First, some facts. Of the Art History, Criticism and Conservation graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 230 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 46%, Art History, Criticism and Conservation graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-21%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 40% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Art History, Criticism and Conservation graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 23%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from University of North Texas with a Bachelors Degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales AssociateWalt Disney World Jan 2012 - May 2012 Special Events Attendant Gaylord Hotels Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 Gallery Attendant Amon Carter Museum Feb 2014 - Dec 2014 Collection Assistant/Gallery Attendant University of North Texas May 2015 - Aug 2015 Administrative Specialist University of North Texas Aug 2015 - Mar 2017 Front Desk Administrator RE/MAX Fine Homes Mar 2017 - Nov 2017 Art Booth Assistant Backward Prints Jun 2018 - Dec 2019 Admission Service Representative UMass Global Nov 2017 - Jul 2019 Evaluation Specialist UMass Global Jul 2019 - Aug 2022 Development Support Coordinator University of North Texas Aug 2022 - Feb 2024 Program Project Specialist University of North Texas Feb 2024 - Present ABOUTExperienced professional with a background in art galleries, museums, art business, and higher education institutions. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who have graduated with degrees in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, it's clear that they have ventured into a wide range of job sectors. Many of these roles can be categorized into two distinct groups: those that are directly relevant to art history and those that are not. The most common job types include positions in educational settings, galleries, museums, and administrative roles across various industries.
From the data, positions that leverage their art history education often include roles like curators, gallery assistants, and museum educators. For instance, positions like Curatorial Intern at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gallery Assistant at Timothy Taylor, or Museum Educator at the Rubin Museum of Art directly align with the education they received, requiring an intimate knowledge of art history and its principles. Additionally, several individuals have taken up teaching roles, such as Art Teacher or Lecturer, which also involve imparting knowledge of art history to students and the community. These types of employment are essential not only for the preservation of art but also for fostering an appreciation of art history in society, highlighting the relevance of their degrees in practical contexts.
On the other hand, many graduates have found themselves in roles that bear little connection to their field of study. For example, positions like Project Manager, Administrative Assistant, or Customer Service Representative generally focus on non-art-related tasks and skills. For many of these roles, the skills learned in an art history program—such as critical thinking, research methodologies, and artistic analysis—are not utilized in daily functions. This trend illustrates a common difficulty among arts graduates who often have to broaden their job search criteria, which can lead to positions outside their realm of study. While some may argue that soft skills gained from their education can be applied in these roles, it remains evident that these jobs do not exploit their specialized knowledge in art history.
In conclusion, while graduates of Art History, Criticism, and Conservation have navigated a variety of career paths, the most common and relevant roles tend to center around educational, curatorial, and museum positions. However, a considerable number also find themselves in unrelated fields that do not leverage their educational background effectively. This duality reflects the challenges faced by humanities scholars in a job market that often underappreciates the value of arts education.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Art History, Criticism and Conservation graduates:
When you look at the career trajectories of graduates who studied Art History, Criticism, and Conservation, it's clear that there are a variety of paths they take. Right after university, many of them start in roles that are less traditional and may not directly align with their degree. For instance, some jump into administrative roles, teaching positions, or even jobs in retail. This trend suggests that while they have the knowledge in art history or conservation, they might not find immediate opportunities in those fields or may seek jobs that pay the bills while they continue to look for higher-level positions related to their studies.
Fast forward about five to ten years, and you start to see some more alignment with their degrees. A significant number progress into roles more closely tied to art institutions, museums, and galleries. For example, there are curatorial positions, internships leading to full-time roles within museums, teaching positions in art history at schools, and conservation work that directly relates to preserving and promoting art. However, it's not all roses. Many graduates still check in and out of positions that may not correspond directly with their education, such as administrative support or sales, showing that the market for pure art history roles can be quite competitive and precarious.
Honesty time: while some graduates seem to find fulfilling roles that make use of their skills and knowledge in art history, many others end up in jobs that, while they may be interesting or respectable, don't fully utilize their education. It's evident that some folks may struggle to break into their desired field right away and may take side jobs or unrelated jobs just to keep afloat. Overall, it's a mixed bag—some soar and find their niche in the world of art, while others blend in with the masses, taking on careers that might not have been their first choice but still provide valuable experiences. If you're considering a degree in this field, it’s vital to have a flexible mindset and be open to exploring various job options while you find your place in the art world.
A Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation can be pretty interesting and enjoyable, but it definitely has its challenges. It’s not usually considered one of the hardest degrees out there, but it does require a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking. You’ll dive into a ton of art movements, history, and theory, which means spending time analyzing everything from ancient sculptures to modern installations. If you love art and are passionate about understanding it on a deeper level, you might find it easier to handle, but if you’re not as into the subject, those heavy readings and the need for strong analytical skills can feel overwhelming. So, it’s definitely got its ups and downs, like any degree!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
When it comes to analyzing the career paths of these Art History, Criticism, and Conservation graduates, it seems like the financial outcomes can really vary. Some of them have taken on solid roles in well-known institutions, like curatorial positions or project management, which usually come with decent pay. For example, graduates working at places like the Getty or in project management roles often land salaries that are competitive, especially compared to more entry-level positions in the arts sector. However, others have bounced around between lower-paying jobs or part-time positions, particularly in education or various retail roles, which typically don’t pay as much.
Overall, while a few have made their way into lucrative or stable roles, many seem to be navigating through a patchwork of temporary or lower-paying jobs, possibly reflecting the tougher job market for art employment. So, it looks like some folks have carved out a path that could bring in decent money, while others might be facing some financial challenges along the way. It all seems a bit of a mixed bag, depending heavily on the specific roles they’ve taken on after graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Art History, Criticism and Conservation (ordered by the average relevance score of their Art History, Criticism and Conservation graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: