Art History Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Develop attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Develop strong analytical, observational, and communication skills.
• Take core design courses to gain a practical understanding of artistic principles
  • ARS 123 Two-Dimensional Design
  • ARS 124 Three-Dimensional Design.
• Enroll in introductory art history courses to build foundational knowledge of art and architecture
  • ARH 103 Art History I
  • ARH 123 Art History II

Second Year

• Complete required upper-level art history courses, focusing on specific historical periods like
  • Ancient
  • Medieval
  • Renaissance art.
• Strengthen critical analysis and interpretive skills through in-depth coursework and research papers.
• Engage with faculty to discuss:
  • academic and career goals
  • seek guidance on course selection.

Last Years

• Complete the ARH 492 Senior Seminar to demonstrate advanced research and writing skills.
• Select upper-level art history electives to specialize in areas of personal interest, such as
  • Ancient Greek
  • Roman art.
• Finalize and refine academic portfolios or research projects to showcase expertise.
• Apply to graduate.
• Apply for jobs.
• Apply for graduate school (optional).
• Apply for scholarships and/or assistantships for graduate school.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore student organizations and leadership opportunities through Involve South.
• Attend Department of Art & Art History events, such as guest lectures or exhibitions, to learn about different fields and career paths.
• Begin exploring minors that complement an Art History degree, such as:
  • Museum Studies
  • History
  • Foreign Languages
  • Chemistry.
• Visit local museums and galleries to see art in a professional setting.

Second Year

• Join professional associations such as:
  • Art History Association
  • Student Art Association
• Apply for honor societies and explore their scholarship offerings.
• Explore Study Abroad opportunities.

Last Years

• Prepare for the job market or graduate school by creating a resume and portfolio of academic work.
• Use the senior seminar as a platform to research and present on a topic that aligns with future career interests.
• Research graduate programs.

Preparation

First Year

• Login to Accelerate South and build profile strength to 75%+.
• Contact Career Development. Meet with a career consultant to discuss career goals and research fields of specialization.
• Start a digital or physical portfolio of academic work to document progress.

Second Year

• Prepare to apply for internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions.
• Attend career fairs and networking events to become knowledgeable of career opportunities available. 
• Develop a professional online presence, such as a LinkedIn profile, to connect with professionals.

Last Years

• Decide between job search or graduate school before final semester.
• Secure letters of recommendation from faculty and supervisors to support job or graduate school applications
• Meet with Career Development to finalize resume and job search or graduate school planning.