Art History

Art History is the study of art created throughout time in various cultures and regions of the world.  The art historian seeks to interpret and understand works of art of many types, ranging from the monumental to small scale, by learning about artists' lives and their societies.  Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History have the same baccalaureate education as other liberal arts graduates and are equipped for a wide range of professional careers - in museums, galleries, auction houses or publishing, or for graduate work in a number of fields.   An Art History major is not only a sound preparation for any professional field, it may also provide distinct advantage for entry into them, given the increasing preference of law, medical, and professional schools for students with a broad intellectual background.  

Related Career Titles/Areas for Art History Majors
*Antiquarian Book Trade *Antiques Dealer *Architectural Conservation
*Art Gallery *Art Investment *Artist Representative
*Art Librarian *Arts Organization Consultant *Corporate Curator
*Estate Appraiser *Freelance Collection Manager *Freelance Writer
*Museum Curator *Art Preservationist *Teaching
*Sample Advertisements *Art Administrator *Art Publications
*Art Advisor *Curatorial Consultant *Visual Resources Curator
*Art Law *Independent Producer *Art Foundry Technician
*Media Buyer *Art Reproduction & Retailing *Merchandise Display Coordinator
*Production Assistant *Retail Art Buyer *Editor
*Art Therapist *Art Critic *Art Archivist

Employment Settings for Art History Majors:

  Museums   Federal Government   Historic Preservation Firms
  Corporations   State Government   Community Restoration Projects
  Colleges & Universities   Auction Houses   Restoration Sites
  Art Galleries   Advertising Agencies
  Cultural Arts Centers
  Publishing Companies   Media Organizations   Appraisal Firms
 
Related Major Skills for Art History
Attention to Detail Interpretive Skills Appreciation of Aesthetics Visual acuity
Creativity Presentation/Public Speaking Open-mindedness Self-discipline
Patience Organizational Skills Adaptability Time-Management
Interpersonal Skills Intense Research Skills Communication Skills Critical Analysis

There are growing numbers of art history majors in PREMED, PRELAW and PREBUSINESS. These students have advantages over those in the traditional majors, because they have broader verbal, writing and critical thinking skills. They are often better at organizing their thoughts and expressing them to others. Most importantly, art history majors stand out from other applicants in these and many other applications. The field of art history provides a good, solid undergraduate liberal arts preparation for for any employment or further education, where there is value placed on intellectual training, analysis, and decision-making skills.

For more information, speak to one of the art history professors or explore these websites: http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~ericwang/Curriculum/major.html

http://www.smsu.edu/bms/programs/LibArtsValue.html

Here is another interesting article about liberal arts degrees and professional success: http://www.internationalgraduate.net/arts.htm