Art History
What can I do with my Art History degree?
About the program
Study Art History to learn about the worlds of visual and material culture, sculpture, photography, architecture, craft, new media, digital art, performance art, and more. When you immerse yourself in the study of art, past and present, you enter into an engaging conversation about culture and creativity that started hundreds of years ago. In our flexible program within the Faculty of Fine Arts, you focus on artistic periods that interest you. You perform academic research, learning to write formally and extensively about art. Whether you become a scholar or an artist, art history teaches you a language for creative expression that is the perfect entrée to any creative enterprise.
For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of Art History.
Skills developed
As a student in Art History, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, some of which are listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.
- Appreciation of aesthetics
- Critically evaluate art
- Ability to place art in its historical context
- Creativity
- Computer skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Curiosity
- Desire to keep up with current trends in the field
- Fundraising skills
- Good grasp of historical events and current affairs
- In-depth knowledge of art, artists and artistic periods
- Research skills
- Writing skills
- Understanding different artistic mediums
- Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding effectively
- Read critically and write persuasively
- Explain complex concepts and ideas to others effectively
- Write technical reports and essay
- Explain complex concepts and theories to others
- Interact with others and build professional relationships
- Speak publically
- Openness and flexibility
- Manage tasks and meet deadlines
- Work under pressure
- Influence and persuade
- Make decisions and use sound judgement
- Delegate
- Manage conflict
- Give and receive feedback
- Lead and follow
- Negotiate
- Conduct research, analyze and evaluate information to make a good judgement or conclusion
- Understand complex problems and identify solutions
- Adult education centers
- Advertising agencies
- Alternative schools
- Art centres
- Art galleries
- Art publications
- Arts and crafts retailers
- Advertising agencies
- Antique dealers
- Archives
- Art museums
- Auction houses
- Churches
- Colleges and universities
- Community colleges
- Discovery centers
- Government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal)
- Historical societies
- Libraries
- Local art agencies
- Media
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Natural history museums
- Performing arts centers
- Photographic studios
- Production companies
- Provincial and local art councils
- Public relations firms
- Publishers
- Restored communities
- Social and community centres
- Recreation centers
- Religious organizations
- Summer camps
- Teacher organizations
- Theatre companies
- Universities and CEGEPs
What jobs can an Art History bachelor degree lead to?
Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Art appraiser
- Art gallery assistant
- Art specialist / advisor
- Assistant curator
- Auction house cataloguer
- Auctioneer
- Arts organization consultant
- Collection technician
- Conservator – museum
- Event planner
- Exhibit assistant
- Fund-raiser
- Gallery educator
- Gallery sales representative
- Grant writer
- Heritage interpreter / advisor
- Museum educator
- Museum exhibit designer
- Museum technician / interpreter / guide
- Museum development and fundraising coordinator
- Project officer / coordinator
- Tourism officer
- Client care representative
- Community organizer
- Cultural analyst
- Program director / planner / coordinator
- Development associate
- Art history instructor
- Art program advisor
- Private art instructor
- Program coordinator
- Undergraduate program assistant
- Research associate
- Education and public programming officer
- Funding officer
- Heritage policy specialist
- Cultural heritage consultant
- Archive assistant
- Art critic
- Art publishing consultant
- Editorial assistant
- Journalist
- Communications officer
- Writer / editor
- Researcher
Job and career possibilities with a Master's or PhD in Art History
The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.
For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Art / antique dealer
- Art gallery manager
- Art historian
- Artist
- Art program director
- Art school manager
- Art teacher
- Art therapist
- Arts programmer (TV / Radio)
- Archivist
- Collection manager
- College teacher
- Curator
- Designer
- Entrepreneur
- Gallery owner
- Librarian – information specialist
- Museum manager
- University professor
- Researcher
Start your job search
Explore career options
Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:
Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.
Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.
Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.
Career Cruising
Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.
Search for jobs
Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.
Book an appointment
To get help with your career exploration and goal setting, book an appointment with a career counsellor. For job search tips on finding the job you want, book an appointment with a career advisor.
To book an appointment with either professional, please call 514-848-2424 ext. 7345
*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service
Networking and professional associations
Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.
