What Can I Do With A Major In Art History?
The Art History major provides students with an opportunity to study and gain a deeper appreciation of the culturally diverse histories of art. Art History majors will engage in written critical analysis, while learning key figures, movements, terminology and critical concepts. The Art History major aims to prepare students for careers in Art History - within museums, galleries and publishing - as well as for terminal degrees in the field at the Master's and Doctoral levels.
Possible Career Options
(Some may require further education/specialization)Advertising Representative
Antiques Dealer
Archivist
Art Appraiser
Art Foundry Technician
Art Preservation
Art Restorer
Art Therapist
Arts Administrator
Book Designer
Commercial Designer
Curator
Designer
Editor
Educator
Estate Appraiser
Exhibit Designer
Film Restoration Artist
Graphic Designer
Historic Preservation Specialist
Interior Designer
Librarian
Marketing Representative
Media Buyer
Merchandise Display Coordinator
Photographer
Professor
Promotion/Production Assistant
Public Relations Specialist
Researcher
Retail Buyer
Sales Representative
Script Editorial Assistant
Set Designer
Set Illustrator
Sound & Special Effects Specialist
Store Manager
Story Editor
Talent Agent
Teacher
Textile Designer
Types of Employers
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies
Antique Dealers
Archives
Art Management Firms
Colleges/Universities
Fashion Design Companies
Galleries
Historic Preservation & Firms
Historical Societies
Interior Design Firms
Libraries
Magazines/Newspapers
Media Organizations
Museums
Performing Arts Centers
Photographic Studios
Production Companies
Public Relations Firms
Publishing Firms
Restored Communities/Estates
Theatre Companies
Government Agencies
Cultural Affairs Agencies
Department of Education
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government Printing Office
Institute of Museum Services
National Archives & Records Administration
National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of American Art
National Museum of American History
Transferrable Skills
General Skills
Concentrates for long periods of time
Painting, drawing, crafting, sculpting and creative design
Mindful of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do
Teaches others how to do something
Analyzes requirements for a new product or service and creates a design to satisfy those needs
Problem Solving Skills
Makes keen observations
Identifies a problem, reviews related information, develops and evaluates options, and implements a solution
Research Skills
Identifies and evaluates records of past events, ideas and facts
Collects and organizes important historical data
Uses logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Understands complex written paragraphs, instructions or reports
Communication Skills
Reads, writes and speaks proficiently
Conducts and clearly explains scientific research
Listens to what other people are saying and takes time to understand the points being made
Conveys information, explains ideas or gives instructions
Dexterity Skills
Performs routine maintenance and/or repairs on equipment using the appropriate tools
Uses hands to operate fine instruments and precision tools
Installs equipment, machines and wiring, according to a set of specifications
Ability to make appropriate use of equipment and materials to get a job done
Experiential Education
Teaching students in a summer art enrichment program
Assisting an interior designer with plans for a retail store
Developing informational materials for art museums
Volunteering as a curator at a local museum
Professional Associations
American Association of Museums,
aam-us.org
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works,
conservation-us.org
Association of Art Museum Curators,
artcurators.org
Society of American Archivists,
archivists.org
Enhancing Your Employability
Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills
Participate in internships and field experience placements
Add a minor or double major
Become active in alumni and/or mentor networks
Plan on a graduate degree for advancement
Take part in mock interview opportunities