Does anybody have a degree in Art History?

Question

I took one Art History course last year for my general education requirements and I fell in love with it. In fact, I did so well that I decided that this was something I could definitely get into for the rest of my life. It encompasses everything I love- history, philosophy, theology, and human psychology. However, what does one do with such a degree? Become a historian or a curator? Study to become a professor? I'm curious if anyone out there has a similar degree or predicament.

Answer 1

I'm interested in all the things you are: the humanities. It's all so personal; how could one not get attached? I don't see how people can say they hate history or philosophy. But I digress.

I am having the same problem you are. I'm going into my second year of college and I have to choose a major by the end of this year. What am I looking at so far? History, English, psychology, philosophy (which my dad teaches), and such. Only problem is... what is there to do with all this stuff? To me, it seems that our options include writing books or writing for journals, and teaching. Not two things I particularly want to make a living out of.

Back to art history. I believe you could definitely become a curator with that type of degree, although you may even need a Ph.D, I'm not sure. Historian, definitely. But the problem is, what do you DO as a historian? Write and teach, as far as I know. I'm sure if you dig around you can find some other sorts of jobs that work with your prospective major.

Just a word of advice: don't go into business or economics if your love lies somewhere else. The practical thing to do is not always the best thing to do. I know too many people who are so unhappy with their jobs because they chose the practical route.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

If you have an Art History degree then you can always complete some post graduate study such as a Masters degree. When studying for a masters (in the UK) you can still use the ideas of others, as you would for an undergraduate degree. If you're looking to become a curator or a director of a museum section, you'll probably be expected to hold a Phd. For this you will have to apply to a University for a research position. Many institutions expect a first and a couple of languages. You'll have to outline your chosen research area also.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I don't have a degree in Art History, but I do have a degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in the Humanities. I started out as a history major in college then ended up taking some humanities classes and had an experience svery imilar to yours. I had pursued art throughout my education and ended up being a graphic designer for a few years. Eventually I returned to school, got a B.A. in English/Creative writing and took many humanities and film classes along the way. I eventually went to graduate school, completed an M.L.A. in humanities. I have been teaching humanities classes for ten years now at the college and university levels and continue to do so for what I experienced and what you describe here - a love of history, philosophy, theology, human psychology, etc. - and the desire to awaken my students to all that the human experiene encompasses.


I'm glad that most schools required these sorts of classes as part of gen. ed. Unfotunately, it's often the first time that many people are exposed to the arts and many other critical and creative endeavors that human beings have pursued during our time on this planet.

A graduate degree (such as an M.A. or an M.F.A.) would allow you an opportunity to teach at the college level. A PhD is required to teach at most universities (I pursued an additional M.A. and PhD in Communication/Cultural Studies but never finished). This degree would also open doors for you in careers like museum studies, curatorial work. etc. I am sure that a counselor or career services person at your school would be happy to talk with you about your interests and where they might take you.


Good luck.

Answer 4

You won't get rich quick, that's for sure. There are however some good paying jobs out there. Gallery manager, Gallery curator, private collection curator, auctioneer, art dealler, professor, or if you have the flair you could go into art restoration. Art photographer, art writer, art critic, art snob, just a few more ideas.
I don't have an art history degree. I just know art.

Answer 5

I have an undergrad degree in fine art and I am an elementary art teacher. My friend's undergrad degree was in art history and she teaches elementary art. She loves it, and so do I. If you love art like me then you will be happy and be able to find a job; but be prepared to struggle some. A career in the arts is not easy, but it is very rewarding.

Answer 6

Ask Sister Wendy