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What is an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree?

According to the Stanford Department of Art and Art History, "Art History is a discipline that strives to understand works of art, architecture and design from a variety of perspectives, including the original context of their making and reception as well as their subsequent circulation, collection, conservation, and display."

Art history majors learn across a variety of disciplines and practices, including "consultation of original archives, philosophical and critical discourses, as well as research into social history or formal analysis."

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
A person holding an Art History, Criticism and Conservation Degree can also work for themselves as a freelancer or entrepreneur in any of the above industries.

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 art and the context of the time in which the artist lived and created art.

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.

GI BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program Options

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation degree program.

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:

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:

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:

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:

VA-Approved Colleges and Yellow Ribbon Schools 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.