Career Opportunities for Majors in Art History

Introduction

The academic approach to art history suggests that a culture's nature is best revealed by its art. Art historians apply that principle when comparing past eras in western history or when relating western forms of thought and feeling with those of other cultures. Art history programs offer students the means of immersing themselves in cultural and aesthetic issues.

Some students want to pursue careers as curators or archivists at the many museums and galleries across the country. Others, knowing they have an eye for art and design, but lacking the interest in pursuing a career as an artist, use art history to hone their intellectual abilities in art for careers in media, advertising, publishing, fashion or design. Another path for historians is art therapy, working with handicapped or disabled people. There is a trend toward providing additional training and certification for this specialty. Others move into careers in business, government and other non-profit organizations.

Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of career choices, increasing one's marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities is important. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry level positions, but for advancement in an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required. 

A Sample of Related Occupations

Advertising/Sales/Marketing Rep Designer Promotion/Production Assistant
Archivist Editor Public Relations Specialist
Art Appraiser  Educator Researcher
Arts Administrator Historic Preservation Specialist Retail Buyer
Art Therapist Media Buyer Store Manager
Curator Merchandise Display Coordinator Textile Designer
  Photographer  
 
Types of Employers
 
Private and Non-profit Organizations

Advertising Agencies

Media Organizations

Antique Dealers

Museums

Archives

Performing Arts Centers 

Art Management Firms Photographic Studios

Fashion Design Companies

Production Companies

Galleries

Public Relations Firms

Historic Preservation & Firms 

Publishing Firms

Historical Societies

Non-Profit Organizations

Interior Design Firms

Restored Communities/Estates

Libraries

Theatre Companies

Magazines/Newspapers

Universities

 
 
Government Agencies

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

National Archives & Records Administration

Cultural Affairs Agencies

National Endowment for the Arts

Department of Education

National Endowment for the Humanities

Department of Veterans Affairs

National Gallery of Art

Freer Gallery of Art

National Museum of African Art

Government Printing Office 

National Museum of American Art

Hirshhorn Museum

National Museum of American History

Institute of Museum Services

 
 
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates
 
First Jobs of Recent Graduates
Actuarial Associate, Coopers & Lybrand Historic Preservation Specialist, Kise Franko Straw
Administrator, National Museum of Contemporary Art Library Assistant, Jennison Associates
Art Consultant, Circle Fine Art Corporation Manager, Lube Ross Gallery
Assistant to On-Air Promos, Comedy Central Owner, Hunter Coreen Associates
Assoc. Director, Operations, South Street Seaport Museum Production Editor, ARTimes
Customer Service Rep., RR Bowker Publishers Property Maintenance Manager, Restorations Ltd.
Customer Service Rep., RR Bowker Publishers Residential Counselor, Easter Seals
Historian, ARCH2, Inc. Sales Consultant, Macy*s Northeast
Historic Interpreter, Wharton State Forest 

 
 
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Account Executive, Grey Advertising Manager, Program Planning, Comedy Central
Architect, Venturi, Scott, Brown & Assoc. (MS Architecture) Media Buyer, PMI Advertising (MA Commercial Arts)
Art Historian, Museum Curator, Researcher (Self  Employed) Production Supervisor, The Print Factory (MA Comm. Arts)
Art History Instructor, Santa Clara Univ. (PhD) Publications Associate, Rutgers University
Asst. To Director, Montclair Art Museum Researcher for collectors
Attorney, Frank, Bernstein, Conoway & Goldman (JD) Sales Manager, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
Director, Roberto Clemente Youth Center (MA Liberal Studies) Senior Editor, Womens Wear Daily
Exec. Director, Queens Museum of Art (MBA, MA Art History) Systems Analyst, Janssen Pharmaceutica
Information Specialist, Johnson & Johnson  Technical Recruiter, Systems Documentation, Inc.
Interior Designer, Federated Department Stores


Graduate Schools Attended
Boston University, MA, Public Relations Rutgers University, MA, Elementary Education
Columbia University, MA, Historic Preservation Art Rutgers University, MA, Education
Hofstra University, Psy.D., School Psychology The Boston Architectural Center, MA, Architecture
University of Pennsylvania, PhD, Political Science

 


 


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Created by the Rutgers University, New Brunswick Career Services staff

 

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Updated 10/03/05

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