Art History is the discipline of Fine Art that focuses on the in-depth study of the visual arts for the purpose of understanding artists and traditions. Art Historians use their knowledge of art, both past and present, to teach others how to interpret, understand, and enjoy various forms of art. Colorado Mesa University offers a BFA with a concentration in Art History.
The Bachelor of Art (BA) degree in Art History combines strong curriculum requirements in both studio art and art history courses. Students in this major will develop skills in studio techniques and will engage in the in-depth study of historic and contemporary artists, art movements, and styles. CMU’s Art Department offers students opportunities to expand their art knowledge through internship and exhibition opportunities, national and international travel, and clubs.
Upon completion graduates are ready to enter into professional employment at art museums and galleries, art publishing houses, and other areas of art services. Graduates are also well prepared to continue into graduate level art history programs.
- Antiquarian book trade
- Antiques dealer
- Architectural conservation
- Archivist
- Art advisor
- Art appraiser
- Art buyer
- Art collection manager
- Art conservator
- Art consultant
- Art database manager
- Art handler
- Art history fellow
- Art investment
- Art investor
- Art librarian
- Art marketing
- Art teacher
- Art writer
- Auction house
- Collection management
- Gallery director
- Grant writer
- Heritage officer
- Journalist
- Museum curator
- Picture editor
- Preservation and conservation
- Professor
- Project coordinator
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
- Identify when an art object was created and by whom.
- Research artists to determine the social/cultural implications of the work they created.
- Teach Art History at a university or college.
- Write exhibits that provide compelling interpretations of objects.
- Keep detailed records of inventory for a museum.
- Attend conferences that give presentations about art.
- Write for scholarly publications.
- Place value on art for a government, museum, or private collector.
- Assist police agency/FBI with art theft crimes.
- Repair/restore works of art.
- Purchase art for museums or art galleries.
- Assist artists with art gallery sales/displays.
- Plan and/or set up exhibits for museums or art galleries.
- Provide art consultation for film or print.
- Edit and/or publish art books.
- Write grants for local city or art associations.
- Museums
- Professional publications
- Government agencies
- Magazines
- Universities/colleges
- Public/private schools
- Police/FBI
- Libraries
- Private collectors
- Auction houses
- Lawyers
- Insurance agencies
- Art galleries
Skills Needed by Art History majors:
- Good communication skills; both speech and writing.
- Flexible schedule
- Good organization skills
- Good memory
- CreativityComputer literacy
- Web production skills
- Interpersonal relations
- Work independently or in a team
- Self-motivated
Other Art History resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching. •
- View OOH information on Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- College of Art Association
- American Historical Association
- American Association of Museums
- Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG)
- Association of Art Editors
- International Association of Art Critics (AICA)
- The National Antique and Art Dealers Association of America (NAADAA)
- Appraisers Association of America
- American Society of Appraisers
- Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America
- Career Jet
- Idealist
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Higher Ed Jobs
- Colorado Creative Industries
- H-Net Job Guide
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.