If you’re looking for a more accessible way to earn your art or art history degree, online programs offer flexibility without sacrificing quality. Our picks provide comprehensive training for creative and rewarding careers, preparing graduates for the evolving nature of these fields for 2025 and beyond.
Depending on your chosen specialization, these degrees can lead to in-demand roles like animator (median salary of $99,060) or art director ($106,500). From digital media to art education, these programs will provide the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in multiple industries while accommodating your schedule and learning preferences.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Bachelor’s in Art and Art History degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 9 Online Bachelor’s in Art and Art History Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Lindenwood University
Intelligent Score: 96.75In-state: $18,000
Out-of-state: $18,000
In-state: $9,450
Out-of-state: $9,450
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$450 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 84.91In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$541 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 82.93In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
$500 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Intelligent Score: 81.54In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$380 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
Prescott College
Intelligent Score: 81.01In-state: $31,944
Out-of-state: $31,944
In-state: $14,880
Out-of-state: $14,880
SAT: 1095-1290
ACT: 15-24
$498 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
SUNY Empire State College
Intelligent Score: 80.1In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $16,980
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 860-1060
ACT: N/A
In-State: $295 per credit
Out-of-State: $353 per credit
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
124 credits
Academy of Art University
Intelligent Score: 79.82In-state: $24,264
Out-of-state: $24,264
In-state: $27,288
Out-of-state: $27,288
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Penn State World Campus
Intelligent Score: 78.24In-state: $15,025
Out-of-state: $24,413
In-state: $22,464
Out-of-state: $22,464
SAT: 1070-1300
ACT: 24-29
$617 per credit
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120 credits
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Intelligent Score: 76.6In-state: $7,716
Out-of-state: $10,032
In-state: $9,288
Out-of-state: $9,288
SAT: 960-1130
ACT: 16-22
Resident: $322 - $418 per credit
Non-Resident: $482 per credit
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120 credits
What You Should Know About an Online Bachelor’s in Art and Art History Degree
History and art history programs often overlap in their course offerings. However, history degrees provide a broader overview of people, cultures, and societies. Another similar major is graphic design. This field of study is more specific than art history and focuses on visuals found in magazines, books, and advertisements.
An accreditation that art students should look out for is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, which is recognized across the United States.
With an 11% growth rate projected for the next decade, the job outlook for museum workers is much better than average. By 2033, there will be an estimated 16,000 jobs for museum technicians and conservators.
For more advanced career positions, you will need to obtain a master’s degree. However, many certificates are available for art history majors who wish to narrow their focus and differentiate themselves from other art workers. These include certificates in museum studies, fine arts, and restoration and conservation.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in art and art history programs:
- What licensing or certifications are required? Most careers available for art and art history majors do not require certifications or licenses. However, earning certifications in a specialty such as museum work or graphic design can be helpful. You will also need a teaching license to work as a professor or art teacher.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Students can typically choose between synchronous and asynchronous options when enrolling in an online course. Asynchronous courses let students access coursework at times convenient to them, while synchronous courses have set class times.
When researching programs, it is important to keep track of application deadlines, qualification requirements, and submission materials. You should also consider the costs associated with higher education. Financial aid opportunities include scholarships, assistantships, and tuition benefits awarded by employers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Art and Art History Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online bachelor’s in art and art history degree?
While the demand for fields like graphic design and museum curation is dwindling, other roles are expected to thrive over the next decade, including:
- Special Effects Artist/Animator: Those interested in the intersection of tech and creativity may thrive in this field, where professionals create visual effects for movies, games, and media.
- Art Director: Strong leaders may be well-suited for art direction, leading visual design projects for advertising, media, or brands.
- Art Educator: Graduates interested in teaching may enjoy inspiring future artists through art education, teaching in schools or private settings.
The demand for innovating professionals in these areas is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, making them worthy pursuits.
Are online bachelor’s in art and art history degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online bachelor’s degrees in art and art history are often as credible as on-campus programs. Many online programs share the same curriculum and faculty as their in-person counterparts, so you can count on similar quality.
However, accreditation is critical to credibility. You’ll want to verify that the institution is approved by a regional accrediting organization, and ideally the program will be accredited by an industry group such as NASAD as well. This ensures that the degree meets professional and academic standards and can provide a flexible, respected route to careers in art and education.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in art and art history degree program?
A bachelor’s in any field usually takes about four years to earn. These programs typically require 120 credit hours covering core and elective courses. It’s important to note, though, that online programs often offer flexible options, allowing students to adjust the pace based on their schedules.
Full-time students may complete the degree within the standard timeframe, while part-time students might take longer. Alternatively, accelerated programs can shorten the timeline to as little as three years.
Are there specialization options within online bachelor’s in art and art history degree programs?
Yes, specialization options are standard in these degrees and are essential for tailoring your degree to your career goals. In an art degree program, specialization is particularly important because it allows students to build expertise and develop a portfolio in their chosen field. For example, a specialization in digital media can prepare you for careers in animation or web design, while a specialization in art education can lead to teaching roles. Other specializations typically include studio art, game design, and illustration.
What is the cost of an online bachelor’s in art and art history degree?
The cost of an online art or art history degree can vary, but the average annual tuition for an undergraduate degree was $14,688 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Costs can fluctuate based on several factors. Public institutions often offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state residents, while private colleges are typically more expensive. Full-time students may pay more upfront but usually graduate faster, while part-time learners can spread costs over a more extended period. Additional expenses, like technology fees or art supplies, may apply.
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