The Best Online Master’s in Art and Art History Programs

Overview

Earning an online master’s in art and art history prepares students for advanced roles in education, museums, galleries, archives, and cultural institutions. These programs deepen knowledge of global art movements, visual analysis, research methods, curatorial practices, conservation, and the historical contexts that shape artistic expression. Graduates may pursue careers as educators, museum curators, collection managers, art historians, conservators, or specialists in authentication and provenance research.

Most online art and art history master’s programs require about two years of full-time study. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and required fees for graduate programs in the United States were approximately $23,654 for the 2023–24 academic year, though actual costs vary based on institution type, delivery format, and residency status.

How to Choose an Online Master’s in Art and Art History Program

1. Identify your academic and career goals

Most online programs in this field are offered as a Master of Arts (MA). Before selecting a program, think carefully about why you want to earn this degree and what professional pathway you intend to pursue. Students interested in museum work, curating, conservation, teaching, gallery management, or art scholarship should seek programs that offer coursework or specializations aligned with their interests.

Many schools offer concentrations in areas such as museum studies, curatorial practice, art education, conservation, or gallery and arts administration. Reviewing concentration offerings early can help you determine which programs best support your goals.

2. Research programs and verify accreditation

Choose institutions that are regionally accredited by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized accrediting body. Regional accreditation ensures academic quality and affects eligibility for federal financial aid and credit transfer.

For art-focused programs, look for degrees accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) whenever possible. NASAD accreditation signals strong curriculum standards and faculty expertise in the visual arts.

Beyond accreditation, consider factors such as program cost, faculty background, curriculum structure, internship opportunities, and access to academic or career support services. Even in online formats, location may matter if the program requires occasional campus visits for residencies, orientations, or hands-on components. Information sessions, virtual tours, and conversations with admissions counselors can provide additional insight.

3. Review admission requirements and deadlines

Most art and art history master’s programs do not require entrance exams, but admissions criteria vary. Applicants may need to submit undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Some programs, especially those with studio art components, may request a portfolio.

Programs may offer rolling admissions or have specific deadlines throughout the year. Since online and on-campus start dates often differ, it’s important to track deadlines early and maintain an organized checklist. Confirm requirements with an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information.

4. Compare your options and select the right program

After gathering details about each school, narrow your options by focusing on the programs that best match your goals, budget, and scheduling needs. Consider faculty expertise, internship placements, opportunities for museum or gallery partnerships, and the mix of synchronous versus asynchronous instruction.

Consider whether you prefer a fully online program or are comfortable with a hybrid structure that includes some in-person components. Reviewing syllabi, academic calendars, and degree maps can help clarify what day-to-day coursework will look like. Apply to multiple programs if possible to keep your options open.

5. Explore financial aid and tuition support

Financing a graduate degree typically involves a combination of federal aid, institutional scholarships, and personal funding. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward accessing federal loans and many school-based grants or scholarships.

Students may also explore external scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships, particularly in the fields of museum studies or art education. Those currently working in museums, schools, or arts organizations should check whether employer tuition assistance benefits are available. Contacting the financial aid office of each school can help you better understand tuition costs and available funding opportunities.

What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Art and Art History Program

An online master’s in art and art history provides advanced training in the historical, cultural, and theoretical foundations of visual art. Students explore global art movements, visual analysis, critical theory, curatorial practice, museum studies, and research methodologies. Coursework is designed to build strong analytical, writing, and communication skills — all essential for careers in museums, education, archives, galleries, and arts organizations.

Most programs require approximately two years of full-time study, although some institutions offer accelerated pathways for students who wish to complete their studies more quickly. Many online programs can be completed fully online, allowing students to engage with coursework without the need for on-campus classes or residencies. Some programs incorporate optional internships, museum partnerships, or hands-on projects to help students gain practical experience in the field.

What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Art and Art History Degree

An online master’s in art and art history opens up a wide range of career paths in cultural institutions, education, conservation, and more. Graduates may work in museums, galleries, archives, schools, universities, publishing, or private consulting, applying their expertise in the visual arts, history, research, and cultural stewardship to a variety of roles.

*These figures reflect U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data as of the latest available reporting. Actual salaries vary by location, employer, and level of experience.

Online Master’s in Art and Art History Frequently Asked Questions