Your degree in Art History

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Art History, you’ll learn about objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts. You’ll develop important skills to provide sophisticated visual analysis and observations to wider political, social and cultural contexts of art, as well as analyze visual objects from a variety of perspectives.

These skills may include:

  • Critical and historical analysis of objects, spaces, visual traditions, artistic practices, and ideas
  • Attending to detail in performing visual and spatial relations analysis and recognizing patterns
  • Synthesizing large amounts of art historical data
  • Researching, producing, and presenting arguments across different geographic and cultural contexts in the past and present
  • Collaborating with people from diverse professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds
  • Compelling written and oral communication used to compare and contrast works of art, drawing on critical theory and art history
  • Articulating abstract ideas and visual impressions that explore the role of context, form, and social significance

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary across a range of fields including art galleries, museums, media, publishing, arts administration, insurance, education, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

  • Advertising designer
  • Archives manager
  • Art buyer
  • Art critic
  • Art director
  • Art gallery manager
  • Art legal advisor
  • Art restoration technician
  • Art underwriter/Claim examiner
  • Arts administrator
  • Bibliographer
  • Charitable organization director
  • Communications manager
  • Community arts coordinator
  • Curator
  • Estate appraiser
  • Exhibit designer
  • Exhibition coordinator
  • Festival organizer
  • Fundraiser/Grant writer
  • Gallery exhibition designer
  • Heritage interpreter
  • Journalist
  • Manuscript editor
  • Market research analyst
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Multimedia manager
  • Museum coordinator
  • Museum educator
  • Museum technician
  • Teacher/Professor
  • Visual merchandiser
  • Writer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Art History graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths. 

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.