A degree in art history can lead to a variety of exciting careers in the field such as teachers, appraisers, art historians, archivists, and conservators. Art history majors can become teachers or professors of art history. Often these positions are at the college level and require at least a master level degree. Appraisers specialize in examining art pieces to determine their monetary value. Art historians become experts in the art field, determining the origins of art and the time period in which they were produced. Archivists are similar to historians, except that they are typically experts in one type of art and determine which art pieces are important enough to be placed in official archives. Conservators care for art by cleaning, restoring and otherwise protecting historical pieces. Museum curators are the administration behind a museum, and they are often responsible for choosing art and creating art displays and facilitating lending and borrowing art collections.
Art history degrees are packed with classes that examine different forms of art from different periods of history, and delves into the different mediums, methods and styles used by artists in different points in history. It is in essence a walk through history through art, which can provide the attentive student an almost gnostic experiential view of history, through the eyes of artists. One can gain a unique perspective on our world by viewing it through the eyes of artists through the ages.
It may seem strange that a degree, so steeped in history, could be most easily gained through modern technology. Yet online courses can provide an education that is just as good, perhaps better, than traditional schools. Technology in our current generation puts the world’s art at the student’s fingertips. Most large museums contain online versions of their galleries, which allows the student to view art from artists and museums all around the world from the comfort of their home study. With technology, one can visit the Louvre, the Tate Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, all in a single afternoon. While it’s never the same as actually being in a room with a piece, online high resolution photos allow the student to see images of art that are much clearer and detailed than photos in a text book.
As online degree programs become more recognized as viable ways to obtain a quality education, the reasons for taking this degree online increase. As online teaching techniques improve, online courses become easier to take. Most online programs provide forums, chat rooms, or video conferencing that allow for interaction and collaboration between students. For those who would have otherwise already obtained an art history degree were it not for other issues such as the lack of a nearby quality school or time and schedule constraints, an online degree is the perfect solution.
Become an Art Historian by Obtaining Your Degree Online | Peterson’s Online Schools
