* Accreditation: Ensure the institution and the specific program are accredited by a recognized body. This ensures the quality of education and increases the chances of your degree being recognized by employers.
* Curriculum: Examine the course structure, the projects involved, and the software or tools used. A strong online art program should provide a comprehensive curriculum and opportunities for practical application.
* Faculty: Look into the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Are they practicing artists? Do they have experience teaching online?
* Student Support: Check the availability of feedback, technical support, and community interaction. A good online program provides adequate support to help students succeed.
* Portfolio Development: A crucial aspect of art education is portfolio building. The program should actively guide you in creating a strong portfolio.
* Career Services: Does the school offer career advice, job placement assistance, or networking opportunities?
While some aspects of art education, such as studio time and in-person critiques, may be challenging to replicate fully online, many programs effectively use technology to overcome these limitations. Many offer virtual critiques, online collaboration tools, and digital studios to replicate the studio experience as much as possible.