An art historian studies the relationship between cultures and the arts that reflect them. Art is like a mirror that reveals key ideas, values and institutions. By examining a cultures art, the art historian can demonstrate the link between social institutions and philosophy, and between values and institutions. Art history colleges provide comprehensive training and career placement in art history and its related fields. So, what can you do with a degree in art history?

Art history graduates often find work in art restoration, libraries, architectural and historical restoration, art journalism and criticism, art administration and art publishing.

With a four-year degree, you could expect to find work as an assistant curator, museum inventory specialist, museum attendant, development officer, library assistant or registrar. The best art history colleges take an interdisciplinary approach so youll learn critical thinking, cultural analysis and aesthetic evaluation.

If you choose to continue with graduate school, you can expect to find a job as an archivist, conservator, education director, exhibit designer, art appraiser or museum curator. Although the job market is competitive, it is possible to find work in museums,

state/federal government, interior design firms, colleges/universities, restoration firms,

publishing firms, archives, federal/state parks and historical societies.

Your degree from an art history college can be a stepping stone into other fields of endeavor. For example, taking specialized chemistry courses along with art history can qualify you as an art restorer. Taking courses in education can qualify you as an art history teacher. If youre an art or design major, taking courses in art history will round out your education and place what youve learned into a social and cultural context.

While art history colleges may seem, on the surface, to have a rather narrow scope, in reality their graduates have a wide variety of employment options open to them. With an MA, MFA or PhD the opportunities increase. If you choose your school and course of study carefully, youre sure to be rewarded with a satisfying career.

Best Art Colleges provides detailed information on Art Colleges, Best Art Colleges, Computer Art Colleges, Art History Colleges and more. Best Art Colleges is affiliated with Online Art Schools.