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Want to hone your creative skills? Interested in art and design careers? Then online art school might be the right path for you. Many art and design jobs require a bachelor's degree — and online art schools offer a flexible path to an art degree.
What can you do with an online art degree? How do you get into art school? And is online art school worth it? Our resources, including a ranking of the best online art schools, can help you learn more and make an informed decision.
What Is an Online Art Degree Exactly?
Online art schools emphasize visual design, digital media, and creative studies. Students who enroll in art programs online complete graduation requirements in a virtual classroom. You'll collaborate on projects, critique work, and build a portfolio in online classes.
You can earn an online art degree in many fields, including animation, fine arts, music, and photography.
Many online art schools also offer design majors like graphic design, web design, fashion design, game design, and interior design. Alternatively, you can study art education or art history.
In the performing arts, you can complete some coursework online while also taking in-person classes.
Common Types of Online Art Degrees
Explore Our Featured Art Programs Today
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Art School?
When you're earning a degree, accreditation matters. Accreditation indicates that a school or program meets certain standards of educational quality.
What's more, only accredited colleges can distribute federal financial aid. And many employers only hire graduates from accredited institutions.
Some art programs will be programmatically accredited. Here are some of the major art and design accreditors to look for:
Did You Know?
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The World Economic Forum ranks creativity as one of the top 10 skills for the future. -
Art and design careers that require a bachelor's degree boast median annual salaries of $50,000-$100,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). -
Digital designers can expect faster-than-average job growth from 2021-2031, according to BLS projections. -
Compared to other workers, artists are 3.6 times more likely to be self-employed, according to the National Endowment for the Arts. -
The BLS reports that most careers in creative fields require at least a bachelor's degree.
Top 10 Online Art Schools to Check Out
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $129
Out-of-State | $553
Credits to Graduate: Unspecified
UF Online's BA in digital arts and sciences combines communication, arts, and technology in a single program. You'll learn creative, technical, and critical thinking skills — all highly sought-after soft skills in the current job market. Courses include art appreciation, digital storytelling, and principles of digital visualization.
Admission requirements vary depending on whether you're a first-year or transfer student. Applicants of all levels must submit a portfolio to the Digital Worlds Institute.
#2 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $390
Credits to Graduate: 120
Liberty's online BS in digital design inspires creativity and helps students stand out. In this program, you'll learn to use storytelling as an essential business skill. You'll also learn how to use stories to spread messages and drive sales.
You can choose a specialization in character design, digital merchandising design, graphic design, illustration design, media design, photographic design, or visual communication design.
Applicants must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA for admission. Official transcripts are required.
#3 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $503
Out-of-State | $598
Credits to Graduate: 120
ASU Online's BA in art with a concentration in art studies helps you create original works with your hands and prepares you for a professional art career. The program includes instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, illustration, and animation.
First-year applicants need to have completed four years of high school math and English, three years of lab sciences, two years of social sciences, two years of a single foreign language, and one year of fine arts or career and technical education.
#4 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $329
Out-of-State | $790
Credits to Graduate: 33
EIU offers two online NASAD-accredited graduate-level art programs: an MA in art education and an MA in community arts. Both programs blend online classes with intensive in-person studio classes. The art education program is designed for art teachers and takes around two years to complete. Courses include research methods in art education and special topics in art history.
To apply to either program, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university. To enroll in the art education program, you must have a license in art education. For the community arts program, you must have at least 18 undergraduate art credits.
#5 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $766
Credits to Graduate: 16 or 24
At DU, you can earn a graduate certificate in arts and culture outreach and advocacy. You have the option of enrolling in a four-course or six-course program.
Both options require four concentration courses: event planning; arts and culture entrepreneurship; arts and culture: history, context, and trends; and arts and culture programs for social impact. The six-course certificate adds two elective courses.
To apply, you need to fill out an application and submit your resume and undergraduate transcripts.
#6 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $539
Credits to Graduate: 30
UNI's 100% online MA in art education uses a cohort style in which students take the same courses at the same time throughout the program. The program begins every fall, with the same group of teachers teaching throughout the program. Classes are delivered 100% online using platforms such as Blackboard and Zoom. Second-year courses are broken up into 16-week modules to allow time for research and writing.
To apply to UNI, you must submit an application, a resume, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
#7 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $475
Credits to Graduate: 33
Accredited by NASAD, NSU's low-residency online MA in art program is predominantly online, with some campus meetings required. This program includes courses such as advanced problems in painting, photography, and sculpture. Some unique courses include introduction to digital technologies and creating mobile games. You'll also take a graduate seminar and complete a final creative research project.
To apply, you must submit an application along with your high school and college transcripts and official ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores.
#8 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $699
Credits to Graduate: 36
Winthrop's online MA in arts administration consists of 12 courses. You'll learn about audience development, fundraising, and marketing. Required courses include marketing the arts; financial analysis, budgeting, and fiscal management; and arts administration and the law. The program also includes a three-credit practicum that you must complete in person.
To apply, you must have at least one year of experience in professional or volunteer arts administration.
#9 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
Radford University
Radford, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $297.17
Out-of-State | $598.8
Credits to Graduate: 60
Radford's 100% online MFA in design thinking best suits students aiming to become team leads, managers, trainers, and consultants. Courses include design management studio, international art history, design thinking for educators, and special topics in design thinking.
You don't need a design degree to apply, but you need a bachelor's degree. Radford prefers a minimum 3.0 GPA but primarily looks for candidates who demonstrate leadership and creativity.
#10 10 Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353
Credits to Graduate: Unspecified
SUNY Empire State College offers five online undergraduate art degrees: an AA, an AS, a BA, a BS, and a bachelor of professional studies. These programs work well for people who want to sharpen their skills in the arts, teach, work in museums, or work in the arts.
Each program adheres to the same seven foundations: historical perspectives; artistic practice; artistic theory; diversity, equity, and inclusion; research skills; critical thinking skills; and ethical and social responsibility.
To apply, submit an application, along with proof of high school completion and official transcripts.
What Are the Requirements for Online Art School?
While admission requirements can vary, most online art schools require you to submit:
- An online application
- A portfolio
- Transcripts
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
Online art schools often require a final project such as a portfolio, thesis, performance, or exhibition in order to graduate.
Due to the field's hands-on nature, many online art programs incorporate some on-campus components, such as summer studio intensives.
What Can I Do With an Online Art Degree?
Artists play a critical role in many industries.
Designers, illustrators, and graphic designers often work in advertising, manufacturing, publishing, and entertainment. Art education majors may work as teachers in art departments.
Art history students, meanwhile, may be interested in becoming museum curators.
Although many art positions don't require a degree, a college education can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actors | $23.48 per hour | 8% | Some college, no degree |
| Art Directors | $100,890 | 4% | Bachelor's |
| Fashion Designers | $77,450 | 3% | Bachelor's |
| Fine Artists | $60,820 | 6% | None |
| Graphic Designers | $50,710 | 3% | Bachelor's |
| Industrial Designers | $77,030 | 3% | Bachelor's |
| Interior Designers | $60,340 | 1% | Bachelor's |
| Musicians and Singers | $30.49 per hour | 4% | None |
| Photographers | $38,950 | 9% | High school diploma |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $78,790 | 5% | Bachelor's |
Source: BLS
Q&A With a Real Artist and Art School Graduate
Q: Why did you decide to go to art school?
“I've been a 2D artist since I was a child, but as I got into high school, I saw on the internet how I didn't quite compare to the best out there. I was introduced to 3D modeling and animation by my sister. I tried a Maya class in my community college, loved it, and got my associate of arts in art and new media. I eventually searched for ways to get my bachelor's [in 3D modeling].”
Q: How did you choose your art program?
“I considered a few schools. I ended up choosing Gnomon [School of Visual Effects] because the student reels looked like professional work.”
Q: What surprised you the most about earning an art degree?
“I was surprised at how much a school's name can get you in the door. … The job department was excellent and would follow up with studios after I applied to make sure I got that extra edge. I also had interviewers tell me that since I went to Gnomon, they knew I was capable and would be able to perform their work.”
Q: How did art school help you reach your personal or professional goals?
“The biggest way art school helped me was to give me access to industry professionals. Getting critique from them really helped me bring my work to another standard. They taught me techniques and skills that I would never have been able to learn otherwise. They also helped me look at my own work with a critical eye, which helps me in my personal work.”
Is Online Art School Worth It?
Whether online art school is worth it depends on your interests, circumstances, and goals. For some, an art degree can open doors. Others, however, might benefit from a different major or delivery format.
Carefully consider the pros and cons of online art schools before you apply.
Online Art School May Be Worth It If …
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You need a flexible schedule. -
You're working and need the flexibility of an online program to pursue your career goals. -
You choose an art school that fits your budget and offers degrees in your creative field. -
Earning an art degree would lead to new job opportunities or a higher salary. -
You have a clear plan for your career path and it requires a bachelor's degree.
Online Art School May Not Be Worth It If …
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You're interested in an art degree that requires in-person training not offered by online programs. -
Earning an art degree would require significant debt, and you plan to pursue a lower-paying role. -
You can gain experience in your field and qualify for roles without a degree. -
You're not sure whether you want to pursue a career in the arts and want a more interdisciplinary education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Art School
Yes, you can learn art online. Many art programs offer online options in areas like animation, design, and drama. For example, you can earn a game design or interior design degree online. You can also study web design, art history, music, and art education online.
Some fields require in-person study. If you're a performance-based major, you might consider a hybrid program that blends in-person and online coursework.
Many creative careers are projected to grow over the next decade. For instance, jobs for fine artists are projected to grow by 6% from 2021-2031 according to the BLS, while jobs for special effects artists and animators are projected to grow by 5%.
Jobs for fashion designers and graphic designers are also projected to grow in the next decade.
Currently, the fastest-growing creative field is digital design, which includes web developers. According to the BLS, this field is projected to grow at a 23% rate, with around 21,800 job openings each year between 2021 and 2031.
The highest-paid art career is art director, according to the BLS. These creative professionals typically work in advertising, publishing, or public relations. Art directors create a visual style for product layouts, packaging, media productions, and magazines.
In May 2021, art directors reported a median annual salary of $100,890.
Other high-paying art and design careers include animation, fashion design, and industrial design. These careers all reported median salaries of over $75,000 per year in May 2021.
Many art and design jobs require a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions. A bachelor's can lead to opportunities as a graphic designer, animator, fashion designer, or interior designer.
Roles like digital designer also typically require a bachelor's degree.
If you're considering an online degree in art, research the program's graduation and job placement rates. You should also ask about internships and experiential learning opportunities. Finally, look for programs that offer career advising and support.
The cheapest art schools are public and private schools that offer low tuition rates and/or plenty of financial aid support. For example, you can earn a bachelor's degree in art or design at a public university for around $9,000 per year.
While private art schools usually charge higher tuition rates, many offer scholarships and discounts for fully online students.
When researching the best online art schools, check tuition rates. Reach out to schools and ask about financial aid opportunities. And don't forget to calculate the total cost of the degree to determine your potential return on investment.