Online Bachelor of Arts in Art – Art History

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in art with a concentration in art history degree facilitates a greater appreciation for forms and functions in visual media across time. By studying art history, you can acquire an in-depth understanding of cultural expression. Graduates will be prepared to pursue employment opportunities in museums, galleries or art agencies.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

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Why earn an art history degree?

Art serves as a focal point for examining trends that have shaped the world. By developing skills in creative thinking, research and writing, you’ll examine cultural expression and strengthen your capacity to conduct analysis and communicate clearly.

Earning an art history degree allows you to develop widely applicable abilities while studying topics with broad cultural appeal. In this program, you’ll learn about the economic, social and political contexts necessary for understanding artistic trends. You’ll also study related topics, including:

  • Anthropology.
  • History.
  • Literature.
  • Media and performance studies.
  • Science.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your talents in public speaking and problem solving. Through art, you can achieve a broader understanding of the world, learn to conduct research and enhance your critical thinking abilities.

What is unique about this online art history degree concentration?

This art history degree is one of the few online art history degree concentrations offered nationwide. You can benefit from the broad knowledge base and substantial experience held by our internationally renowned faculty members. Additionally, our art history courses cover important topics present across different countries and eras. In this program, you’ll be encouraged to explore fields related to art history and conduct independent research.

Can I take online art history courses without seeking a degree?

Yes, you can take online art history courses or museum studies courses as a nondegree-seeking student. Nondegree students take individual courses without pursuing a full degree program. However, they’re limited to 12–15 nondegree status credit hours.

Will my diploma say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online art history courses

To earn your art degree with a concentration in art history, you’ll take courses that facilitate a deeper understanding of cultural context. You’ll examine topics associated with the aesthetics, production, patronage and consumption of art. Specific courses provide a background in art from different cultures, time periods and geographies. The rich and diverse curriculum culminates in the study of research methods and a seminar focused on research and writing.


What can I do with an art history degree concentration?

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in art with a concentration in art history degree online, you’ll be prepared to pursue careers in museums, galleries, historical and preservation societies or art agency settings. Alternatively, you can use your research, transferable skills and critical thinking abilities in a variety of other occupations or for graduate studies. Possible career options include, but aren’t limited to:

Archivist


Growth: 8.2 %
Salary: $58,640

Art Professor


Growth: 3.2 %
Salary: $77,280

Communications Specialist


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $73,150

High School Teacher


Growth: 1.0 %
Salary: $62,360

Historian


Growth: 3.1 %
Salary: $64,540

Museum Curator


Growth: 11.1 %
Salary: $60,380

Museum Exhibit Designer


Growth: 9.9 %
Salary: $47,270

Talent Agent


Growth: 8.2 %
Salary: $82,530

Learn from arts educators known throughout the world

ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:

  • Arts and design for social justice.
  • Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
  • Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
  • Community engagement and public policy.
  • Creative health collaborations.
  • Design, arts, science and engineering.
  • The study of creative work.

Learn from arts educators known throughout the world

ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:

  • Arts and design for social justice.
  • Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
  • Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
  • Community engagement and public policy.
  • Creative health collaborations.
  • Design, arts, science and engineering.
  • The study of creative work.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

A premier institution for the arts and art history

ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the home to top-ranked programs from a variety of disciplines ranging from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theater. We train artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem-solving abilities to advance culture, build community and transform society.

5,300+


students.

400


internationally recognized faculty members.

125


programs in arts, media and engineering, design, film, dance and theater and music.

Top 20


among fine arts schools in the nation, ahead of Cornell University, Parsons School of Design and the University of California.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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