4 Easiest Art History Degree Programs 2026

Art history degrees explore how culture, creativity, and human expression have evolved across centuries. These programs use research and visual analysis to help students understand art’s influence on society.

For those seeking an easier path, some art history degrees offer flexible online formats, lighter math or science requirements, and supportive instruction. These options make it possible to study global art movements while balancing work or other commitments.

What Makes an Art History Degree “Easy”?

An easier art history program values flexibility, accessible coursework, and well-structured online learning. The following factors often make earning this degree more manageable:

• focusing on discussion-based and research assignments rather than exams
• choosing online programs that let you study at your own pace
• selecting schools with fewer foreign language or lab requirements
• transferring credits from general education courses to shorten completion time
• finding programs that include faculty mentorship and virtual museum experiences

Easiest Art History Degree Programs

Art history programs explore the connections between creativity, culture, and history. The schools below offer some of the easiest paths to earning an art history degree, combining accessible coursework with flexible online learning formats and supportive instruction.

1. Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art University offers a Bachelor of Arts in art history that can be completed entirely online. The program focuses on global art traditions, from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements, emphasizing how artistic expression shapes society.

Students study art in its historical and cultural context through virtual museum tours and interactive lectures. The academy’s open-enrollment model and dedicated online resources make it especially approachable for working adults or first-time online learners.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in art with a concentration in art history through its Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. This program introduces students to visual culture, historical movements, and influential artists across different periods.

Courses can be completed online and include topics such as ancient to medieval art, the history of photography, and modern visual theory. ASU’s flexible format allows students to balance coursework with other commitments while gaining a strong foundation in art research and analysis.

3. Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University (APU) provides a Master of Arts in modern and contemporary art history designed for graduate students who want to deepen their understanding of modernism, sculpture, and visual culture. The degree can be completed online with options for accelerated study.

Students explore diverse perspectives in art interpretation and gain practical experience in digital research and writing. With small class sizes and accessible faculty, APU offers a supportive environment for developing advanced skills in art scholarship.

4. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University offers a Bachelor of Arts in art history and visual culture that can be completed 100% online. The curriculum blends classical study with contemporary analysis, exploring subjects like baroque art, ancient mythology, and visual storytelling.

The program’s flexible structure makes it well-suited for adult learners and transfer students. Lindenwood emphasizes affordability and personalized support, giving students the tools to pursue careers in museums, education, or cultural preservation.

How We Rank Schools

The easiest art history degrees are selected based on accessibility, academic support, and online program availability. Each school offers an accredited pathway designed to help students succeed in the humanities.

• Accreditation: All featured universities are regionally accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Degree requirements: Programs focus on cultural and historical study rather than intensive studio or science coursework.
• Online options: Each school provides fully online or hybrid courses for added flexibility.
• Affordability: Rankings consider tuition rates, available financial aid, and transfer-friendly policies.

Can I Earn My Art History Degree Online?

Yes, several accredited universities now offer art history degrees that can be completed fully online. Programs at schools such as the Academy of Art University, Arizona State University, and Lindenwood University make it possible to study art and culture from anywhere with internet access.

Online programs provide the same academic rigor as on-campus options but with added flexibility for working adults or students managing other responsibilities. Graduate students can also earn an online master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University, which focuses on modern and contemporary art history.

What Is the Typical Course Load for an Art History Degree?

A bachelor’s degree in art history typically requires around 120 credit hours, which includes a mix of general education and specialized art courses. Students explore major artistic periods, materials, and cultural influences through lectures, research projects, and visual analysis.

Some universities offer art history as a concentration within a broader art or humanities program, which may reduce the total number of required art-specific credits. Course topics often include ancient art, European painting, modern visual culture, and techniques used throughout history.

FAQs About the Easiest Art History Degrees

Art history programs balance academic research with creative exploration. Below are some common questions about earning an art history degree through an easier or more flexible pathway.

Do Art History Degrees Require Studio Art Courses?

Most art history programs do not require studio art classes, though some may offer them as electives. These degrees focus primarily on analyzing artwork, studying artists, and understanding historical context.

Students interested in combining practice and theory can look for programs that include optional studio components. This approach offers hands-on experience without adding significant workload.

How Can You Prepare for Success in an Art History Program?

Developing strong reading and writing habits is key to succeeding in art history. Since much of the coursework involves essays and research, managing time well will help you stay ahead of deadlines.

Visiting museums, exploring digital archives, or attending art talks can also enhance your understanding of major periods and movements. These experiences make coursework more meaningful and easier to retain.

What Career Opportunities Are Available With an Art History Degree?

Graduates can work in museums, galleries, cultural organizations, or education. Roles often include curator, museum technician, or art researcher.

Others use their degree as a foundation for graduate study or careers in communications, arts administration, or preservation. Art history programs build transferable skills in writing, analysis, and presentation that are valued across many fields.

Explore Art History Degrees

Explore accredited art history programs that combine cultural learning with academic flexibility. Learn.org helps you find online and on-campus degrees that make studying art and history both accessible and rewarding.