Best Online Art Schools for Creative Thinkers
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.
Which art courses can you take online? Is online art school worth it? Our resources, including a ranking of the best online art schools, can help you learn more so you can make an informed decision.
Best Online Art Schools
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
59%
$ 4,477
97%
$25,694
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,814
- Institution Type
- Public
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
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.
98%
$11,308
74%
$13,512
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 66,062
- Institution Type
- Public
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
39%
$9,903
70%
$9,903
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,804
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
36%
$58,032
88%
$58,032
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,384
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
48%
$ 8,396
84%
$19,940
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,021
- Institution Type
- Public
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
89%
$ 5,180
70%
$15,968
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,847
- Institution Type
- Public
Winthrop University
- Rock Hill, SC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
65%
$15,306
73%
$29,636
- Acceptance Rate
- 75%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,694
- Institution Type
- Public
Radford University
- Radford, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
64%
$ 8,401
73%
$20,853
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,531
- Institution Type
- Public
SUNY Empire State College
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
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.
94%
$ 7,070
46%
$16,980
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 9,545
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Accreditation Matters for 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:
How Does Online Art School Work?
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 and critique work in online classes. Online art schools often require a final project, such as a portfolio, thesis, performance, or exhibition, in order to graduate.
You can earn an online art degree in many fields, including animation, art history, game design, graphic design, interior design, and photography.
Due to the field’s hands-on nature, many online art programs incorporate some on-campus components, such as summer studio intensives.
Fully online programs in the performing arts — such as music, dance, and theater — are uncommon, though you may be able to complete some coursework online. Similarly, reputable programs in fashion design typically require in-person training in pattern making and drafting.
Is Online Art School Worth It?
$24,990
Average annual tuition for online bachelor’s degree in art (2020)
$47,460
Average starting salary for visual and performing arts majors (2023)
Whether online art school is worth it or not depends on your interests, circumstances, and goals. For some, an art degree can open doors and help create a valuable career network. For others, however, a different major or delivery format may be a better fit.
Consider online college if…
- You need a flexible schedule due to work or other commitments.
- Your chosen art school 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, which requires a degree.
Avoid online art school if…
- You’re interested in an art field that requires robust in-person training.
- Art school would require you to take on 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 unsure whether you want a career in the arts or a more interdisciplinary education.
Anna Cavasos , 3D Visual Effects Artist
“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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance-friendly art majors can be completed online, while hands-on majors require in-person courses. Distance-friendly art majors might utilize digital tools, software, and online storage, such as digital media, photography, and art history. Hands-on or performance-based majors, including dance, painting, and ceramics, cannot be completed online due to requirements for physical materials, specialized equipment, or live performances.
