Can you get an art degree online?

Distance-friendly art majors can be completed online, while hands-on majors require in-person courses. Distance-friendly art majors might utilize digital tools, software, and online storage, such as digital media, photography, and art history. Hands-on or performance-based majors, including dance, painting, and ceramics, cannot be completed online due to requirements for physical materials, specialized equipment, or live performances.

What is the best degree for art?

The best degree for art is the one that will help you pursue a career in the specific field of art you're interested in. You should choose a major or degree that aligns with your skills and can open new career paths or higher-earning roles. A degree may not be suitable for an art career if it is expensive and you wish to pursue a field with lower-paying careers.

How do I get into online art school?

While admission requirements can vary, most online art schools require you to submit an online application, a portfolio, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

What can you do with an art degree?

Artists play a critical role in many industries. Designers, illustrators, and graphic designers often work in advertising, manufacturing, publishing, and entertainment. Art education majors may work as teachers in art departments. Art history students, meanwhile, may be interested in becoming museum curators. Although many art-related careers don't require a degree, a college education can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Are art jobs in demand?

Yes, many art and design careers are in demand. Currently, the fastest-growing creative field is web and digital interface design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a job growth rate of 8% for web design professionals, with around 10,200 new jobs added between 2023 and 2033. For most other creative careers, the BLS projects job growth rates between 2% and 5% through 2033.

Explore The Top Online Art Schools Of 2026

Want to hone your creative skills? Interested in art and design careers? Then online art school might be the right path for you. Many art and design jobs require a bachelor's degree — and online art schools offer a flexible path to an art degree.

Which art courses can you take online? Is online art school worth it? Our resources, including a ranking of the best online art schools, can help you learn more so you can make an informed decision.

Top 3 Online Art Schools

Why Accreditation Matters for Art School

When you're earning a degree, accreditation matters. Accreditation indicates that a school or program meets certain standards of educational quality.

What's more, only accredited colleges can distribute federal financial aid. And, many employers only hire graduates from accredited institutions.

Some art programs will be programmatically accredited. Here are some of the major art and design accreditors to look for:

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

How Does Online Art School Work?

Online art schools emphasize visual design, digital media, and creative studies. Students who enroll in art programs online complete graduation requirements in a virtual classroom. You'll collaborate on projects and critique work in online classes. Online art schools often require a final project, such as a portfolio, thesis, performance, or exhibition, in order to graduate.

You can earn an online art degree in many fields, including animation, art history, game design, graphic design, interior design, and photography.

Due to the field's hands-on nature, many online art programs incorporate some on-campus components, such as summer studio intensives.

Fully online programs in the performing arts — such as music, dance, and theater — are uncommon, though you may be able to complete some coursework online. Similarly, reputable programs in fashion design typically require in-person training in pattern making and drafting.

Is Online Art School Worth It?

$24,990
Average annual tuition for online bachelor's degree in art (2020)

$47,460
Average starting salary for visual and performing arts majors (2023)

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Whether online art school is worth it or not depends on your interests, circumstances, and goals. For some, an art degree can open doors and help create a valuable career network. For others, however, a different major or delivery format may be a better fit.

Consider online college if…

You need a flexible schedule due to work or other commitments.
Your chosen art school fits your budget and offers degrees in your creative field.
Earning an art degree would lead to new job opportunities or a higher salary.
You have a clear plan for your career path, which requires a degree.

Avoid online art school if…

You're interested in an art field that requires robust in-person training.
Art school would require you to take on debt, and you plan to pursue a lower-paying role.
You can gain experience in your field and qualify for roles without a degree.
You're unsure whether you want a career in the arts or a more interdisciplinary education.