<p>I'm considering double majoring in art history and another disciple (or maybe minoring in it), but have been told numerous times how "impractical" it is. Practicality at this point isn't a huge concern, but I'm curious- what kind of careers do art history majors go on to have?</p>
<p>Some work in museums...some work in a gallery. Some are appraisers or curators or archivists. You could teach. This is what I found on google...</p>
<p>To be brutally honest with you...you can't do much.</p>
<p>I'm a transfer student with a major in art history. I'm going to get a BA in art history but I don't plan to make it a career because it's extremely difficult to get a job in the field unless you have a MA or a PH.D</p>
<p>You can always go into Arts Management if you don't want to teach art history.</p>
<p>Arts</a> Management</p>
<p>I'm an art history major.</p>
<p>It doesn't sound like you can do much unless you go to grad school. That's my plan, at least for right now. I might want to teach or work in a museum, or do something where I can travel. Appraisal also sounds interesting and so does conservation. I go back and forth. :)</p>
<p>I've heard art history majors are looked upon fairly well by law schools as well.</p>
<p>I'm an art history major.</p>
<p>It doesn't sound like you can do much unless you go to grad school. That's my plan, at least for right now. I might want to teach or work in a museum, or do something where I can travel. Appraisal also sounds interesting and so does conservation. I go back and forth. :)</p>
<p>I've heard art history majors are looked upon fairly well by law schools as well.</p>
<p>My wife was an art history major in college. It is true that it doesn't start you down a specific career path the way a degree in chemical engineering or secondary school teaching might. However, there are career opportunities that stem from its study including marketing, advertising and other jobs that a liberal arts education might prepare you for. </p>
<p>My wife works as an advisor at an art and design college. However, for her to progress in her career, a graduate degree is really mandatory. No matter where you go with your art history degree, plan to do grad school. With a masters or Phd you would be prepared for things like art restoration/conservation, curatorial work, teaching, art marketing (representing artists and helping them gain the exposure it takes to win bids for public or corporate art projects), auction houses and a handful of other jobs.</p>
<p>Double post.</p>
<p>Backtothestars, why do law schools look favorably upon art history students?</p>
<p>Hmm...can you combine art history and law? I would love to parlay the two into a job at Sotheby's or Christie's or something along those lines....</p>
<p>^of course you can. aside from working for auction houses, art history + law can also be great preparation for many museum jobs as well. don't we all know how sketchily so many museum pieces are acquired? someone's gotta deal with those foreign countries claiming the Met possesses thousands of their artifacts illegally, or some private citizen claiming that the MoMA doesn't have the rights to painting X.</p>
<p>A law degree is too costly if you don't love the law. I believe you'll have better value with an MFA and/or MBA, especially if you're interested in management and possibly owning/running your own art gallery.</p>
<p>My aunt was an art history major and ended up working in a museum for a while...but honestly she regrets it a bit and is going back to school to get another degree...not that many job ops for art history majors to be honest.</p>
<p>Hmm...let's say I wanted to become an art dealer or curator. Would I need a PhD to reach a high level of art management?</p>
<p>Marlowe:
Yeah, I think so. Go check out museum sites and see the requirements for open positions and stuff, that may give you an idea of what kind of an education you'll nee to do that.</p>
<p>Very interesting topic indeed! I never wanted to do art history, but I know that it is on the minds of some of my friends.</p>
<p>There is a really good website that gives you alternative art history job titles and then states what quilifications you need to have. It covers all fields that art historians can get into with a undergraduate qualification and with post-graduate qualifications. If you google, CAREER ALTERNATIVES FOR ART HISTORIANS then it will be at the top of the page. (I'm not sure if I am allowed to post the website here?) Hope this helps as it is U.S based.</p>
<p>When I was in Denver they had a curatorial and musume studies masters program at DU I think it would help a lot in that field as well as your art history background I would also research a school in a flurishing art community like southern California even Denver was promising with its growing art apprecitive culture. Compition might be higher in places like this but you get the real experience by working with professional in the field I would also consider some studio time to or picture framing experience :)</p>
<p>Also musume volunteer programs and internships are very competitive dispite the non paying position you will definitely want as much edge as you can while your in school particapate in as much local events as you can and document it all</p>