Careers

The integrated, interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts degree from the University of Richmond aims to develop many skills that employers in anyindustry are looking for today: good communication skills, thoughtful and creative problem-solving, and media literacy. Among our alumni are museum and gallery professionals, artists, architects,city planners, educators, community organizers, graphic, product and fashion designers, media developers, creative business owners and, in general, challenging and original thinkers. We believe it is important to study and do what you love as you are much more likely to discover and develop your unique set of skills, interests and values that will lead toward a rewarding profession and a well-lived life.

UR Alumni in the Arts

Meet inspiring alums in the arts

Richmond alumni who studied visual and performing arts have found success in a variety of career paths. For some, the steps were linear: An internship with a museum led to a curator role, or working alongside an artist helped hone their craft. For others, they explored different intersections until they found their way in insurance, fundraising, or arts administration.

Here, four alumni share their journeys in the arts.

Laura Doyle, Vice president of art, jewelry, and valuable collections manager, Chubb

Chris Oliver, Bev Perdue Jennings Associate Curator of American Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Mimi King, Artist and teacher

Read the full story.

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  • Skills You Will Gain as a Art History Major
    • Strong analytical skills of visual objects and texts
    • Understanding multiple approaches to problems
    • Ability to critically examine various historical and theoretical perspectives
    • Ability to make an argument utilizing visual and historical evidence
    • Strong research and writing skills
    • Ability to articulate verbally ideas about art and culture
  • Skills of Visual & Media Arts Practice Majors
    • Critical, analytical, and independent thinking
    • Creative problem-solving skills
    • Project planning and development
    • Effective communication through speech, writing and imaging
    • Integrated use of contemporary video, imaging and data processing tools
    • Ability to read, analyze and present visual information
    • Theoretical approaches to interpreting visual information
    • Visual and media literacy
    • Lifelong learning and experimental attitude
  • Where Have Our Graduates Gone on to Graduate Study?
    • American University
    • Harvard Graduate School of Design
    • Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University
    • Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
    • Pacific Northwest College of Art
    • Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
    • School of Visual Arts, Pennsylvania State University
    • Pratt Institute of the Arts
    • Rhode Island School of Art and Design
    • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
    • University of California, Davis
    • University of Massachusetts, Amherst
    • University of Nebraska
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • School of the Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University
    • School of Architecture and Design, Virginia Tech
  • Firms, Institutions Employing Visual & Media Arts Practice and Art History Majors
    • Christie’s Auction Group
    • Hearst Design Group
    • George Washington University
    • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
    • Metropolitan Museum of Art
    • Museum of Modern Art
    • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
    • Sotheby’s Auction Group
    • Virginia Historical Society
    • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
    • Whitney Museum of American Art
    • Zach Feuer Gallery, New York