The combination of studio art experience and the knowledge of art history, theory, and diverse cultural traditions gained from a major in Art History form a solid foundation for a variety of careers and future studies. Graduates in Art History are well prepared to work in museums, libraries, auction houses, cultural centers, and schools. This major is also excellent preparation for graduate study in art history, museum studies, classics, media arts, history, and literature, among other fields.
Art History, like many majors, teaches content and skills that can be applied to a wide variety of career fields. This major does not restrict you to a specific field. Following are career possibilities that may most closely relate to this major. Some of the career areas and job titles below require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Education
- Archiving
- Curating
- Research
- Program coordination
- Cultural preservation
- Art buying/selling
- Consulting
Sample Employers:
- Museums
- Galleries
- Auction houses
- Antique stores
- Schools and universities
- Cultural centers
- Libraries
- Archives
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Curatorial Assistant
|
$12,000 - $20,000
|
|
Antiques/Art Dealer
|
$33,500 - $49,000
|
|
Art Conservator
|
$16,000 - $60,000
|
|
Art Librarian
|
$35,000 - $60,000
|
|
Art Magazine Editor
|
$38,000 - $85,000
|
|
Gallery Archivist
|
$18,000 - $35,000
|
|
Auctions Department Manager
|
$22,000 - $40,000
|
|
Art Consultant
|
$25,000 - $75,000
|
|
Gallery Registrar
|
$18,000 - $45,000
|
|
Art History Instructor
|
$25,000 - $75,000
|
|
Book Conservator
|
$22,320 - $36,660
|
|
Museum Programming Director
|
$20,000 - $40,000
|
|
Museum Exhibit Designer
|
$25,150 - $44,660
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).