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Online bachelor's in art degrees are available in several subfields. Curricula vary based on the program, but students can major in commercial art, architecture, computer animation, fashion, graphic design, visual communication, art history, and web design, to name a few. It’s also possible to double major or get a dual degree in multiple disciplines.  In general, online learners should spend some time determining which medium, style, and subject matter they find most appealing so they can begin mastering specific techniques and developing their creative processes. This way, art students may graduate with a set of professional and technical skills, an understanding of the creative industry, and a polished portfolio in their chosen arena.

Enrollment in an online bachelor's in art program requires applicants to have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Competitive programs may further require that students submit a portfolio of artwork. While an online degree in art typically takes four years to complete, accelerated programs are designed to be finished in as little as two-and-a-half years.

Below we list some of the most common art degree concentrations available: 

• Computer Animation: This type of animation is used in film, television, games, and more to add special effects or create a new work from scratch. Specializing in computer animation can teach you how to use technology in order to create digital art.
• Game Art and Development: This focus centers around the concepts, technology, and storytelling that become video games. Through both traditional and digital media, game artists and developers work through the various phases that lead to a complete game.
• Fashion: Specializing in fashion can lead to careers in designing, retail, management, and textiles. An art degree with a fashion focus provides students with an understanding of business, current trends, and industry technologies.
• Interior Design: Interior designers create comfortable, creative spaces in all kinds of buildings, from homes and bars to hospitals and offices. Specializing in interior design helps students learn some skills of the trade, like how to bid on projects and lead teams with a creative vision. 
• Painting: Painters should have a thorough understanding of materials, art history, and art theory. Pursuing a painting specialization provides students with the skills and knowledge to improve their skills and work as professional artists.
• Photography: Photography has a long history and utilizes many different technologies. Specializing in photography can teach students to use both film and digital cameras, editing software, photo development, and how to publish their work.

Are you unsure about pursuing an art degree? Explore our comprehensive list of online bachelor's programs, including online degrees focused solely on fashion, photography, video game design, and more.

Accreditation is a process in which third parties evaluate colleges and universities to determine whether they offer students a quality education. Attending an accredited institution has several benefits, and it's especially important for online students because it signals a program's credibility to potential employers and qualifies students for federal financial aid.

Prospective students seeking an online art degree should consider enrolling in an art school accredited by the — an organization that sets nationwide standards for higher education in the arts. Alternatively, students should ensure that their school has been evaluated by an accrediting agency recognized by either the or the .

Students enrolled in an online bachelor's of art program often have some flexibility when developing the coursework to fit their educational goals. For instance, they can choose to take online classes in visual marketing, consumer psychology, and design technology. Many modules also involve gaining hands-on experience with specific tools or software, thus helping students develop applied skills in their chosen area of expertise. 

While classes vary by program, the following is a list of common online courses students can expect to take with a Bachelor in Art Design:

• Art History: Students taking this class gain an understanding of historical art forms with the objective of contextualizing their personal work in a particular style or movement. In addition to learning about how techniques have evolved, art history classes also cover how cultural movements influenced artistic expression.
• Color Theory: In this fundamental course, students learn about the basics of color harmony. Specifically, they explore why and how different color combinations complement each other from a psychological and visual arts perspective. Students also learn about the differences associated with applying color theory in two- and three-dimensional mediums.
• Composition and Visual Design: Usually aimed at students majoring in certain niches, including digital photography, film, or multimedia, this course introduces the basics of visual storytelling. Students delve into foundational concepts — such as exposure, depth of field, and movement — and learn how these factors affect image quality. They also typically gain hands-on experience with an array of camera equipment.
• Design Thinking: In this course, students learn how to effectively visualize and present their ideas to an audience. Topics covered include digital media, graphic design, and streamlining the creative process. Students taking this class have the opportunity to gain valuable problem-solving and communication skills in marketing and interior design.

Graduates with an art degree may find employment in a range of settings, including galleries, museums, studios, schools, and nonprofits. As an alternative to traditional employment, many artists choose to work as independent contractors or freelancers providing specific services or selling artwork to clients. 

As with other professions, job opportunities in this field largely depend on the wider economy — especially the demand for artistic services and products. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts only a 2% job growth for , which is significantly slower than the average for all occupations. 

Artists with bachelor’s degrees online may qualify for a range of . An online fine arts degree offers the chance for students to develop their skills in a particular area, signaling to employers that a graduate has formalized knowledge and training. 

Below is a list of potential career paths for art graduates, along with median annual salary and job outlook data from the BLS:

manage private and public artwork collections. This may involve identifying and appraising new pieces, maintaining existing catalogs, and planning exhibitions. Some professionals in this vein may also work as independent consultants helping private collectors acquire specific kinds of artwork.

• Annual Median Salary: $57,100 
• Per Hour: $27.45 
• Job Growth Rate: 6% (faster than average)

are managers that oversee the work of an artistic team. Their job involves conceptualizing artistic objectives, approving designs, and overseeing the completion of projects. Art directors can work for publications, movie studios, or even public relations firms.

• Annual Median Salary: $111,040 
• Per Hour: $53.38 
• Job Growth Rate: 4% (average)

create pieces that typically convey emotions or meaning through various mediums. They may also fashion everyday items into artwork, like furniture or cutlery, that perform specific functions. Many fine artists display their work in museums or galleries.

• Annual Median Salary: $56,260 
• Per Hour: $27.05 
• Job Growth Rate: 0% (no significant change)

are responsible for visualizing and communicating complex ideas to different audiences. They tend to work with specific design software in order to present important information to clients. Graphic designers often use their skills to construct websites, develop product packaging, or create logos.

• Annual Median Salary: $61,300 
• Per Hour: $29.47
• Job Growth Rate: 2% (slower than average)

are usually freelancers and may specialize in specific genres, such as photojournalism, portraiture, wedding photography, or cinematography. Photographers may also work in postproduction, editing pictures and videos to meet client needs.

• Annual Median Salary: $42,520
• Per Hour: $20.44 
• Job Growth Rate: 2% (slower than average)

use software to create images, videos, and other visual media designs. They may work on movies, video games, television commercials, and diverse media art forms, often completing a specific part of a larger project.

• Annual Median Salary: $99,800 
• Per Hour: $47.98
• Job Growth Rate: 2% (slower than average)