Careers in Art History
Alumni from the History of Art program pursue a variety of careers, within and beyond their training in the discipline. Many pursue advanced degrees in the field, going on to achieve M.A. and Ph.D degrees, and work as professors, curators, dealers, conservators, and in other related professions. Others find their art historical training useful in pursuing different kinds of opportunities, including non- profit work, auction house work, development and fund raising, and art education and outreach in both international and local communities.
The Penn Careers Office provides substantial support for students wishing to pursue careers in the art world. The department also offers a number of funded internship opportunities.
We encourage you to make an appointment in the Career Services Office.
Browse for Penn facilitated online subscriptions to assist you with your career search.
Jaffe 20 / ARTH 55 Anniversary celebration (November 1, 2014). Panel discussion with Penn Alumni, faculty, and friends. From left to right: Michael Rosenfeld (C’84), Kimberly “Max” Brown, Ph.D. (GR’04), Matthew Ritchie (practicing artist), Kathy Sachs (CW’69, PAR’95), and Michael J. Lewis (GR’85, GR’89)
Alumni Involvement
- Handshake is a powerful recruiting platform for University of Pennsylvania students, postdocs and alumni
- Stay connected with Penn Alums on QuakerNet
- Contact the College Office at 215.898.6341 for more information about the College Alumni Mentoring Series (CAMS)
Alumni Travel Tours
Art history faculty also often engage Penn’s wider alumni community by leading international Alumni Tours of significant art historical sites and we encourage you to participate.
Contact Us
Every year we feature the achievements of our alumni in our newsletter. Please be in touch with your updates — we’d love to hear from you! Email your updates to our History of Art Coordinator, Libby Saylor at esaylor@sas.upenn.edu.