Learn art with online courses and programs

Choosing the right online art program for you

Consider these factors to ensure an online art program meets your needs:

• Your goals: Are you exploring art as a hobby, or do you want to build skills for a career? By reviewing the program's curriculum, you can ensure it aligns with your aspirations.
• Your skill level: Beginners may opt for introductory classes, while experienced learners may benefit from specialized courses, programs, or advanced degrees.
• Your preferences: Look for programs that match your schedule, preferred learning style, and budget.

edX delivers affordable, flexible online courses and programs that let you learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

Courses

edX facilitates free online art courses that may help you gain new skills or deepen your art knowledge. These courses typically last 4–16 weeks. While free, you can upgrade to earn a certificate. The cost of an edX course certificate varies but ranges between $90–$300.

Executive education programs

Executive education programs are 6–8 week learning experiences for business leaders and mid-level managers who seek to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers by reskilling or upskilling.

These cohort-based programs are an alternative to traditional graduate degrees. edX Executive Education programs focus on strategic learning with real-world case studies. They also offer networking opportunities with international peers. Program fees typically range from $2,500–$3,500. Art professionals, for example, may benefit from web design or graphic design executive education programs.

Degrees

For those pursuing careers that require a degree, an online bachelor of arts (BA) or an online master of arts (MA) may provide comprehensive training to build expertise and advance professionally.

BA programs provide broad, foundational knowledge of the arts, while an MA offers more specialized subject-matter expertise in specialized areas or topics. Costs and completion times vary by school and program.

Discover jobs in the art industry

A common misconception is that lucrative career paths for art graduates are scarce. Learning art may prepare you for rewarding and profitable professions that blend art fundamentals, creative problem-solving, and in-demand skills. Here are some examples of careers that require art education:

Art directors

Art directors oversee projects' visual style and aesthetics for film sets, marketing campaigns, and publications. They collaborate with other design professionals and help bring an artistic vision to life.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree in art or design subjects
• Bureau Labor of Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2023):$106,500

Graphic designers

Graphic designers use software to create visual elements — such as logos, illustrations, layouts, typefaces, and original imagery — for advertising, marketing, publishing, digital media, and exhibitions. As a graphic designer, you may specialize in branding, web design, product packaging, or interactive design.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree in graphic design or fine arts
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $58,910

Special effects artists and animators

Special effects artists and animators use computer software and coding to create 2D and 3D animated visuals for commercials, movies, music videos, video games, and television. Many specialize in computer-generated images (CGI), digital set extensions, or location decoration for movies, gaming, and advertising.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $99,060

Fashion designers

Fashion designers conceptualize new trends and create original clothing, footwear, and accessories for brands, manufacturers, or their own businesses. As a fashion designer, you may work in costume design for movies, television, and theater, computer-aided textile and apparel design, sustainable fashion, and fashion forecasting.

• Required education: Bachelor's degree in fine arts, fashion design, or fashion merchandising
• BLS median annual salary (2023): $79,290

Craft and fine artists

Craft and fine artists produce handmade artwork or objects for commission or exhibition, such as paintings, illustrations, jewelry, or home decor. In addition to artistic ability, these artists may be self-employed professionals who require entrepreneurial skills to run their businesses in online or brick-and-mortar marketplaces.

• Required education: A certificate in an art-related specialty or an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in fine arts
• BLS median annual salary (2023):$52,910

Learn art online with edX

Master foundational techniques, gain experience with digital design technologies, and understand the cultural history that shapes artistic expression with online art education. Sign up for a free online art class on edX.