5 Best Online Art and Art History Degrees

Updated June 29, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff

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Do you love the history of art?

Jobs for artists are increasing between 5 and 6 percent over the next seven years. A degree in Art or Art History can provide the background for several career choices. Art Directors earn an average of over $90,000 a year.

Fine Artists are becoming more and more sought out as our society encourages art and creativity. A degree in Art and Art History can also lead you toward a career in teaching at various different levels or can set you up for success as a curator for galleries or museums.

Though earning a degree can be difficult, an online degree makes your goals more accessible. These five schools work with your schedule and your needs to help you earn your online Art and Art History Degree.

Methodology

Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Online Art and Art History Degrees, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:

25% – Student Satisfaction

30% – Earning Potential

15% – Retention Data

20% – Affordability

10% – Acceptance Rates

For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.

#1 University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Arts, Media and Entertainment Bachelor of General Studies

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The University of Arizona adds a global focus to their Arts program. Students learn the process of the creation and communication of art across cultures. They learn skills in criticism and evaluation of art forms and develop the skills necessary to analyze, create, promote, and market art. This program prepares its graduates for a variety of career choices in performing arts, visual arts, and more. US News included the University of Arizona in its top 30 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Tuition: $16,466

Score: 100

#2 Arizona State University-Tempe

Tempe, Arizona

Art (Art History) (BA)

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Students at Arizona State University-Tempe are taught to engage with visual art and visual learning. They gain a deeper understanding of the aesthetics, production, patronage, and consumption of art. Courses are taught by experienced faculty. Courses include “The Art Experience,” “Art of Photography,” and “Research Methods.” Students earn a well-rounded education to help them understand the process of art and its impact in the world. Arizona State University is #2 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs according to US News.

Tuition: $13,007

Score: 99.46

#3 University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts

Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts

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The Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from UML allows students to choose two concentrations. Options include Art History, Economics, English, Gender Studies, History, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, and Psychology. This allows students to tailor the degree to their specific needs. The Liberal Arts program is ideal for working adults or students who have been unable to complete their education in the past. The program can be entirely online or hybrid, with some courses on campus. Students graduate with a fundamental understanding of the development of art throughout society. UML encourages a global mindset and teaches students to organize their thoughts and opinions and successfully analyze works of art. US News said Lowell was #25 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Tuition: $18,348

Score: 98.86

#4 Lindenwood University

St. Charles, Missouri

Art History

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US News called Lindenwood University the #102 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, and OnlineU named it #14 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Art Degrees. The Art History program teaches students to appreciate the desire to create and to analyze works of art as a product of a culture, time period, and location. Lindenwood offers a wide variety of course selection, so students can find classes that meet their needs and coincide with their interests. Students also learn to perfect their communication skills, in written, oral, and visual forms. Students can choose to complete a more generalized track or focus on pre-art conservation. Classes can be completed in 8 or 16 weeks, and the entire degree can be completed in three years.

Tuition: $22,183

Score: 88.67

#5 Prescott College

Prescott, Arizona

Bachelor of Arts – Arts & Humanities

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Prescott College offers its students three different start dates. The hybrid course does require an on-campus orientation, but classes can be completed online. Prescott College encourages you to work in your community as well as online, and it rewards life experience by awarding credit for your life accomplishments. The BA Arts and Humanities builds on a strong foundation of liberal arts and encourages an appreciation of literature, language, and the arts. Students are motivated to participate in intercultural dialogues and to consider their own beliefs and those of others. Graduates have strong skills in analysis and inquiry, as well as a greater appreciation of the arts and their impact on society and culture.

Tuition: $25,280

Score: 80.88

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