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What to Do With Your Art Degree
- Careers in Art History - Click Here for Info
An Art History degree builds skills and knowledge useful in a wide range of careers within and outside of the arts. Art History majors learn solid critical thinking, research, and writing skills, visual literacy, and historical, political, and religious contexts in which works of art are made and viewed. Our Art History faculty are experienced in many related careers including teaching, museum curating, museum education, archeology, art conservation, artist estate management, and journal and book editing. A US Bureau of Labor Statistics survey of 3 million people indicates that Art History majors also go on to work as primary and secondary school teachers, librarians, lawyers, archivists, curators, and other museum workers, appraisers, fundraisers, social workers, advertising and marketing, and on. The BLS also provides a relevant guide to Putting Your Liberal Arts Degree To Work.
Some of these jobs require a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Art History. If you are considering graduate school, this guide by one of our faculty will be useful. Our Student Success Map is also a good guide to navigating your time in the major and planning for what to do next.
Several websites provide excellent lists of possible professions. We recommend the following:
What Can I do With a Degree in Art History?
Career Alternatives for Art Historians
Careers and Degrees in History(opens in new window)
Tools, Tips, and Resources for College History Majors(opens in new window)
To get a sense for jobs in the arts, see the following:
The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Careers in Art Studio
An Art Studio degree develops creative and critical thinking, as well as technical skill in a single or a multiple hands-on studio emphasis. Studio students take classes in individual studio areas (digital art, photography, painting and drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and glass), thematic studio seminars, and courses in professional development, as well as internships that prepare them for a range of occupations. As professional working artists, our faculty can guide students through individualized career advising for jobs that require a BA, BFA, or MFA degree.
The US Bureau of Statistics indicate that Art Studio majors, according to their field of study, can apply for a range of arts and design careers , as well as teaching positions in both primary and postsecondary education. Some artists want to start their own businesses (talk to us about a minor in Entrepreneurship ).
Most artists find positions through a variety of arts-related websites:
http://collegeart.org/opportunities/
http://www.artisancreative.com
www.affordablecollegesonline.org(opens in new window)
We recommend a few books for those seeking to become professional exhibiting artists (includes marketing, networking, financial and legal concerns, and more):
The Practical Handbook for the Emerging Artist by Margaret Lazzari
Art/Work by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber
The Legal Guide for the Visual Artist(opens in new window) by Tad Crawford
- Careers in Art Education
The option in Art Education at California State University, Chico, is a gateway to the California Single Subject Credential in Art. By completing this approved course of study, you earn a bachelor's degree in Art and Subject Matter Competency in Art, which is required for entrance into an approved credential program in California. Subject matter competency can also be achieved by passing the CSET exam.
Art educators train students in the theories and principles of a variety of art mediums. They work in public and private schools at all grade levels, as well as offering art instruction out of their own studios. Art educators give lessons in art technique and art history to a wide array of students. They work with students from the kindergarten level to high school and beyond. There are several career options in education for graduates who have obtained a degree in Art Education.
Possible career options for those with an Art Education degree include:
-Public, private, and charter school systems
-Colleges, universities, and professional schools
-Museums
-Non-profit arts organizations
-Galleries
-Arts Administration and management
-And more!Interested in learning more about careers in Art Education and the Art Education option at Chico State? Be sure to check out this handy list! (PDF)
- Careers in Interior Design
What is An Interior Architect / Designer?
Interior architects / designers are creative, imaginative and artistic. They also need to be disciplined, organized and skilled business people. Combining knowledge with aesthetic vision, interior designers work with clients and other design professionals to develop design solutions that are safe, functional, attractive and meet the needs of the people using the space.
As is the case with any career, the practice of interior design can be rewarding and fulfilling if hard work prevails. Excelling at interior design requires energy, technical proficiency, vision and dedication.
Career Track of Interior Design Profession
- Residential Interior Designer
- Single Family Home, Condo, Apartment
- Commercial Interior Designer
- Cooperate Interior Designer
- Office, Facility Planner
- Hospitality Interior Designer
- Hotel, Restaurant, Resort
- Healthcare Interior Designer
- Hospital, Nursing home, Clinic
- Institutional Designer
- Library, Airport, School
- Retail Designer
- Store, Boutique, Shopping Center
- Kitchen Designer
- Retail Merchandize Display Design
- Color Consultant
- Lighting Designer
- Event Designer Planner
- Retail Sales
- Furniture, Textiles, Carpets, Accessories
CSU Chico Interior Architecture Program
CSU Chico BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Interior Architecture program provides students with the creative, technical, and analytical thinking skills to prepare to enter the interior design profession. The program provides comprehensive courses for both commercial and residential design. Courses encompass the study of deign theory, aesthetics, history, visual communication, lighting, interior construction and professional practice.
Resources for Interior Design Profession
IIDA (International Interior Design Association)(opens in new window)
ASID (American Society of Interior Design)(opens in new window)
IFMA (International Facility Management Association)(opens in new window)
NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association)(opens in new window)
IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers)