The Best Online Master’s in Art and Art History Programs
Summary of work: More than 48 hours of research. Every online Master in Art and Art History program in the US analyzed. 29 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 13 of the best programs identified.
Our Picks
Overview
Professionals with an art and art history degree strive to understand works of art, architecture, and the historical framework around their creation and circulation. In simple terms, professionals work to make informed interpretations that provide insight about culturally embedded expressions, relationships, and discourse—they help us understand art’s place and significance in society. These interpretations guide curation, market values, and the analyses that shapes the contemporary art market as well as the future of the field.
The amount of critical thought art and art history requires means many professionals seek the advanced education of a master’s degree. Art and art history programs provide courses on various centuries of art, art methodologies, and curation. At the same time, students learn to analyze and critique archives, philosophy, and social history to provide formal interpretations of artistic pieces. Degree holders become a voice of authority that provides the public a foothold for understanding how art expresses and is related to the historically significant events and cultural movements that shape our perspectives.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER’S IN ART AND ART HISTORY?
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CAN I GET A MASTER’S IN ART AND ART HISTORY ONLINE?
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED ARE ONLINE ART AND ART HISTORY DEGREES?
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A MASTER’S IN ART AND ART HISTORY?
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IS A MASTER’S IN ART AND ART HISTORY WORTH IT?
As for careers, many graduates of art and art history master’s programs enjoy work as teachers, curators, and artists. In each position, professionals help others to develop critical thinking and analytical abilities—a skill that is becoming increasingly important. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for art and art history professionals is growing by 13% which is faster than the national average. Put simply, there is a wealth of opportunity for stable and rewarding careers in art and art history.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Art and Art History Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Art and Art History program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 13 best online Masters in Art and Art History programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Lindenwood University
209 S Kingshighway St St. Charles, MO 63301Lindenwood University is ideal for students who want to earn their master's in art and art history degree without spending two or more years in school. Students who enroll in this program can select the fast-track option and complete the two-year curriculum in only one year.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Arts, Media, and Communications
Program Name: Master of Art in Art History
Accrediting Body: NCACS/THLC
DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years; 1 year for the Fast-Track Option
Program start dates: Fall: August 27; Spring: January 14;
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
49%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$480 per credit
Tiffin University
155 Miami St Tiffin, OH 44883Tiffin University's online master's in art and art history program offers a visual media concentration for students who want to pursue careers as graphic designers, museum curators and even community college art teachers. The curriculum includes everything from teaching college art to film theory, giving graduates a well-rounded skill set to succeed in their chosen professions.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Arts & Sciences
Program Name: Master of Humanities
Available Concentrations: Art & Visual Media
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree, three-year undergraduate professional degree from an accredited higher education institution or currently attending an accredited master of business administration (MBA) program
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 15 weeks
Program start dates: January 14, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$500 per credit
Azusa Pacific University
901 E Alosta Ave Azusa, CA 91702The online master's and administrative credential program in educational leadership prepares graduates for roles as educational leaders within their school system. Students learn courses in visionary leadership, community leadership, school improvement and more, giving them the skills to perform administrative duties to strengthen student learning through the engagement of students, staff, families, and communities.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of the Arts
Program Name: M.A. in Modern Art History, Theory, and Criticism
Accrediting Body: NASAD, WSCUC (formerly WASC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Part-time, Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: August 27, 2018; Spring: January 6, 2019; Summer: May 6, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 10, 2018; Spring: December 14, 2018; Summer: April 19, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
70%
School Type
Private
Tuition
$630 per credit
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
175 Sam Sibley Dr Natchitoches, LA 71497Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers an online master's in art and art history program that's designed for students who can attend residencies on campus during the summer semesters. Students benefit from both online and on-campus sessions with the freedom to complete the coursework from a distance while also getting hands-on experience in the classroom.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Fine and Graphic Arts
Program Name: Master of Arts in Art
Accrediting Body: National Association of Schools of Art and Design
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 33 credit hours
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall 2018: August 13; Spring 2019: January 7
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall 2018: June 15; Spring 2019: November 1
School Type
Public
Tuition
$475 per credit
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street Hays, KS 67601Fort Hays State University believes in working closely with students to give them the most support and the best experience possible in the master's in art and art history program. Students collaborate with advising faculty not only to modify their degree but also to get insight and help on research projects and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Art
Program Name: Master of Liberal Studies
Available Concentrations: Art History Concentration
Accrediting Body: NCACS/THLC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's in Art History or Studio Art from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 31 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: March 26, 2018
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: August 8
GPA: 2.0
Graduation Rate
43%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$288 per credit
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St San Francisco, CA 94105Academy of Art University's online master's in art and art history program is delivered via state-of-the-art technologies to make distance learners feel like they're attending classes on campus. Students have access to interactive video and audio, slideshows, community support and tools to collaborate with peers and professors throughout their journey in the program.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Art History
Program Name: Master of Arts (MA)
Accrediting Body: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASD), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of Arts in Art History (or equivalent)
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram start dates: Summer 2018: June 25; Fall 2018: September 6; Winter Intersession 2019: January 7 ; Spring 2019: February 4
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$1,031 per unit
Penn State World Campus
100 Innovation Blvd University Park, PA 16802Penn State World Campus prepares preK-12 art educators for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, which helps to propel them to leadership positions in their careers. Graduates learn the skills and the knowledge to pass the exam, as well as to gain entry-level positions as art educators in museums and other institutions.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Education
Program Name: Master of Professional Studies in Art Education
Accrediting Body: NCATE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 and a half years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 15, 2018; March 25, 2018; October 1, 2018
Dreams do come true, I am proof. My name is Zena Kirby, I am a Spring 2018 graduate of the M.P.S. Art Education program, Penn State School of Visual Arts SoVA. The word commencement means the beginning, I look at this chapter of my life as the beginning of a new start. I will be following my dream of pursuing a Doctoral degree in Art Education and minoring in Art History this fall here at Penn State!
School Type
State-related
Tuition
$886 per credit
Boston University
Boston, MA 2215Boston University gives students a chance to study abroad in Italy thanks to the Venice Studio Arts Program. Students will be able to refine their skills during a summer term in Boston's education center in Venice.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Visual Arts
Program Name: MA in Art Education
Accrediting Body: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree in Studio Art or Art Education from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 32 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 18 - 24 months
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Current or recent classroom teaching experience
School Type
Private
Tuition
$825 per credit
Ohio State University
Columbus , OH 43210Ohio State University's online master's in art and art history program is one of the best values for students looking to earn their degree. Students have access to a flexible schedule, affordable tuition, financial and technology support and a career-driven curriculum to give students what they need to succeed in their careers.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Art Education
Accrediting Body: NICHE
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: June 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$723 per credit
Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 W Mount Royal Ave Baltimore, MD 21217Maryland Institute College of Art employs industry professionals to educate students in the master's in art history program. These faculty members are leaders in their own professions and pass along their skills while also delivering an in-depth curriculum to prepare students for career advancement.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE)
Accrediting Body: National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD)
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree in studio art, design, or art education, or a degree in a related field
Credit Requirements: 34 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 14 months
Program start dates: January 16, 2019
Admission RequirementsWork Experience: At least two years of experience teaching art in a professional setting
Tuition
$1,370 per credit
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611The University of Florida prepares graduates for visual arts careers, such as museum curators, in the online master's in art history program. This program is designed for students who want to pursue their Ph.D. degree immediately after earning their master's degree to assume leadership roles in the visual arts.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE)
Accrediting Body: NASAD
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous, Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited school in art education, studio art, design or art history
Credit Requirements: 36 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 7, 2019; April 29, 2019; August 19, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: November 12, 2018; March 11, 2019; July 12, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Relevant experience/background
School Type
Public
Tuition
$600 per credit
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211The University of Missouri offers an art history and archaeology degree through its comprehensive Master of Arts program, which explores everything from art antiquity to critical writing and reading practices. Graduates develop a solid foundation in art theory, history and visual analysis and expand their skill set to advance their careers as art history educators, art dealers, archivists and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education
Program Name: Master of Education in Learning, Teaching and Curriculum
Available Concentrations: Art Education
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission, Teacher Accreditation Council
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous, Synchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree already from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 32 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 3 years
Program start dates: August 20, 2018; January 22, 2019; June 3
, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Two years of teaching experience in a related field
School Type
Online
Tuition
$433 per credit
Edinboro University
219 Meadville St Edinboro, PA 16444With its art education track, Edinboro University's online master's in art and art history program prepares graduates for art careers teaching in grades K-12. It includes courses in curriculum development, art theory and more, giving graduates the skills to work with children and young adults not only in the school system but also in community programs.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies and Research
Program Name: Master of Arts
Available Concentrations: Art Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours
Program LengthProgram start dates: August 27, 2018; January 14, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.8
Other Requirements: Valid teaching certificate in art education
School Type
Public
Tuition
$516 per credit