Humanities degree overview

A humanities degree focuses on studying human culture, ideas, and creativity. It covers subjects like literature, history, philosophy, languages, and the arts. Students in a humanities program explore how people throughout history have expressed themselves, made sense of the world, and shaped societies through writing, art, and ideas. The aim is to understand how human culture has developed and how it continues to evolve.

The courses in a humanities degree often involve studying different subjects, allowing students to explore a range of topics. These might include ancient history, modern literature, philosophy, and world languages. This broad focus helps students develop critical thinking skills, analyze complex ideas, and appreciate the richness of different cultures. Humanities students spend a lot of time reading, writing, and discussing ideas, which helps them improve their communication skills.

Here are common program options for a humanities degree:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities: This undergraduate program offers a broad exploration of human culture, thought, and creativity. Students study subjects like literature, history, philosophy, and languages, with the flexibility to tailor their coursework to areas of personal interest. Many programs allow students to specialize in a specific field within the humanities, such as classical studies or modern languages.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Comparative Literature: This program focuses on studying literature from different cultures and time periods. Students compare works across languages, genres, and regions, gaining a deeper understanding of global literary traditions. The program often includes courses in world literature, literary theory, and translation studies.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Philosophy: This degree centers on exploring fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reason. Students engage with the ideas of great philosophers and learn to analyze complex problems, developing skills in critical thinking and argumentation.
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Humanities: This graduate program offers advanced study in humanities subjects, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas like cultural studies, art history, or philosophy. It typically involves a combination of coursework and research, culminating in a thesis or final project.
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in History: This program focuses on the study of historical events, movements, and figures. Students may specialize in areas such as world history, regional history, or thematic topics like social or economic history. Research and analysis of primary sources are key components of this degree.
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Philosophy: This graduate program provides advanced training in philosophical theory and practice. Students typically engage in deep analysis of ethical issues, logic, metaphysics, and political philosophy, preparing them for careers in academia, law, or public policy.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Humanities: This terminal degree is designed for those interested in academic research and teaching at the university level. Students typically focus on a specific area of the humanities, conducting original research and contributing new knowledge to the field.

A humanities degree equips students with a diverse set of skills that are valuable in many different careers. These include:

• Critical Thinking: Humanities students learn to analyze complex ideas, texts, and cultural artifacts. They develop the ability to evaluate different perspectives, question assumptions, and think deeply about problems.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication is a core focus in humanities programs. Students practice writing clearly and persuasively, as well as articulating ideas effectively in discussions and presentations.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Students gain experience in conducting research, interpreting data, and analyzing sources. This involves gathering information from various materials, such as books, articles, and historical documents, and drawing well-reasoned conclusions.

A humanities degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Here are some careers you can pursue with a humanities degree:

• Writer: Humanities graduates can become professional writers, creating content for books, magazines, websites, or companies. This includes careers in creative writing, technical writing, and content development.
• Editor: With strong language and writing skills, humanities graduates often work as editors, refining and improving the written work of others for publishing companies, media outlets, or corporate communications.
• Teacher: Many humanities graduates go into education, teaching subjects like literature, history, or philosophy at the middle school, high school, or even college level. Additional teaching certification may be required for some roles.
• Public Relations Specialist: Humanities graduates excel in roles that require strong communication skills, such as public relations. PR specialists manage an organization’s public image and handle media relations, press releases, and communication strategies.
• Museum Conservator: A humanities degree provides a strong foundation in understanding historical and cultural contexts, which is vital for preserving and interpreting artifacts accurately.
• Journalist: Humanities graduates can work in journalism, writing news stories, articles, and features for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. Strong research and storytelling skills are essential for this role.
• Librarian: With their research and organizational skills, humanities graduates can pursue careers as librarians, managing collections of books, resources, and information in public, academic, or special libraries. A Master’s Degree in Library Science may be required.
• Marketing Specialist: With their ability to craft compelling narratives and understand human behavior, humanities graduates can work in marketing, developing campaigns, creating content, and analyzing market trends.