I graduated with a degree in Communication Studies (focus in Event Planning) but have always had a passion for history, art history, and archaeology. I could kick myself for not realizing this sooner (and then I could have gotten a Bachelors in a relevant degree), but I want to pursue a career in Art History. My GPA was a 3.8 from an accredited and well known university, and although my Bachelors was in Communications, every single one of my electives was related to history/art history/archaeology (and I earned good marks in each one). I currently work at a historic home/museum, and would like to try and earn a Masters degree online while working here. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to find a decent university within the USA that offers an online Masters in Art History. I'm willing to consider an international university as well of course, but it just tends to create more hoops to jump through. I've scoured the internet and this forum, but it all seems to come to a dead end (or the University seems to be a bit sketchy - for example, Warnborough). Does anyone know of an accredited university that offers a fully online Masters in Art History, or something close? I'm not interested in a Museum Studies/Administration degree (and I've found a few online - Drexel, Johns Hopkins, etc.), as my current position is giving me experience in that field. Due to my lack of a history-related BA, I want the masters degree I get to really be focused on the history side of the arts. ANY help or advice anyone can offer on what path I should take would be incredibly appreciated. Thank you!
I didn't see any on the DETC website for a NA degree, but a quick Google search found the following with RA school at the top of the list. Good luck in your search! Azusa Pacific University Art History Master's - Modern Art History, Theory, and Criticism - Azusa Pacific University
Fort Hays State University Master of Liberal Studies with concentration in Art (Art History) FHSU knows distance learning, and tuition is basically in-state for all.
University of South Africa M.A. in Art History You mentioned jumping through hoops. Be prepared for hoops from UNISA, perhaps especially in the process of inquiring and applying. Thousands of graduates would agree that the hoops are worth jumping. UNISA is a fully credible public university.
You might also consider pursuing your interests through a highly individualized master's in liberal studies, designed by you yourself in collaboration with faculty. Bruce and I list several such programs in this thread. Lesley University (which also includes the Art Institute of Boston), Skidmore College, and Goddard College might be especially strong fits institutionally.
How about the CSUDH MA in Humanities? Looks like you could include lots of art courses plus independent learning and thesis courses. HUX Master of Arts Degree Perhaps reasonable cost (it used to be).
Thank you so much Jonathan and everyone for your helpful replies! I had heard of UNISA, and that was my top choice, but they said to be accepted the applicant HAD to have a Bachelor's degree in Art History or something similar. This also seemed to be the case with Fort Hays State University. Do you happen to know if either of these schools, or any other schools, are flexible about this? I can definitely reach out to the schools directly, but I didn't know if anyone on here might have some insider knowledge or advice. As for an individualized Master's in liberal studies, I considered this when I found this option through Arizona State University. My only concern is whether or not such a degree would be taken as seriously as a strict Art History degree, simply because of my lack of strength in history from my BA. Any insight into this would be extremely helpful as well, since individualized Master's in liberal studies seem a little bit easier to find than strict Art History programs online. Thank you again!!
University of Oxford: MSt in the History of Design Subject area: History of Art (distance learning /part-time option: £8,230 (non-EU students) in total.)). Fees include accommodation and meals. “This history of design course is taught on nine monthly Saturdays and one residential weekend per annum. The syllabus focuses particularly on the period from 1851 to 1951 in Europe (including Britain) and America. Combining close visual and material analysis with historical methodologies, the course explores decorative and applied art, the design of interiors and public spaces, and for performance and industry.” https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/details.php?id=182
Academy of Art University www.academyart.edu offers the BFA in Art History and the MA in Art History. The University of Leicester University of Leicester ? A Top 20 UK University offers the MPhil in Art History and the PhD in Art History.
