host organization, and school faculty.

   All students must take a comprehensive exam of Western and non-Western art. Students need to consider historical context from all eras and parts of the world. It involves essays and identification skills. Students need a minimum of 80 percent to pass.

   The complete program is online, with no campus visits required. While most students finish the program in two years, students can take up to six years to complete their degree if needed. The program can be completed in as little as one year, depending on how many courses a student takes at a time. Full or part-time study is possible. There are also multiple start dates per year.

   Applicants should have a 2.8 GPA from their undergraduate work. For those with a GPA lower than 2.8, either GRE scores or three recommendation letters will be required. If their bachelor’s is not in a related field, then they may be required to take leveling courses. However, students may be able to apply up to 9 transfer credits to the program.

   Grants and scholarships available for students enrolled in at least 3 credits of courses. Students may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, or Federal loans based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) details. The Lindenwood University financial aid program is also available to help students receive assistance with their schooling. A student’s FAFSA information will determine eligibility. A 50 percent scholarship is available to students aged 60 and older. Partial institutional grants are awarded to students who work for certain companies, municipalities or schools. The school also accepts military benefits.

   In addition, payment plans are available. The Tuition Payment Plan consists of monthly payment installments. Normally tuition and fees are due at the beginning of each term.

   For a low-cost, flexible, and interesting art history degree online, the Lindenwood University MA is a great online art history program.

   Find Out More

    

2. Azusa Pacific University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Modern Art History, Theory, & Criticism
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $23,300

   With 8-week terms, the Azusa Pacific University online art history master’s degree makes for a convenient way to study art history. Courses are offered in asynchronous online format with no campus visits required. Students can complete the program in 17-24 months.

   The program focuses on modern and contemporary art topics. However, it includes historical and current critical methods while encouraging original research. The 12 credits of core courses include History of 19th Century Art, Criticism, and Theory; 20th Century Art, Criticism, and Theory; Methodologies of Art History; and Writing Art Criticism. Each of these courses equal 3 credits. Students can choose 6 elective courses totaling 18 credits. Elective options include Directed Experience, Theories and Practice of Abstraction, History of Modern and Contemporary Sculpture, Visual Culture, Regional Modernism, Modernism and the Museum, Modernism and Religion, and Special Topics. Students also take two capstone classes.

   In addition to the art courses, there is a foreign language requirement. This requirement can be fulfilled by taking a course at Azusa, demonstrating proficiency with a CLEP exam, or showing proof of a course taken at another university with a grade of B- or higher. Note that American Sign Language does not fulfill this requirement. Native speakers of another language may be exempt.

   Applicants should have a bachelor’s from an accredited university with a 3.0 GPA. Although, some with lower GPAs may be admitted with additional proof of competency. Also required are official undergraduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, and statement of purpose. The Department of Art may request an interview with certain applicants.

   While APU is a Christian institution, students from all faiths are welcome. Additionally, courses cover the study of art as it relates to religions of the world. And, students should be open to learning about the Christian faith.

   The 36-credit MA art history online program is affordable. APU offers financial aid. Students may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, or Federal loans based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) details. In addition, they help students access outside support of various types. A multitude of scholarships for qualified APU students are available. Some examples include the B. Davis Scholarship, Bridging the Dream Scholarship, and Dayspring Pens Scholarship Program. Outside scholarships for art students include the Worldstudio AIGA Scholarship. A variety of other new APU scholarships may be available by contacting the Student Services Center at the College of Arts Department.

   For students who seek an online art education that encompasses contemporary art and utilizes a Christian faith perspective, the APU program is terrific. For any art history student who wants an affordable, convenient, and thorough masters in art history online, the APU program could be a great choice.

   Find Out More

    

3. Academy of Art University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Art History
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $39,283

   Academy of Art University’s online masters in art history is unique. It sits within a well-established school of fine art and design with practicing artists all around. Delving into the academic study of art history in this environment provides a lively and grounded understanding of art history, and how the contemporary art world is built upon that history.

   Courses in this 36 credit program include Art History Methodologies and Theory, Egyptian Art and Archeology: to the Death of Cleopatra VII, Crossing Borders: Art & Culture in a Global Society, Italian Renaissance Art, Dada & Surrealism, and Figure Studio. Students can customize their program schedule to meet their needs, but the whole program can be completed in two years or less.

   Another option for students at AAU is a study abroad summer program in Florence, Italy. This seven week program provides a crash-course into Italian art. Students will take a course in Fine Art: Drawing Painting which stresses color, value, and atmosphere. Tuscany and Florence will serve as the subjects for student’s paintings. They will receive tuition credits as they learn about Italian art mediums, styles, and subjects. When not at the school’s studio in Florence, students will work on location at different Italian towns like Lucca and Pietrasanta. Another highlight is a 4-day trip to Venice to experience its beauty.

   Additionally, another program requirement is foreign language proficiency in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish or Greek. Students can take 12 credits of language taken during the MA program. Alternatively, students can transfer 12 units from another institution, or pass a proctored exam.

   Applicants to this online art history degree should have a BA in art history or related field. If an applicant doesn’t hold a related degree, then they will need at least 12 credits of undergraduate work in art history with two courses at the upper level. Admission requirements include official transcripts, a resume, a portfolio/demo reel that highlights your chosen art discipline, and a letter of intent. Students who are not native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores.

   Academy of Art University has a very sophisticated online interface for learning. It has some of the best technological teaching formats for fine arts. Therefore, the online learning experience with this program is exceptional.

   Students enrolled in this online masters program have access to uniquely designed content. Professional videos, slideshows, digital documents, and live streams are highly engaging. The school’s staff works tirelessly to curate fresh material for each course. The Academy’s Learning Management System (LMS) is state-of-the-art. With the LMS, instructors and students can collaborate. It’s a dynamic virtual space to share ideas, get inspired, and feel part of a community. This has a virtual gallery for students to showcase their projects and receive valuable feedback.

   A vibrant online artistic community is a feature that many students enjoy. With the combination of studio art and art history classes in the top-notch online art history master’s degree, students will gain an education that will prove valuable to any art world career that they choose.

   Find Out More

What’s the Difference Between an MA vs. MFA in Art History?

It is easy to confuse the acronyms “MA” and “MFA.” Both are post baccalaureate degrees with high regard in the art community. Receiving either an MA or MFA in Art History increases a post graduate’s career outcomes. Both degrees allow students to find their niche, whereas an undergraduate degree in Art History usually is more broad.

There are some differences between the two degrees. A Master of Arts in Art History Online is a graduate degree that emphasizes the study of this field. Students might dedicate more of their studies towards research. An MA typically focuses more on academic theory with some practice. A Master in Fine Arts in Art History goes beyond gaining knowledge of styles, techniques, and artists. It incorporates more hands-on work. An MFA allows students to practice theory to create their own works of art. Someone seeking a career as an artist may benefit more from an MFA than an MA in art history online.

How to Select an Online Program

• Program Format

  The wonderful part of taking an online art history master’s degree is that you can access amazing materials and resources online. The rich visual history of art is waiting in your computer. You will also have the opportunity to interact with your classmates and faculty in online forums. And you can do all the required work at times that fit in with your life. Not to mention, the convenient classes fit around your schedule.

  Future students need to consider the format of a master’s art history online degree. This is vital for people who work, who are parents, or who have life obligations that give them an irregular schedule. Finding a program that matches one’s schedule increases their chances for success. It also boosts student satisfaction. Fortunately, the best art history graduate programs are flexible. Additionally, students can decide between part-time or full-time studies.

• Class Format

  A multitude of programs offer asynchronous classes. Asynchronous means a student can study on their own time. They may be asked to attend one lab session a week or participate in a virtual forum about a given topic for that week. Synchronous are more rigid. These classes require students to attend class at a specific time and day. They require students to adjust their schedule in order to participate. These courses tend to have more student interaction and greater opportunities to ask the professor questions. Some students benefit more from synchronous classes. They offer more opportunities for direct assistance from other students or the professor.

  Courses now are for people who have busy schedules. It’s common for professors to pre-record a class or provide engaging study material for their students. It is also common to have downloadable articles, and high quality resources available all in a central online hub. Online learning portals like Canvas are spaces for students to view their classmate’s work, participate in discussions, and communicate with professors. These virtual spaces are the centerpiece of online learning. Whenever a student enrolls in a course, these portals will serve as their launching pad.

• Term Format

  The term structure will be different with each online master’s program. Some universities offer the traditional semester system, with both terms broken down into 15-17 weeks. Others may use the quarter system, which means terms are10 weeks in length. There are schools with a unique program structure. Azusa Pacific University, for example, has 8-week terms.

  Generally an online master’s art history program starts with core courses that all students must complete. Afterwards, specialized coursework and electives become available. This is where you can narrow your field of study. Normally students defend a thesis in order to graduate. Alternatively, some universities with online art history programs allow students to complete a project instead.

• Location

  When you attend an online art history master’s degree program, you can get an affordable art history degree online while you continue earning money. You can pursue your dream and immerse yourself in the history of visual arts without quitting your job. You can also stay exactly where you live. There is no need to move to a different city, and upend your life when you attend an online master’s in art history degree program.

  The location of the school for an art history online master’s degree program is worth considering. The address of the school’s physical campus may influence the cost of tuition. Certain states like California have an overall higher cost of living than others such as Montana. This can impact the cost of education. Additionally, regardless of being online or in-person, out-of-state tuition is higher than in-state tuition.

• Cost

  On top of this, online art school can make your vision of the future something you can afford right now. You won’t end up paying high tuition costs while gaining the skills and knowledge that most interests you. With low tuition, this can be a terrific way to become an art history graduate student without taking a lot of risks.

  Applicants can expect tuition for an online art history master’s degree to range from $17,000 to $40,000. Tuition normally is calculated by the price per credit hour. The price of an online master’s degree can depend on various factors. School prestige, expertise of faculty, graduate success, student resources, education tools, and the level of support available can impact price.

• Financial Aid

  Financial aid is available for qualified students no matter where they study. A good starting point is to consider a federal grant. A grant is money awarded to someone to help fund their education. Unlike a loan, this money doesn’t need to be paid back. A student must submit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This will determine their eligibility for grants like the Federal Pell, Cal Grant, or a Federal student loan.

  Most universities offer scholarships for qualified students to reduce the cost of tuition. A monetary support awarded to a student or students who achieve a required level of academic success is a scholarship. Some scholarships may be program-specific. This means that this is offered by a specific school (School of Art, School of Business etc.). Only students from that particular college can apply. Other scholarships may be available to the entire student body. This will vary with each university. There are national scholarships for students across the country. Some are more competitive than others.

  Certain universities provide assistantship programs for graduate students. With this a student receives a stipend or a tuition waiver in exchange for student teaching. Students would work with a faculty or adjunct professor. Similar to scholarships, the competitiveness of assistantships varies with each institution.

• Learning Outcomes

  When you complete your degree, you can seek ways to apply your skills to positions that pay well and inspire you every day. Having work that you love can be the greatest reward of pursuing a degree in a field you are passionate about.

• Faculty & School Prestige

  When you are deciding on what program to take, you can look at art history graduate programs rankings. Like many fields in art, your career after your online art school will be largely decided by you. Large museums might be impressed by a well-known school. Who makes up the faculty is also important to consider when selecting a program. However, your skills and knowledge will be what will set you apart from other art history graduates. Therefore, it may be less important to attend a famous school or take classes from famous artists.

Who Earns an Online Master’s in Art History?

People from all walks of life enroll in online art history master’s degree programs. The common denominator between everyone is that the visual arts interest them.

On one hand, some may already have an undergraduate degree in art history or fine art. On the other hand, others majored in museum studies or arts administration programs. In fact, many people who decide on this degree may be teachers who want to specialize more in the history of art. Whereas, practicing artists enroll to better apply their visual skills to historical topics in art. Finally, people who want to pursue art as an avocation or who are interested in the visual history of culture may enroll.

In truth, many students have careers outside the art world, yet want to take their interest in art to the next level. In conclusion, an online master’s in art history is for anyone interested in and passionate about art history.

Is an Online Art History Master’s Degree Worth It?

Regardless of why a student enrolls, an art history degree online can allow graduates to pursue jobs in museums, arts administration as well as other settings in the art world. Art history graduate programs also prepare graduates for a doctoral degree in art history. Graduates can also go on to researching or archiving works of art. The possibilities for graduates are broad. They can find jobs in museums and galleries, corporate consulting, education, libraries, and the commercial world of art dealing.

Are Online Art History Master’s Degrees Respected?

Besides offering flexibility, nowadays master’s art history online degrees also provide quality. Online master’s programs strive to give students the same skills in a virtual classroom as in a traditional setting. As a matter of fact, research from Georgetown University shows that the caliber of education is comparable between online and in-person programs. This is thanks to advances in technologies like Canvas, Open Education Resources, plus expert instruction from experienced industry professionals.

Employers and fellow industry professionals alike now view master’s of art history online degrees with more respect than in the past. This is because many online master’s art history degrees have accreditation. When a federally recognized organization accredits a program it means a graduate program meets educational standards. A degree from an accredited school serves as a signal that a graduate received a quality education. It shows that the program prepares graduates to succeed.

What Can You Do with an Online Art History Master’s Degree?

Graduates of art history master’s programs can go into traditional jobs in the field. These include such jobs as an archivist, museum curator, researcher, museum educator, historian, librarian, teacher, museum inventory specialist, or public art program manager, just to list a few.

Conversely, there are many careers for those who are more interested in art history degree jobs that touch the commercial world. They could consider becoming an auction house manager, appraiser, art restorer, art dealer, antique connoisseur, or a corporate consultant.

Not everyone who enrolls in online art school will want to go into the traditional art history degree jobs. There are many careers where having this degree can enhance your professional knowledge and skill but doesn’t result in museum or art dealer positions. For some people, art degree jobs can be more freelance and independent. Some of these careers are being a fine artist, an art critic, a writer, a publisher, a photographer, or another career where you can work in a studio or for a publishing entity.

Suppose you get your master of arts art history online. Then you can also apply those skills as an art director for film or television, an arts administrator for current arts organizations, or you could work in visual technology for any number of web-based companies.

Art History Careers

If you take your master’s in art history online to get a job working at a museum, then the outlook for those jobs is that they are predicted to grow 12% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than average. So, if you want to become an archivist, a curator, or a museum worker, then there are many jobs in this area. The median salary is $50,120 for this category of professionals.

Although, curators make more, with a median of $60,110. Becoming a librarian pays slightly more, at a median of $61,190, and these positions are expected to increase 6%. Similarly, becoming a writer pays a median of $69,510. However, writing jobs are predicted to decline by 2% during the same period.

For those who want to teach, being a high school teacher at a private school which may not require a teaching license is an option. The salary median is $56,510 for those who teach in private schools. College instructors and professors make more, at a median of $79,640 per year. However, most full time university jobs will require a PhD. On the other hand, community colleges and adjunct teaching positions may accept just the online master’s in art history.

To go another route, graduates might pursue a position as an art director for magazines, television, or film. These careers have a median salary of $100,890 per year. For those who want to work at an auction house, employees of Sotheby’s average $59,000 per year. The highest earners at Sotheby’s can make over $270k.

Start Your Online Master’s in Art History Degree Today!

With the affordable and respected art history graduate programs ranking on our list, there is no reason to delay your degree. Suppose you love art, culture, and to explore the visual language of art. Then now is a great time to start on the road to getting your online art history master’s degree. You can start anytime, with many schools having multiple start dates every year. Since you can study entirely around your schedule, you can begin to live your dreams today!