Online Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Arizona State University’s online 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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/10/2022
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
Have questions about the Art History (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Why earn an art history degree?
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 like media and performance studies, literature, history, science and anthropology. 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?
Our program is one of the few online art history degrees 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.
What skills will I get with an art history degree?
In addition to taking online art history courses, you can study topics that develop wide-ranging cultural literacy. You’ll have opportunities to hone your talents in public speaking and problem solving.
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 the cultural expression and strengthen your capacity to conduct analysis and communicate clearly.
Will my art history degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Online art history courses
To earn your art history degree, 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. Courses in the major include:
ARS 101: Art from Prehistory Through Middle Ages (HU & H)
ARS 102: Art from Renaissance to Modernism (HU & H)
ARS 201: Art of Asia (HU & H & G)
ARS 202: Art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas (HU & H & G)
ARS 250: History of Photography (HU)
ARS 498: Pro-Seminar (L)
ARS 480: Research Methods (L)
What can I do with an art history degree?
After earning an online art history degree, 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:
Archivist
Art Professor
High School Teacher
Museum Curator
Museum Exhibit Designer
Talent Agent
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.
- 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.
- The study of creative work.
Online art history degree admission requirements
freshman student
You are considered a freshman for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
A premier institution for the arts and art history
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts has a tradition of top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs from a combination of disciplines. These range from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theatre. The institute trains artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem solving 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 theatre, and music.
Top 20
among fine arts schools in the nation, ahead of Cornell University, Parsons School of Design and the University of California.
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