Online Masters Degree in Visual Arts

Visual artists are constantly pushing the envelope in search of new art forms. In "The Birth of Baby X," a Brooklyn artist performed a live birth in an art gallery full of people -- which may be more shocking than artistic. Controversy has often been a response to new styles of art, even those that society now admires, such as Impressionist painting.

If you are full of ideas and brimming with talent, master's degrees in visual arts can channel can your creativity in many different directions, whether you choose landscape painting, commercial ventures or art for art's sake.

Exploring master's degrees in visual arts

The courses you take will depend, largely, on your specialty. Fine art departments provide instruction in drawing, painting, photography, print making and sculpting. Graphic design, illustration, interior design and fashion design offer additional choices.

Some programs focus on the use of visual art in careers such as advertising or animation. Specialty art courses delve into medical illustration, forensics sketching or the restoration of damaged art. Degrees in art education target those who want to teach in primary or secondary school; a teacher's license may also be required.

Visual arts career outlook

Craft and fine artists earned a median annual salary of $43,470 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fine artists should see an 8 percent increase in employment between 2010 and 2020. The arts scene is highly competitive but demand is expected for illustrators with digital skills and artists working in Internet publishing. The BLS reports the following projected 2010-2020 growth rates and 2011 median salary estimates for related positions:

1. Art directors: $81,260; 9 percent
2. College or university instructors: $64,310; 17 percent
3. Fashion designers: $64,690; 0 percent
4. Graphic designers: $44,010; 13 percent
5. Interior designers: $47,620; 19 percent
6. Multimedia artists and animators: $60,830; 8 percent

Positions such as art directors require considerable experience as well as a degree. Master's degrees are the minimum requirement to teach visual arts at some colleges and universities, but others require doctorates. Master's degrees in visual arts can be applied toward Ph.D. programs.

Whatever medium you choose for your creative expression, master's degrees in visual arts offer intense periods of study to perfect your art. Online classes make it easier to return to school, allowing you to pursue your degree while maintaining your other obligations.

Visual artists are constantly pushing the envelope in search of new art forms. In "The Birth of Baby X," a Brooklyn artist performed a live birth in an art gallery full of people -- which may be more shocking than artistic. Controversy has often been a response to new styles of art, even those that society now admires, such as Impressionist painting.

If you are full of ideas and brimming with talent, master's degrees in visual arts can channel can your creativity in many different directions, whether you choose landscape painting, commercial ventures or art for art's sake.

Exploring master's degrees in visual arts

The courses you take will depend, largely, on your specialty. Fine art departments provide instruction in drawing, painting, photography, print making and sculpting. Graphic …