BA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design 
Are you fascinated by how visual arts intersect with society and culture on a global scale? 91ÑÇÉ«'s program offers a deep dive into the dynamic world of art, architecture, criticism, and curatorial studies. Expand your understanding beyond the classroom with hands-on experiences in museum and gallery studies, including industry placements at renowned institutions like the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum. Benefit from intimate classes taught by internationally renowned curators, researchers, and art historians. Collaborate across disciplines with artists in digital media, film, and design to create meaningful change at the crossroads of visual art, society, and culture. 
Career Options in Visual Arts – Art History
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Art and Cultural Heritage Consultant
- Art Appraiser
- Art Authentication Expert
- Art Career Pathways Consultant
- Art Conservation Technician
- Art Conservator
- Art Critic
- Art Dealer
- Art Educator
- Art Entrepreneur
- Art Historian
- Art Historian for Film and Media
- Art Historical Consultant
- Art History Professor
- Art Investment Advisor
- Art Law Specialist
- Art Market Analyst
- Art Market Researcher
- Art Museum Director
- Art Museum Educator
- Art Therapy Program Coordinator
- Artistic Intelligence and Art Specialist
- Arts Journalism and Cultural Criticism
- Cultural Heritage Manager
- Cultural Policy and Arts Advocacy Specialist
- Curatorial Director
- Digital Humanities and Visual Culture Analyst
- Exhibition Designer (Museums/Galleries)
- Gallery Manager
- Historic Site/Monument Preservation Planner
- Library or Archives Assistant (Special Collections)
- Museum Education Program Developer
- Museum Curator
- Public Art Program Administrator
- Research Librarian (Art History Collections)
- Scholar-in-Residence Programs Coordinator
- Souvenir and Cultural Goods Designer (Art-inspired products)
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions in Visual Arts – Art History 
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Archivist Assistant
- Art Gallery Assistant
- Art Handling/Preparatory Technician
- Art Library Assistant
- Art Registrar Assistant
- Curatorial Assistant
- Documentation and Digital Archiving Assistant
- Museum Education Assistant
- Museum Front Desk/Visitor Services Associate
- Museum Collections Assistant
- Museum Marketing and Outreach Assistant
- Research Assistant (Art History)
- Gallery Coordinator
- Exhibit Installation Assistant
- Documentation and Digital Archiving Assistant
- Education Program Assistant (Museums/Galleries)
- Historic Site Tour Guide
- Public Program Assistant (Museums/Galleries)
- Retail/Gift Shop Associate (Museum/Gallery context)
- Social Media Coordinator (Arts/N culture organizations)
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in .Ìý
Skills Developed through a Degree in Visual Arts – Art History 
Core Skills
- The ability to analyze and interpret visual and textual materials critically, using evidence-based research to evaluate historical and cultural contexts of art.
- The capacity to conduct detailed archival research and use specialized databases effectively to gather, organize, and interpret art historical data.
- The expertise to curate exhibitions and design visual presentations, incorporating theoretical frameworks and historical narratives into practical displays.
- The ability to write clear, persuasive, and well-supported analytical essays, research papers, and exhibition reviews, tailored to both academic and professional audiences.
- The capacity to understand and apply complex theoretical concepts, such as those in semiotics, postmodernism, or feminism, to the analysis and interpretation of artworks and cultural artifacts.
- The technical skills to utilize digital tools, including art-specific software for cataloging, archiving, and presenting visual material in professional and academic contexts.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and opinion pieces, efficiently conveying your message and supporting it with evidence
- The capacity to explain ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
- The skills to collect various types of information, focus on relevant and reliable sources, considering potential linkages from different fields
- The ability to understand, organize, and analyze information and to apply novel forms of technology to different professional settings and tasks
- The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches, and personal and professional backgrounds
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports to successfully achieve a project’s intended result
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations and Organizations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- (CAMDO): Supports the development of professional standards and offers resources for art historians and curators aspiring to leadership roles in museums and galleries.
- (ACI): A national organization dedicated to documenting and promoting Canadian art history. It provides resources, publications, and opportunities for art historians, researchers, and educators to contribute to the understanding of Canadian art.
- (CMA): The CMA is a national organization supporting professionals in the museum and gallery sector. It offers networking opportunities, advocacy, and professional development for those working in art curation, exhibition planning, and museum management.
- (OAAG): Supports professionals in exhibition planning, education, and curation. Members gain access to training programs, funding opportunities, and industry-specific research.
- (VAA): Brings together professionals in the visual arts, including artists, educators, curators, and historians. It advocates for the role of visual arts in society and provides resources for career development and networking.
- (AAO): Supports professionals working in archival preservation and research, including those focused on art history collections. It offers training, conferences, and tools for effective archival practices.