The best art schools online train students how to create and analyze art. Learners explore art history and studio practice. They also study contemporary issues in art. Graduates may work as artists, museum curators, or art directors.
Applicants to a bachelor's in art program need a high school or GED diploma. Prospective enrollees may need to submit a portfolio that shows skill in their chosen art form. Applicants to graduate programs in art need a bachelor's degree in art or another field.
This guide lists the best art schools online. Read on to learn about typical courses and fees. You can also explore various art careers.
View Our Rankings List HereFrequently Asked Questions About Art Degrees
What can you do with a college degree in art?
The best art schools online train students for jobs such as fine artist, art director, or photographer. Art students can also enroll in graduate school.
What are the different types of art degrees?
Art programs usually focus on either studio art or art history. Studio majors can specialize in mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography.
Does an art degree pay well?
Some art degrees can lead to careers with above-average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), art directors earn a median annual salary of $97,270. This figure more than doubles the annual median salary of $41,950 for all occupations.
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Why Get an Art Degree?
Earning an online art degree can lead to careers in diverse fields. Graduates may work as artists, historians, critics, or curators. Students gain the skills to create and interpret works of art in various mediums.
Most students pursue art out of a passion for it. They do not choose the degree to earn a high salary. However, many art careers offer competitive wages. According to the BLS, craft and fine artists earn an annual median salary of $49,120. Special-effects artists earn $77,700.
By enrolling in art schools online, learners do not need to relocate or pause their careers.
How Much Does an Art Degree Cost?
The cost of an art degree varies by school and program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduates at public schools paid an annual average tuition of about $18,380. Undergraduates at private schools paid about $47,420. These figures include room and board costs. Learners pursuing an online art degree do not pay for campus housing.
The cost of an art degree also depends on how long students spend in school. Learners can complete a bachelor's program in four years. A master's program takes 2-3 years. Studio art students may need to pay additional fees for materials and other in-person requirements.
How Much Do Art Majors Make?
Students who earn online art degrees can pursue a variety of careers in their specialization. Common careers include craft or fine artist, art director, and animator. Management and leadership positions usually pay the highest salaries.
Earning an advanced degree can help artists move into high-paying careers. For example, most museum curators need a master's degree.
Courses in an Art Program
Students at the best art schools online explore art history, theory, and practice. Most programs cover major art periods, movements, and techniques. Learners may also explore general concepts such as artistic practice and color theory.
Enrollees in a studio program study different artistic mediums. Most programs allow students to explore mediums before choosing 1-2 specialization areas. Common mediums include painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
Students pursuing an online art degree may take the courses below. Keep in mind that specific titles and course content vary by school.
Most online art degrees include many courses introducing key periods in Western art history. Courses cover topics such as gothic, baroque, and neoclassical periods. Art history courses give students a broad understanding of art movements and the historical development of art.Introduction to Western Art
This course introduces the fundamentals of 2-D art and design. Students explore visual language, organization, and color. Learners also study 2-D art media and techniques. These include painting and photography. Many courses include lecture components and studio practice.2-D Art Foundations
Both studio and art history students should understand the various issues affecting contemporary art and artists. This course highlights major concepts that affect the art world. Enrollees study new media and new art styles. The course may also explore issues of identity in art, such as race, gender, and class.Issues in Contemporary Art
Art School Degree Paths
The Best Art Schools
#1 Best Art Schools Online
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree should consider Harvard University. The Cambridge-based college supports both in-person and remote bachelor's programs. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies. Learners can work with an academic advisor to customize their degree and declare minors and concentrations. Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising throughout the course of their studies.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding towards their educational expenses. According to the institution, 73% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#2 Best Art Schools Online
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Pennsylvania supports flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students. The private institution offers hybrid programs at the undergraduate level. Regardless of location, students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Degree-seekers benefit from a supportive learning community throughout their studies. The college provides students with a competitive education through intensive study. Participants take foundational classes as well as advanced coursework with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
Learners can receive personalized guidance by connecting with career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs.
#3 Best Art Schools Online
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public college offering hybrid education. The college supports 129 bachelor's programs, with one enabling fully remote study. Enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment during their studies.
Degree-seekers complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their field of choosing. Learners can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding towards their educational expenses. The college reports that 65% of all learners receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid award package totaling $12,854.
#4 Best Art Schools Online
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking to jumpstart their career should consider a bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Students can enroll in one of 133 campus-based bachelor's programs. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen field. Students can modify their degree depending on their career goals. Degree-seekers can access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 58% of all learners receive some form of aid.
#5 Best Art Schools Online
Duke University
Durham, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Duke University provides flexible study for learners seeking bachelor's-level study. Students can choose from a variety of degrees either in person or online. The college campus and online learning environment enable enrollees to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
After enrollment, students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. Art students complete coursework as part of the program curriculum. Learners complete foundational and advanced coursework, with the option to pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
Learners can declare minors and concentrations. Throughout their studies, degree candidates can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities to be applied to educational expenses. According to the college, 63% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#6 Best Art Schools Online
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible education can explore New York University's in-person and online degrees. The private institution enables learners near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community. To date, the school offers four online bachelor’s degrees.
Candidates benefit from foundational and advanced coursework as well as industry-specific lectures. Students can work with an academic advisor to customize their degree and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program.
Prospective applicants can inquire with the financial aid office about funding opportunities and explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid.
#7 Best Art Schools Online
Tufts University
Medford, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Tufts University provides flexible study for students seeking bachelor's-level study. For undergraduates, the college supports hybrid study from its main campus in Medford, Massachusetts. Enrollees gain access to a supportive learning community regardless of their location.
Degree-seekers join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. Enrollees can pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.
Learners can customize their study by working with an academic advisor. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.
The financial aid office can connect students with funding opportunities.
#8 Best Art Schools Online
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Individuals looking for a premier bachelor's-level education that fits their schedule should consider Lehigh University. Learners can choose from a variety of programs, either in person or online. Regardless of location, students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Degree-seekers benefit from a robust education, completing coursework that familiarizes them with their field of interest. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Students can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
The college connects enrollees with scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
#9 Best Art Schools Online
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Drexel University provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. For undergraduates, the college supports hybrid study from its main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Students connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.
Learners across modalities benefit from a robust program curriculum. Degree-seekers complete coursework that familiarizes them with their field of interest. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.
Degree candidates can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
To defray the costs of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
#10 Best Art Schools Online
Georgetown University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown University provides premier degrees suitable for undergraduate students. The Washington-based college supports both in-person and remote bachelor's programs. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Degree candidates gain skills and knowledge suitable for their field by completing lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities. Students can modify their degree depending on their career goals by working with an academic advisor.
Eligible enrollees can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards.
#11 Best Art Schools Online
Providence College
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Campus
Providence College provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. Students can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
Degree candidates near and far benefit from a supportive learning community. Art students complete coursework as part of the program curriculum. Learners complete foundational and advanced coursework, with the option to pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
Enrollees can customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
The financial aid office can connect students with funding opportunities.
#12 Best Art Schools Online
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Purdue University-Main Campus supports a variety of undergraduate-level degrees. Learners can study from the comfort of their homes, or on the college's West Lafayette, Indiana, campus. At present, the college provides 145 bachelor's programs.
Enrollees join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. As part of the program curriculum, students complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. Degree-seekers gain skills and knowledge through their engagement with general and advanced classes.
Students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Learners can also connect with career services to receive guidance throughout the program.
Eligible students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 65% receive some form of financial aid.
#13 Best Art Schools Online
George Washington University
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a premier education to jumpstart your career? Consider one of the 98 bachelor’s degrees from George Washington University. The college supports eight fully online bachelor's programs. Both modalities support rigorous study and connect enrollees with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
Degree-seekers complete foundational and advanced classes throughout their studies. By working with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. Of all enrollees, 77% receive financial aid.
#14 Best Art Schools Online
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at University of Miami. The Coral Gables, Florida-based school supports hybrid learning opportunities, with in-person and online programs. At present, the college provides 115 bachelor's programs.
The college connects students with peers, faculty, and staff across campus-based and remote learning communities. Enrollees complete general and art-specific coursework. Degree candidates can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.
Students can choose electives, degree concentrations, and degree minors. They can also connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities. The institution boasts that 74% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#15 Best Art Schools Online
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Colorado-based University of Denver provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote programs. Regardless of location, degree-seekers can connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Enrollees benefit from a robust education, completing coursework that familiarizes them with their field of interest. Participants take foundational classes as well as advanced coursework with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
By working with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. Learners further benefit from access to institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 90% receive some form of financial aid.
#16 Best Art Schools Online
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. To date, the college offers 128 in-person bachelor's programs, one of which run fully online. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Degree-seekers gain skills and knowledge through classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. Students can work with an academic advisor to customize their degree. Throughout their program, students can access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Degree candidates can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. According to the institution, 61% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average award amounting to $9,754.
#17 Best Art Schools Online
Bradley University
Peoria, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible study should consider Bradley University. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote programs. Degree-seekers gain access to a supportive learning community regardless of their location.
Enrollees complete art coursework as part of the program curriculum. Participants take foundational classes as well as advanced coursework with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
Students can collaborate with an academic advisor to customize their degree. Learners can receive personalized guidance by connecting with career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
To defray degree costs, learners can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
#18 Best Art Schools Online
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible study should consider University of Florida. Located in Gainesville, the public institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. Regardless of location, students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Learners across modalities benefit from a robust program curriculum. Students in the art program build competency through rigorous coursework and industry-relevant lectures. These classes equip degree candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.
Learners can customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. Degree-seekers benefit from institutional resources like academic advising and career services.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. Typically, learners receive an average financial aid package of $10,673.
#19 Best Art Schools Online
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles supports numerous hybrid degrees for undergraduate students. The college supports 112 bachelor's programs. Degree-seekers benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalized interactions with faculty and staff.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their studies. In consultation with an academic advisor, degree candidates can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. The college connects learners with numerous resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Degree-seekers can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for funding and explore scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. According to the institution, 61% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average award amounting to $18,613.
#20 Best Art Schools Online
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Campus
Students looking to jumpstart their career should consider a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University. Learners can choose from in-person or online bachelor's programs. Regardless of modality, enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and peers, and a premier education.
Degree candidates complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their subject field. By working with an academic advisor, learners can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
The college connects enrollees with numerous funding opportunities, from scholarships to federal financial aid. According to the institution, 78% of all degree candidates receive financial aid.