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Online Fine Art & Craft Degrees and Careers


Fine artists and craftspeople create original artwork using a wide range of media and incorporating several different techniques. Is there a difference between a fine artist and a craftsperson? Think Picasso versus Martha Stewart. However, most artists would say the distinction is really more about attitude than aptitude.

Fine artists are painters, sculptors and illustrators. Their artwork is usually displayed in museums and art galleries, purchased for inclusion in corporate collections or owned by individual collectors. While craftspeople may also display their artwork in museums and galleries, they usually sell their designs through their own studios, in retail stores or online, or at fine arts and craft shows.

Education and Career Opportunities in Fine Arts and Craft

Most colleges and universities offer a bachelor's or master's degree program in fine arts. Additionally, there are private art and design schools throughout the country that focus solely on a providing a fine arts education. Courses usually cover core liberal arts curricula, as well as art history and a range of studio art subjects. According to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, in 2009, there were approximately 300 postsecondary institutions with accredited fine arts and craft degree programs.

Median salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for arts and crafts careers in 2009 were:

  • Art directors--$78,580
  • Multimedia artists and animators--$58,250
  • Fine artists, including painters, sculptors and illustrators--$44,160
  • Craft artists--$28,960
  • Artists and related workers--$53,110

Overall, job prospects and salaries for those with degrees in fine arts and crafts should be promising, according to 2008-2018 projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.



Penn Foster Schools
Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.

Programs Offered:-
  • Artist
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them.

The first step is to explore these areas of study, and think about where you fit in an industry that runs on ideas.



Programs Offered:-
  • Studio Photography (C)
  • Portrait Photography (C)
  • Digital Workflow (C)
  • Diploma of Digital Design (C)
  • Photography (AA)
Ashworth College
Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs Offered:-
  • Intro to Photography
  • Professional Photography
Stratford Career Institute
Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs Offered:-
  • Photography
  • Video Game Design
DeVry University

DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.



Programs Offered:-
  • Bachelor's - Multimedia Design and Development
Full Sail University - Online
Learning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy. We have developed our own online learning environment with the aim of being the most people-focused education experience on the web.

Programs Offered:-
  • Game Design, Bachelor of Science (Online)
  • Game Art, Bachelor of Science (Online)
  • Computer Animation, Bachelor of Science (Online)
  • Media Design, Master of Fine Arts (Online)
  • Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science (Online)
Westwood College
Westwood College is dedicated to preparing students with the knowledge, skills and training needed for meaningful employment. Through education, we create opportunities, change lives and impact futures.

Programs Offered:-
  • Graphic Design (A)
International Academy of Design & Technology Online
Turn your talent for design or technology into a viable career at the Academy online. You'll learn from experienced industry pros and gain valuable real-world knowledge. You'll complete your coursework 100% online, at the times and places that fit your schedule. And you'll get the skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Programs Offered:-
  • Associate of Science in Graphic Design
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Independence University
You can advance your career 24/7 with online education at Independence University, your proven partner with over 30 years of experience in delivering quality distance education right to our students. Our programs are designed to allow you to continue working and earning as you pursue your online degree.

Programs Offered:-
  • Graphic Arts (BS)
  • Graphic Arts (AAS)
Laurus College
Get started on your career with Laurus College. We offer programs for careers in the computer and information technology, web design, business, and medical billing fields.

Programs Offered:-
  • 3D Animation Certificate Program