Humanities Degree & Career Guide
What Are the Humanities?
The humanities are a multidisciplinary field that involves the study of human culture and the human experience. Students may earn a bachelor of arts in humanities subjects, including history, religion, philosophy, literature, and cultural studies.
They may also major in art history or languages. Any of these majors require students to think critically and produce their own interpretations.
This guide explores what the humanities are and the careers you can pursue with a humanities degree.
Humanities in the Classroom and Workplace
As a humanities major, students spend a lot of time researching, reading, writing, working through abstract scenarios, and learning to defend their thoughts. This type of education typically appeals to people with creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives and interpretations.
The humanities also teach the soft skills that today’s top employers value. LinkedIn’s list of the top five soft skills requested by employers in 2020 included adaptability, collaboration, creativity, emotional intelligence, and persuasion. These, in addition to critical thinking and communication, are the skills developed as a humanities major.
The following demonstrates three of the many possible career paths for graduates with a humanities degree.
Writers and Authors
Writers and authors create content for various media, including magazines, books, screenplays, blogs, and newspapers. These professionals work in almost every industry, such as business, tech, education, and marketing. Many writers work as freelancers and may pursue roles as copywriters, novelists, speechwriters, and biographers. Writers typically need a bachelor’s degree.
Median Salary:$69,510
Museum Curator
Curators oversee museum displays. They may authenticate artifacts and research the collections. Some curators create educational programs and conduct tours. Additional duties include acquiring and recording items, planning budgets, and negotiating loan terms. These professionals typically need a master’s degree.
Median Salary:$60,110
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research problems and recommend solutions. They may write policies and programs based on research and evaluate their effectiveness when instituted. These professionals often work for government agencies and private organizations like think tanks. Some positions require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Median Salary:$60,880
Frequently Asked Questions About Humanities
For students who enjoy exploring the human experience through its history, culture, and belief systems, a humanities major may offer an education that propels them into a rewarding career. A study commissioned by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences Humanities Indicators found that almost 85% of graduates with a bachelor’s degree in the humanities reported job satisfaction in 2019.
Students may major in humanities or one of its disciplines, including English, philosophy, history, or foreign languages. Choosing a humanities degree that reflects their interests can help qualify students for positions well-suited to their career goals. Learn more about the best online liberal arts programs.
All Things Humanities
Most Affordable Online Humanities Degree Programs
Updated December 7, 2022
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