Art Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Art Studies graduates vary by role and location. Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $80,190 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $91,072 compared to $44,570 in Kansas. Approximately 1,236,030 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 730 accredited institutions offer Art Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Mesa Community College (MCC) (897 graduates), Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) (643 graduates), and Glendale Community College (GCC) (630 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 19,010 in 2010 to a peak of 19,786 in 2020, before declining slightly to 18,711 in 2023-24. This represents a 2% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators. Related occupations employ approximately 1,236,030 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.