The Mona Lisa is a masterful piece of artwork. What techniques were used to create it to be so fascinating? And what distinct signature of its creator does that painting bear? For students in art history schools, those questions and more are discussed during in depth study of the technical aspects of art, how to analyze art, and understanding the wide history of artwork.

Art History Schools Go Beyond "The Da Vinci Code"
In art history schools, students learn to analyze artwork critically, using research and writing to explore concepts in visual literacy. Art history schools take an academic approach to art, looking at how cultures can best be revealed through their artistic creations. Students in art history schools learn to immerse themselves into the aesthetics of other cultures.

Attending art history school can lead to many careers in universities, museums, zoos, and more. Some students go on to be curators or archivists at museums or galleries. Others use their art knowledge to pursue careers in media, advertising, fashion, or design. Some go on to become art therapists, who work with the handicapped or disabled. Other potential careers include careers in business or government. Art history school graduates can also obtain advanced degrees and use their education to educate others.

Students in art history schools study core liberal arts classes like English, science, and a social science. In addition, students take coursework directly related to art and art history, including classes on special art time periods such as medieval artwork or the Renaissance.

Practical Careers in Art History
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students looking to go on to be curators or archivists are looking at a very competitive job marketplace. They need to set themselves apart from other candidates with skills and other accomplishments that other candidates might not have. This means that internships are essential and an advanced degree is a great idea. That said, a bachelors degree is sufficient education for some entry-level positions.

Art history schools offer programs with associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, maste'rs degrees and Ph.Ds. Art history schools include the study of both art and architecture.

The BLS predicts an increase of jobs for archivists, curators and museum technicians of 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is above average growth. Knowledge of electronic records and record management is a good idea for those interested in being archivists.

The salary outlook for graduates of art history schools shows a job market with jobs making a median income of around $40,000. Archivists made a median of $40,730 in May 2006, while curators earned a median of $46,300. However, some earned in the mid-$20,000s.

The classes in art history schools teach students not only about art itself, but also about how to interpret that art and temper the interpretation with knowledge of the past. Core classes also help to teach students better communication and critical thinking skills and open up other subjects, which can broaden their understanding of the world and art. Students who wish to teach at the elementary and secondary school levels also need to obtain a teaching certificate.
If you are ready for a challenging course-load studying both history and art, then start looking for art history schools today!