Online art degrees help creative students learn new skills and advance their careers. Many online enrollees work part time while pursuing their degree. Working while earning a degree lets learners build their resumes and earn a paycheck.
Most online art schools offer fully online classes. However, some programs include studio components in person. Online learners can complete these requirements locally.
This page lists the best online art degrees. Read on for answers to typical questions and to learn about common classes and potential careers for graduates.
Questions About Art Degrees
What kind of jobs can I get with an art degree?
Online art degrees prepare students to work as independent artists who take commissions. Graduates can also work in the business or education fields as creative directors or professors.
What kind of art majors are there?
Common art majors include art education, graphic design, photography, and illustration. Some art programs offer concentrations in pottery or graphic design.
What are some of the highest-paying jobs in art?
Art directors earn a median annual salary of $97,270, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Special effects artists earn $77,700. These figures surpass the $41,950 median annual salary for all occupations.
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Best Online Art Degrees
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
#1 Best Online Art Degrees
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate and graduate programs are available from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. These programs, such as the master of arts in art, provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of careers.
With an overall graduation rate of 47%, the institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 19-to-1. Nearly 98% of students obtain financial aid, receiving an average of $9,881 in assistance. The university also connects learners with loan options to help them cover degree costs.
In-state and out-of-state residency, as well as undergraduate or graduate status, influence tuition rates. In-state graduate students pay $5,738 per year, and out-of-state graduate students pay $16,526.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Art Degrees
University of Northern Iowa
- Cedar Falls, IA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Northern Iowa offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a master's in art education. These programs help students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of careers.
The institution reports an overall graduation rate of 64% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1. Financial aid goes to about 83% of students, with an average award totaling $4,877. The university helps students identify loan options as well.
Tuition rates depend on the student's residency status. Tuition for in-state and out-of-state graduate students costs about $9,159 and $21,375 per year, respectively.
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Art Degrees
Radford University
- Radford, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Radford University, students can pursue undergraduate and graduate programs, including an MFA in design thinking. Graduate programs foster skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of careers.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which ensures that the programs meet high standards of quality. With a total enrollment of 10,695 students, the university admits about 79% of applicants.
The institution's graduation rate is 56%, and it reports a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. About 94% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average award amount of $8,416. The university also connects learners with loan options.
State residency, as well as undergraduate or graduate status, influence tuition rates. In-state and out-of-state graduate students pay$8,915 and $17,441 per year, respectively.
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Art Degrees
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online
At Arizona State University Digital Immersion, students can pursue undergraduate degrees such as the bachelor's in art studies. The school's programs provide students with opportunities to gain field-specific knowledge and skills.
Enrollees prepare to thrive in their future careers. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this institution, demonstrating its programs' quality. The school boasts a total enrollment of nearly 53,993 students and reports an admission rate of 73%.
In-state students receive a slight tuition discount. The annual cost of tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students is $10,710, compared to $10,820 for out-of-state undergraduates.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#6 Best Online Art Degrees
Azusa Pacific University
- Azusa, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A variety of undergraduate and graduate programs are available from Azusa Pacific University, including a master's in modern and contemporary art history. Enrollees gain essential skills and knowledge for success in the art industry.
The university reports a graduation rate of 66% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1. The school offers a variety of financial aid options to help students cover the cost of their education.
Approximately 9,006 students enroll at the university, which notes an admission rate of 94%. Graduate students pay $16,571 per year in tuition, regardless of residency.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Best Online Art Degrees
Eastern Illinois University
- Charleston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Eastern Illinois University offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a master of arts in art education. Degree-seekers gain field-specific skills to prepare for art-related careers.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits the school, guaranteeing the high quality of its programs. The university enrolls 8,626 students and reports an admission rate of 56%.
The institution notes an overall graduation rate of 51% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1. Financial aid goes to about 98% of students, with an average award of $10,511.
Tuition rates vary based on residency status. In-state graduate students pay $7,503 annually, while out-of-state learners pay $18,007.
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Art Degrees
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 years
- Campus
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus provides a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs for online students. Degree-seekers can pursue a bachelor of arts in multidisciplinary studies among the options.
Enrollees gain essential skills to prepare for careers in many different industries. The program's high academic quality is confirmed by the school's accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The university connects learners with financial aid like scholarships and student loans to help cover degree costs.
In-state and out-of-state residency influences tuition rates. Contact the school for details regarding tuition rates and fees.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Art Degrees
SUNY Empire State College
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY Empire State College offers undergraduate degrees such as the bachelor's in arts and media. Learners develop skills and knowledge they can use to excel in multiple career paths.
Boasting a 27% graduation rate, the institution offers an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Financial aid goes to about 90% of students, with the average award amounting to $7,472. The university also helps learners evaluate loan options.
Tuition rates depend on the student's state of residence. Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students amount to $7,070 per year, while out-of-state undergraduate students pay $16,980.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Online Art Degrees
Lindenwood University
- Saint Charles, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A variety of undergraduate programs are available at Lindenwood University, including a bachelor's in art and design. This program helps students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the art and design fields.
The institution reports an overall graduation rate of 47% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1. Degree-seekers can consult the financial aid office for information about scholarships and loans.
The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and enrolls 7,382 students.
Annual undergraduate tuition for in-state and out-of-state students costs $18,000, regardless of state residency.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Art Programs by Field
Why Get an Art Degree?
An art degree can help students turn their passion into a career. Many people find fulfillment in earning a living by using their creativity. The BLS projects jobs for art and design occupations to grow 4% from 2020-2030, which is slower than average. Graduates with the best art degrees may stand out in a competitive job market.
Many schools offer art degrees online. An online format can help learners further their education around work and family responsibilities.
How Much Does an Art Degree Cost?
Earning an online bachelor's degree costs an average of $51,091, according to EducationData.org. However, art degree costs vary by school, program length, and learners' residency status. Full-time students can earn a bachelor's degree in four years. A master's degree typically takes two years.
In-state learners pay an average of $38,496 for their degree. Out-of-state students pay $54,183. Online learners attending a private college spend $60,593. Degree-seekers exploring online art schools can research the most affordable programs without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students attending online art schools should plan for extra expenses, such as technology fees. These fees may cover online database subscriptions or tech support. Some schools also charge graduation fees.
Classes that require access to an art studio may cost more. Enrollees usually need to buy supplies like paintbrushes and high-quality paper. Online learners may need to pay fees to cover maintenance for things like photography darkrooms or soldering tools.
How Much Do Art Majors Make?
Salaries vary by graduates' role, employer, and geographic location. For example, interior designers earn a median annual salary of $57,060. Industrial designers earn $71,640.
Interior designers in Florida earn a mean annual income of $53,310. The same professionals in Arkansas earn $73,840. Interior designers who work for small businesses may earn less than their peers who work for large corporations.
Courses in an Art Program
Nearly every creative program requires art foundation classes and specialty classes. Most classes include a combination of hands-on work and standardized tests. Advanced art classes require art critiques and portfolio reviews rather than essays and tests.
Students pursuing online art degrees often take the classes below. Keep in mind that classes vary by program. Degree-seekers can contact their prospective schools to learn about specific offerings.
Art History
This class covers popular art movements. Learners discover how ancient Romans created art through architecture and how the Renaissance further built upon the advancements. Coursework covers the impressionist movement and surrealism. Students also learn about postmodernism. The curriculum highlights artists like Picasso, Monet, and Michelangelo.
Color Theory
Degree-seekers study how color interacts with art. Students practice mixing pigments to create different hues. Coursework also emphasizes how color impacts human emotions. Learners study how to use color to convey messages and evoke certain feelings.
Drawing I
Students practice using lines and shapes in proportionally correct ways. They draw still-lifes using various shading techniques and mediums. The second half of the class usually focuses on drawing the human figure. The class ends with a portfolio review, which should demonstrate a skill progression.
Career and Salary Outlook for Art Students
Online art schools prepare students for careers that align with their skills and passions. Graduates may pursue the jobs below after earning their online art degrees. Keep in mind that not every art program offers majors that correspond with these exact careers. Students can work with academic or career advisors to choose a professional path.
These professionals oversee the visual aspects of magazines, movies, and product packaging. They assign tasks to illustrators, graphic designers, and photographers. Art directors give feedback to ensure imagery conveys a message. Many art directors gain experience as graphic designers before earning this advanced role.
These professionals create designs for clothing and accessories. They study trend forecasting to create products that appeal to target audiences. Many fashion designers work as self-employed individuals or for wholesale merchants.
These creators make art for commissions and exhibitions. Craft and fine artists work with many types of mediums. They create photographs, pottery, and jewelry. Some fine artists work with many mediums to create one piece. They need strong tactile skills to create art that stands out.
Source: BLS
Additional Art School Resources