Unlocking your future with an art history major

Key takeaways about an art history major

• An art history major explores art, culture, and history across time and place.

• You can earn different types of art history degrees, from bachelor’s to PhDs.

• Courses cover everything from ancient art to modern visual culture.

• Career paths include museums, education, research, and creative industries.

• Scholarships and college search tools can help fund and plan your path.

So, what is an art history major?

An art history major is all about studying art and culture—how people have expressed themselves through painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, and more across time. You’ll look at works of art as both creative achievements and historical documents, connecting them to the people and societies that made them.

If you’re curious about how art reflects big ideas, social change, or even everyday life, this major could be a great fit.

Types of art history degrees

Art history programs come in several levels:

• Bachelor’s degree: The most common starting point, focusing on survey courses and research skills.

• Master’s degree: More advanced, often needed if you want to specialize or work in museums and galleries.

• Doctorate (PhD): The path if you’re aiming for teaching at the university level or deep research roles.

Key courses and specializations for art history majors

Art history majors take a mix of foundational classes and specialized electives. Some common courses include:

• Ancient Greek and Roman art

• Medieval and Renaissance art

• Modern and contemporary art

• Non-Western art traditions (African, Asian, Indigenous art)

• Visual culture and media studies

You may also specialize in areas like architecture, museum studies, or digital art history.

Smart pairings: common double majors and minors

Pairing art history with another field can broaden your opportunities. Popular combos include:

• Studio art (to practice creating while studying history)

• History (for a deeper context of time periods)

• Anthropology (to explore cultural meaning and artifacts)

• Business or communications (helpful for arts administration or marketing roles)

Skills I’ll learn as an art history major

This major builds a set of transferable skills that go far beyond the classroom:

• Visual analysis: Breaking down details and interpreting meaning.

• Research and writing: Digging deep into sources and presenting clear arguments.

• Cultural awareness: Understanding how different societies express themselves.

• Critical thinking: Seeing connections between art, history, and society.

• Communication: Explaining complex ideas in simple, engaging ways.

Career paths for art history majors

Art history grads can take their skills into many industries. Some top career paths include:

• Museum or gallery curator

• Archivist or preservationist

• Art appraiser

• Educator or professor

• Arts administrator

• Writer, critic, or journalist

• Careers in design, marketing, or communications

Salary potential for art history majors

Salaries in art history can look different depending on the path you choose. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, museum curators and archivists earn about $61,000 a year, while museum technicians and conservators average closer to $47,000. If you move into education, librarians earn a median of about $64,000, and creative fields such as design, marketing, or arts administration can offer even higher earning potential. Pairing art history with business, education, or technology is another way to boost your salary options.

Is art history right for me?

This major might be for you if:

• You love exploring art, culture, and history.

• You enjoy research and writing.

• You’re excited about connecting the past with today’s world.

• You’re looking for a degree that builds both creative and analytical skills.

Notable schools for art history majors

Some universities with strong art history programs include:

• New York University (NYU)

• University of California, Berkeley

• Princeton University

• University of Chicago

• Williams College

You can explore more schools with Scout College Search to find programs that match your goals.

Finding scholarships for art history majors

Paying for college is a big deal, but the good news is there are scholarships designed just for art history students. You can start your search with tools like Scholarships by major and Scholly Scholarships, or apply for opportunities like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship If you want something more tailored, check out scholarships for art history majors and browse art scholarships to find ones that fit your skills and goals. The earlier you start and the more often you apply, the better your chances of stacking up awards to help fund your degree.