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If your dream career has you studying classical art or curating museum art exhibitions, an online master’s in art history may be in your future.
Many careers in this competitive landscape require a master’s degree, which can be tough to pursue if you already work full time or have other time-consuming obligations. However, online learning has made it easier than ever to fit education into your busy life, thanks to accommodating delivery methods, flexible class schedules and few or no travel requirements.
Online art history master’s programs are limited in the U.S., but finding the right program still requires care and consideration. On this page, we explore two accredited, nonprofit universities offering online master’s degrees for aspiring art history experts.
Our Methodology
Master’s in Art History Online Degree Options
- Azusa Pacific University
- University of Nebraska at Kearney
Azusa Pacific University
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
Why We Picked It
Founded in 1899 as a Bible college in Whittier, California, Azusa Pacific University (APU) now has eight campuses throughout California, plus 35 online degree programs. Students pursuing APU’s online MA in modern and contemporary art history complete a writing capstone project and portfolio, plus a foreign language requirement.
With courses running in accelerated eight-week sessions, you can graduate within 17 months. APU’s online art history master’s program holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
What To Know
Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $45
Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part time, full time
Notable Major-Specific Courses: Methodologies of art history, writing art criticism
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: No
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education
Why We Picked It
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) was founded in 1903 as a teacher’s college and has since significantly expanded its degree offerings, including a selection of online programs. Though not explicitly an art history degree, UNK’s online MA in art education involves significant art history coursework.
In this program, students can specialize in classroom or museum art education. Both pathways require an art history component and offer a choice between a thesis and a capstone research project and paper.
Though it doesn’t lead to a teaching certification, this program can help current teachers incorporate art into their curricula or pivot their careers to work in art museums. UNK charges a distance education fee of $35 per credit.
What To Know
Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $45
Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full time
Notable Major-Specific Courses: Modern art history, non-western art history
Concentrations Available: Classroom education, museum education
In-Person Requirements: No
Should You Enroll in an Online Art History Master’s Program?
An online art history master’s program may appeal to many students, but not all are suited to distance learning. Online programs often feature asynchronous courses, which are largely self-paced. Though this format can benefit busy students with packed schedules, it also requires lots of self-discipline and strong time management skills. If you prefer the structure of a traditional classroom, you might seek in-person or hybrid options instead.
When it comes to time and money, online programs offer some clear advantages over on-campus programs. Many online degrees do not require campus visits, eliminating travel time and costs and opening the door to faraway schools. And to better accommodate out-of-state learners, some public universities charge the same tuition rates to all online students, regardless of where they live; this can save you a bundle on out-of-state fees.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Art History Programs
Institutional accreditation can affect your eligibility for federal student aid, credit transfers, employment opportunities and advanced degree programs, so it’s important to choose an accredited university.
Institutional accreditation must come from an organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. Approved accrediting bodies evaluate a school’s curricula, faculty, student services, facilities, resources and student outcomes to determine their accreditation decisions.
As an optional quality assurance measure, you can also consider programmatic accreditation in your search for an art history master’s program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation evaluates bachelor’s and master’s programs in art, including art history programs. Holding a NASAD-accredited degree tells your future employers that your graduate education met high industry standards.
How To Find the Right Master’s in Art History Online Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
To choose the right online master’s in art history program, you must first factor in your future goals. Consider the era and media you want to study, and prioritize programs offering relevant coursework or specializations. Also, think about the faculty you want to work with; ensure your school has a specialist in your area of interest.
Consider how each program’s curriculum could affect your future as well. For example, you may need to build up a portfolio for your prospective career; if so, seek programs with a portfolio component. If you need a thesis or capstone research project to prepare you for a doctoral program, look for more research-oriented programs.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition and fees for the average graduate student cost $19,749 for the 2020-21 academic year. More specifically, tuition and fees averaged $12,394 at public schools and $26,621 at private schools. The schools on this page offer comparatively competitive tuition rates. APU’s entire master’s program costs less than $24,000; UNK’s costs less than $11,000.
When researching tuition prices, you might also look into the amount of financial support provided by your prospective schools. Make sure to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn what type of federal aid you may be eligible for. The FAFSA helps you qualify for national, regional and institutional aid as well. Depending on your school choice, you may also have access to grants, work-study programs and assistantships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Art History Master’s Programs
Is it worth it to get a master’s in art history?
If you want to work in the art history field, a master’s in art history can be very worthwhile. Many art history roles, including archivist and museum curator, require a master’s degree at minimum. These positions also pay above-average wages; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual salaries of $60,380 for curators and $58,640 for archivists.
What can you do with a master’s in art history?
With a master’s in art history, you can pursue a Ph.D. in art history, teach art or art history, or work in a museum or an art gallery. You might also work as an art director or a historian.
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