Art History (AA)
Program Overview:
History is the Key to Your Bright Future
Give guided tours at the LA Museum of Modern Art on its newest installation on the history of Cubism. Take photos of historical artifacts for an upcoming book on Nubian pyramids. Review sculptures for a gallery exhibit on Argentinian female sculptures at the turn of the 19th century. Write an article comparing the styles of Jackson Pollock and Beauford Delaney. A degree in Art History will expose you to a variety of time periods, cultures, and different styles of art by introducing you to art movements and cultures around the globe.
Today, art is big business. Prices for what people are purchasing art for continue to rise. Art historians play a central role in researching the history behind pieces of art to help inform galleries of a piece’s cultural importance and to advise prospective buyers on their view of how much it may be worth. This job requires cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of the evolution of art and innovation over time.
Careers in Art History
While you may be interested in the traditional route of working in a museum or studying art history to write about it, an art history degree opens the door to many careers requiring attention to detail and cultural value.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with an Art History degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov February 2020. Go to bls.gov for most current career information
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $49,880/year | $23.98/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 11% increase(much faster than average) | 760 |
Oversee collections of historic items or artwork. Museum technicians and conservators prepare or restore items in museum collections.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | $73,820/year | $35.49/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 2% increase (slower than average) |
160 |
Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.
Data for state of California
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree or higher | $88,770/year | $42.68/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 2% increase (slower than average) | 250 |
Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums, or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree or higher | $68,990/year | $33.17/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Moderate-term on-the-job training | 6% increase (as fast as average) |
520 |
Develop written content for various types of media.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college, bachelor’s or higher | $109,690/year | $52.73/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 13% increase (much faster than average) |
4,680 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Art History
You can get an Associate in Arts (AA) degree through LASC’s Art History program where you will explore art from various geographical areas, explore global history and cultures, and build your portfolio.
- Improve your attention to detail and analytical skills by studying art with an increased understanding of artistic expressions of different cultures and civilizations including western art and architecture from prehistory through the medieval period, and the renaissance to the contemporary period.
- Gain an understanding of chronological relevance, and individual and cultural identity of art throughout the history of the world.
- Develop an awareness of the economic, political, and social history of art establishing skills in critical and creative thinking and communication by studying artistic techniques and historic eras that can lead to many different career paths.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? With your Associate in Arts in Art History (AA) degree, you will save money on your first two years of college learning from resourceful, passionate faculty before you transfer to a four-year college or university. Visit your counselor to fund out more!
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Associate in Arts in Art History (AA) degree below along with our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1002.01
Total Units Required: 60
Upon successfully completing this program, you should be able to:
- Use terminology appropriate to art appreciation, and analyze works of art to explain how visual works of art communicate within a cultural context.
- Identify major works of art from pre-history to the early modern world.
| Required Courses: | UNITS |
|---|---|
| ART 101 Survey of Art History I | 3 |
| ART 102 Survey of Art History II | 3 |
| ART 501 Beginning Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| OR | |
| ART 502 Beginning Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ENGLISH 102 College Reading and Composition II | 3 |
| HUMAN 1 Cultural Patterns of Western Civilization | 3 |
| Select One Course | |
| ART 103 Art Appreciation I | 3 |
| ART 104 Art Appreciation II | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in a career in art history? Before your first class at LASC, you can start preparing for your career in the world of art:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss which opportunities and support services might be a good match for your academic goals, as well as discuss if pursuing a bachelor’s degree would benefit your career goals.
- Still in high school? Contact local art museums to find out if they need volunteers over the summer for new exhibits, or if they accept any internships. Ask if you can shadow a gallery curator during an art installation so you can gain invaluable experience.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, become a student ambassador, or run for student body government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to strengthening your writing, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, once you successfully complete the program, you should be able to:
- Use terminology appropriate to art appreciation, and analyze works of art to explain how visual works of art communicate within a cultural context.
- Identify major works of art from pre-history to the early modern world.