What Can I Do With A Degree in Art?

Are you considering majoring in art, but aren't sure what careers it will prepare you for? This site is designed to explore some of the numerous opportunities open to you. The art major will prepare students for a variety of careers including but not limited to:

For information on these careers and others, please consult the following links:

• Sonoma State University Art Department 
  Want to know more about SSU's Art Department?  Click here!
• Careers in the Field of Visual Art 
  Lists job titles in fields such as Art Education, Art Therapy, Ceramics, etc. 
• Career Alternatives for Art Historians 
  This site explores alternative careers for art historians.  Each occupation has a link to brief information regarding education and skills preferered for the career. 

What skills are used?

Careers in art share similar characteristics where skills are concerned.   Skills include the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to recognize differences in shapes, colors, etc.  For computer aided design you will need a high level of computer skills.

Where are the jobs?

Art careers are found in many different sectors including education (colleges and universities), private business, hospitals and museums. 

How much will I earn?

For salary information, please click on the links below: 

JobSmart Salary Survey 
WAGEWEB 
Occupational Outlook Handbook 

For additional salary information come into the Career Services to utilize the National Association of Colleges and Employers Salary Survey.  It is updated every three months and gives national average starting offers by major and occupation. 

Where can I learn more?

The Career Services is located in Salazar 1070 and has extensive information for art related careers. Resource of interest include: Choices & Eureka (computerized career exploration programs), Career Library (over 500 books on careers), Internship and Job Postings, Community Involvement Program Listings (volunteer for credit and experience) and much, much more.