Careers for Art & Art History Majors
Because of its emphasis on precise observation, description, and clear
expression, majoring in Visual Arts and Art History provides an excellent
preparation for a wide range of careers. Our majors pursue graduate
degrees in Art History as preparation for careers in teaching and museums.
Some Visual Arts majors earn Masters of Fine Arts and become practicing
artists. A number of students have become architects, urban planners,
or landscape architects. Some have been able to combine their interests
in art with other professions; they specialize as legal advisors to
museums, dealers, or private and corporate collectors. Others become
involved in arts management for private, local, or federal agencies,
or they serve as consultants who advise individuals and businesses in
purchasing art collections. A number of former students have also received
further training for careers in restoration and conservation, as well
as architectural preservation. Many have gone into careers in medicine,
law, and business.
There are opportunities to gain experience in some of these professions
even before graduation. Internships have been available at the Nasher
Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. A number
of students have also arranged for internships in galleries and museums
during the summer. Since a career in teaching or in a museum presupposes
a love of research, students with a strong academic record are encouraged
to apply for a number of fellowship possibilities that offer the opportunity
for study abroad, such as the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright fellowships.
Both Art History and Visual Arts majors are encouraged to apply for
a Benenson Prize
to support a project they want to pursue. (See Resources for Undergraduates)
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