What is an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree?
A student majoring in Art History, Criticism and Conservation studies the conservation and preservation of art, as well as art history, and in a more general sense, history itself. Specific cultures, periods, styles, social mores and themes have major impact on the creation of art, making these topics equally as important as the art being studied.This degree prepares students for well-paying careers in various industries where they can contribute their knowledge and appreciation of history, art, and cultural artifacts.
What can you do with an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree?
If you love art and the business behind it, several industries require the skills, knowledge, and expertise you earned when attaining your Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree.Individuals can find career opportunities in the following industries:
- Academia
- Media and Publishing
- Research and Preservation
- Government and Non-Profit Organizations
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Advertising and Marketing
- Consulting
Is an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree Hard?
Having a passion for art is a good start, but it is not all there is to getting an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree. Students study the art and the context of the time in which the artist lived and the art was created.According to Apollo Magazine, students spend significant time reading and writing about historical matters and less time analyzing art itself. History defines what makes an art piece important and what it says to society today.
Is an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree worth it?
If you love art and are passionate about the context and history in which it was made, this degree can provide the skills and knowledge you’ll need for a lucrative and successful career in your chosen field. There are many jobs for graduates holding this degree. In addition, internships and networking will only increase your odds of greater success.Filters
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Getting an Associate’s Degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
An Associate's Degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation is a great jumping-off point for a person interested in continuing their education from community college to a four-year school or getting an entry-level job in the art world.Jobs you can obtain with an Associate's Degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation include:
- Gallery Assistant- Art gallery assistants do everything from assisting with administrative tasks and sales to art exhibition preparation. Average annual salary: $52,042.
- Artist Assistant- The duties of an artist’s assistant depend on the artist’s needs. Some artists may need their assistant to complete more administrative tasks (i.e., the running of their business) while others may need help with the creation of the art itself. Average annual salary: $46,160.
- Auction House Assistant- Organization is key to the job of the auction house assistant, as they will coordinate auctions of artworks and collectibles, catalog items, arrange logistics and provide support during auctions. Average annual salary: $42,313.
- Archivist- Archivist duties involve organizing, preserving, and managing artworks for museums, libraries or businesses. Average annual salary: $63,980.
Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation
A Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation is the most common level of study in this field. It allows students to delve deeper into the history and critique of art and opens the door to more lucrative career opportunities.Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelor’s in Art History, Criticism and Conservation include:
- Museum Curator- An individual working in this position researches, acquires, manages art or artifacts in a museum’s collections. They may also plan and organize exhibitions and programs for students. Average annual salary: $60,380.
- Gallery Director- A gallery director oversees all the aspects of an art gallery, including but not limited to staff management, curation, exhibition, planning and sales. Average annual salary: $72585.
- Art Teacher- A person working as an art teacher teaches courses in art history or the creation of art. Teachers typically have an additional teaching certificate on top of their degree. Average annual salary: $59342.
- Art Critic- An art critic writes articles, reviews and essays about art for publication online or in traditional media. Average annual salary: $98,643.
Master’s Degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
A Master’s Degree offers students more advanced knowledge in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, which opens even more doors to the career of their choice. It also allows them to focus more on their specialty.Jobs you can obtain with a Master’s Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation include:
- Cultural Heritage Manager- According to Johns Hopkins, a cultural heritage manager preserves the tangible (i.e.,art, historical monuments) and intangible (i.e., dress, food, and dance) elements of a culture and makes them accessible in the modern age. Average annual salary: $84,385.
- Art Authentication Specialist—An art authenticator is an expert in determining whether a piece of art is real or fake through style, technique, science, forensics, and supporting documents. The average annual salary is $71953.
Doctorate Degree in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
With a doctorate, you can conduct in-depth research or become an expert in one specific art period. This degree can lead to prestigeous positions in museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions.Jobs you can obtain with a Doctorate Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation include:
- Curator of Special Collections- This position manages all aspects of a special collection. As an expert, they will conduct research, assemble, exhibit and maintain the collection. Average annual salary: $65,600.
- Professor- Individuals holding an art doctorate can teach higher-education courses in art at the undergraduate or graduate-level. Average annual salary: $99,541.
Select VA-Approved Colleges with Art History, Criticism and Conservation Programs
University of Dayton–The University of Dayton offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. The University of Dayton is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.\Marist College– Maris College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. Maris has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Maris College is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.
University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa– The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Art History, Criticism and Conservation and has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa is a Yellow Ribbon school and MyCAA-approved school.
University of Colorado Boulder- Offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. The University of Colorado Boulder has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP exam, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Colorado Boulder is a Yellow Ribbon school and MyCAA-approved school.
*Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from sources including Salary.com and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.