History of Art and Design

<h2 id="section---ShouldIStudyTheHistoryOfArtAndDesign">Should I Study the History of Art and Design?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>The study of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Art_History_Majors_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html">art history</a>, design and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Top_Architecture_Schools_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">architecture</a> can help you understand buildings, decorative items, paintings and sculptures as forms of cultural expression. A background in art history and design can also provide you the interdisciplinary background you need to pursue a career in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Difference_Between_Advertising_and_Marketing.html">advertising</a> and graphic design or museum work. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>As an art and design professional, you may find work in a historical society or preservation firm, museum or gallery. Depending on your specific title, you may be responsible for a wide range of projects, from promoting an artist or business to organizing fundraisers, auctions and gallery showings. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), opportunities for archivists, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_an_Art_Curator.html">curators</a> and museum technicians are expected to grow by an average rate nationwide between 2012 and 2022. Graphic designers will see a slower-than-average increase during the same 10-year period. As of May 2013, archivists and curators had median annual incomes of $49,110 and $50,550 respectively; museum technicians earned $40,020 in the same month. Graphic designers who were employed in their field in May 2013 had median annual incomes of $44,830 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInArtHistoryAndDesign">How Can I Work in Art History and Design?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study is usually required to obtain a position as an art historian or graphic designer. As an undergraduate in a 4-year <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Curriculum_of_an_Art_History_Degree_Program.html">art history program</a>, you may study ancient, Asian and modern art, mythology or the role of women in art. You might also pursue topics in digital imaging, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architecture_Bachelors_Degree_Programs.html">architecture</a>, city planning and aesthetic theory. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterSDegreePrograms">Master's Degree Programs</h3> <p>A master's degree and relevant work experience are usually required to obtain a job as an art curator or appraiser. Many schools offer <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Graduate_Degree_FAQs.html">graduate degree programs</a> that can lead to a Master of Arts in History of Decorative Arts and Design. Course topics may include the study of the aesthetic movement, gothic revival, 20th-century fashion, American furniture and ceramics. In addition to coursework, you may participate in lectures and discussions on design history or pursue an internship in a museum. </p> <h3 id="section---DoctoralPrograms">Doctoral Programs</h3> <p>Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program may require a reading knowledge of a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Foreign_Language_FAQs.html">foreign language</a>. Once enrolled, you might be able to delve a little deeper into a favorite period of art history or conduct a closer examination of design concepts. To advance to Ph.D. candidacy, you'll also have to pass a qualifying exam and complete independent research in preparation for your doctoral dissertation.</p>