Undergraduate Admissions

Phone: 313-593-5300
Apply

Study Human History Through Art

students in art classFrom painting and sculpture to photography, film, performance, and architecture, the arts provide a visual record of the evolution of human societies over history. Students in the art history and museum studies program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn choose from a wide variety of courses in world art that include broad surveys and advanced studies of specific cultures, periods, media, and topics. Research assignments often take them to area arts institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, the Cranbrook Art Museum, and the Toledo Museum of Art.

While the major focuses on art, it teaches students a range of skills that are directly transferable to a wide variety of careers. Visit the Art History and Museum Studies Major Map to learn more about opportunities in the program.

Where an Art History and Museum Studies Degree Will Take You

Our program not only focuses on enriching your understanding of art, but also prepares you for the real world. It teaches you how to perform multidisciplinary research, synthesize information, conduct deep analysis, and communicate with diverse audiences. These critical thinking skills are crucial to today’s workforce, and prepare you for careers in areas such as museum work, marketing, and information and library science, among others. Many of our students also choose to further their studies and research in graduate programs.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2023. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$57,120 Median Salary

Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers

Overall employment of archivists, curators, and museum workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 4,700 openings for archivists, curators, and museum workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$64,370 Median Salary

Librarians and Library Media Specialists (master’s usually required)

Employment of librarians and library media specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,300 openings for librarians and library media specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$106,500 Median Salary

Art Directors

Employment of art directors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 11,700 openings for art directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$156,580 Median Salary

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 36,600 openings for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,910 Median Salary

Graphic Designers

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 21,100 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

View Application Deadlines

Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

Complete the Net Price Tuition Calculator

Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

I don't see [Art History] as limiting...there's so much you can do with it!

NICHOLAS POBUTSKY, ART HISTORY

How to Get Involved

Applied Arts Lab work

There are numerous ways to get involved outside the classroom. You can join the Art Club, become a supplemental instructor in art history to tutor and mentor other students, volunteer at local cultural institutions, check out any of the more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus, and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

Request Information Apply Plan a Visit