Why study humanities? Exploring the benefits and career options

Key takeaways about humanities majors

• Humanities majors explore human culture, thought, and expression.
• You’ll gain critical thinking, writing, and research skills.
• Common courses include history, philosophy, languages, and literature.
• Career options range from law to marketing to public policy.
• It’s a flexible degree that pairs well with many minors and double majors.

What is humanities?

Humanities is the study of how people process and document the human experience. That includes everything from ancient history and literature to philosophy, religion, language, and the arts. It’s about understanding culture, society, and what it means to be human.

What is a humanities major?

A humanities major gives you a broad foundation in subjects that explore ideas, history, culture, and communication. It's less about solving equations and more about asking the big questions—like what drives societies, how beliefs form, and how humans express meaning through language and art.

What skills will I build as a humanities major?

Here’s the deal—studying humanities makes you a great thinker and communicator. You’ll build skills like:

• Critical reading and analysis
• Writing and storytelling
• Public speaking
• Intercultural understanding
• Research and synthesis

Common humanities courses and concentrations

What you study can vary, but common courses include:

• Philosophy and ethics
• World literature
• Art history
• Comparative religion
• Cultural studies
• Languages and linguistics

You might concentrate in areas like classics, women's studies, medieval studies, or digital humanities.

Types of humanities degrees

You can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA), but some schools offer Bachelor of Humanities or even interdisciplinary degrees. There are also minors and graduate programs in many humanities disciplines.

Common double majors and minors

Humanities pairs well with tons of other programs. Popular combos include:

• Political science or international relations
• Business or marketing
• Psychology or sociology
• Education or social work
• STEM fields for a broader perspective

How do I know if humanities is for me?

If any of these sound like you, you're probably in the right spot:

• You love reading, writing, and discussing big ideas
• You ask deep questions about people, society, or culture
• You want flexibility and creativity in your career path
• You’re not 100% sure what you want to do—and that’s okay!

Top career paths for humanities majors

A lot of people ask, “What can you do with a humanities degree?” Here are just a few options:

• Law or public policy
• Marketing, communications, or PR
• Education and teaching
• Nonprofit or international development
• Media, journalism, or publishing

How much can I earn with a humanities degree?

It depends on your path. Many humanities grads start with entry-level roles but build into higher-earning careers in law, tech, media, and management. Communication and leadership skills pay off over time.

Notable schools for humanities majors

Here are a few schools known for strong humanities programs:

• Harvard University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Columbia University
• Amherst College
• University of Chicago
• Stanford University

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Humanities isn't just about studying the past—it's about shaping your future. If you're ready to explore a flexible, thought-provoking path, this might be the perfect major for you.