Art History Careers
Related Skills
Undergraduates who study art history develop many skills including:
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to analyze texts and visual art
- Good decision making skills
- Strong research and writing skills
- Strong work ethic and professional skills
- Adaptive imaginative and creative skills
Being Successful in the Field
An undergraduate degree in Art History is good preparation not only for graduate study in art history and visual culture but also the fields of law, history, anthropology, archaeology, arts administration, museum studies, and library science.
Art History graduates have successful careers working in libraries (including special collections and archives), museums (curators, educators), and galleries; they work in the legal field (art law), with governmental agencies, as antique dealers, and in publishing.
There are many things Art History majors and minors can do while working toward their undergraduate degree. These include: joining art-related student organizations and some professional organizations (many have student-level memberships), volunteering with area arts organizations, seeking out student internships both locally and nationally, investigating study abroad programs, working with faculty on independent research projects, and conducting informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for success in these fields. Many of the careers listed above require graduate degrees. With this in mind, by the end of their junior and beginning of their senior year, students should be actively investigating graduate programs in their chosen area of interest. Upon graduation, graduates should continue to pursue many of these activities.
To be successful in the field, graduates should join art-related professional organizations, volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts, gain experience through internships, and conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas.
Related Fields
Art Museums/Galleries
- Museum Educator
- Administrator
- Curator
- Conservator
- Registrar
- Collections Management Officer
- Editor
- Researcher
- Developer/Fundraiser
- Public Relations Officer
- Exhibit Designer/Preparator
- Archivist
- Visual Resources Curator
- Tour Guide/Docent
Employers
- Government or private museums
- Historic sites
- Local historical societies
- Galleries
- College and universities
- Arts organizations
Strategies
- Earn an advanced degree in an academic discipline or museum studies for greater career opportunities.
- Intern or volunteer in an art museum. Develop strength in art history areas.
- Enhance computer skills.
- Earn a business minor.
- Acquire strong skills in research, fund-raising, speaking, and writing.
- Develop good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well on teams.
Education
- Secondary School Teacher
- College/University Professor
- Art Librarian
- Museum Educator
- Visual Resources Curator
- Docent/Tour Guide
Employers
- Art schools
- Public and private schools (K-12)
- Colleges and universities
- Adult and community programs
- Libraries
- Museums
- Alternative schools
Strategies
- Earn an advanced degree in an academic discipline or museum studies for greater career opportunities.
- Obtain certification for public school teaching.
- Graduate degree usually required for post-secondary teaching.
- Develop a specialty area.
- Work or volunteer as a tutor, camp counselor, Big Brother/Sister, or after-school program counselor.
- Become a member of art clubs.
- Obtain substitute-teaching experience.
- Develop strength in art history areas.
Media and Sales
- Editor
- Art Journalist
- Art Critic
- Freelance Writer
- Antiques/Books/Prints Dealer
- Art Advisor/Consultant
- Gallery Owner
- Art Administrator
- Art Agent
- Art Buyer
- Estate Appraiser
- Auction Manager
Employers
- Corporate media departments
- Federal, state, and local government
- Nonprofit agencies
- Art-related publications
- Publishing houses
- Newspapers and magazines
- Internet media companies
- Hotel and corporate collections
- Auction houses
Strategies
- Compile an up-to-date portfolio of your writing.
- Develop strong computer skills.
- Work on student publications.
- Gain experience through internships in media or related areas.
- Supplement curriculum with courses in business, journalism, or broadcasting/electronic media.
- Develop good interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well on teams.
Career Industry Liaison
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristy Dewall | 223 Bone Student Center | ksdewal@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-2200 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nancy Fewkes | Center for Visual Arts 204 | nfewkes@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5621 |