What Can I Do With a Degree in Humanities?
What do late-night talk-show host Conan O’Brien, novelist Toni Morrison, and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner have in common? They all earned their undergraduate degree in humanities.
The study of human constructs through a critical lens, humanities encompasses history, teaching, writing, and English. Students studying humanities master the ability to effectively write, conduct research, analyze information and learn how to think critically and access their creativity.
The Humanities and Teacher Education Division at Seaver College allows students to specialize in one area of the humanities while
incorporating the interrelationship of all areas of human thought into their curriculum.
Explore potential career paths below to see what majoring in humanities can lead to.
Advertiser
Advertisers develop, create, and execute marketing campaigns designed to promote a particular product, service, or individual. To ensure the campaign will be successful, they conduct market research, select a target audience, align promotional copy with the brand voice, and monitor the performance of the campaign.
Being able to analyze and understand human behavior and constructs is essential to
being a successful advertiser. Students with a background in humanities can apply
the insight and knowledge they gained to a successful career in advertising.
Educator
Beyond helping to shape the next generation of students, teachers plan engaging lessons that are designed to motivate, instruct, and inspire their class. From preschool to graduate school, educators wear many hats and at times serve as mentors, counselors, and support systems.
The liberal studies for education major at Seaver College, one of the five majors within the humanities division, offers
students a well-rounded knowledge base by drawing from all major academic divisions.
Liberal studies for education majors are prepared academically, socially, and culturally
for a postundergraduate career.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs develop, create, produce, and market their unique products, ideas, or services. The pathways to an entrepreneurial career are almost countless, and though not exhaustive, options include social, business, and lifestyle entrepreneurs.
In studying humanities, students read, write, and critique literary works and learn
about the many interrelated facets of human development that have shaped human history,
such as advancements in science and technology, shifts in business activities and
political systems, and social mores. The understanding gained furthers students’ ability
to think critically and analytically, two skills that are indispensable in the career
of an entrepreneur.
Lawyer
Lawyers, regardless of their specialty, advocate on behalf of their clients both in and outside of the courtroom. Applying case law to their specific clients’ needs, they rely on the research they’ve conducted to offer legal advice and negotiate the best possible outcome for their clients. Broadly, lawyers work in the areas of litigation or business, with many subcategories within both fields, such as civil and criminal law in the former, and mergers and acquisitions, securities, and tax law, in the latter.
After earning an undergraduate degree, students interested in becoming a lawyer must
then attend law school and pass the state bar. While multiple undergraduate degrees
can help you on your path to becoming a lawyer, English and history offer traditional preparation for law school.
Physician
After earning an undergraduate degree, students who are interested in pursuing a career as a doctor must then complete four years of medical school and residency training in the specialty they chose. Medical students can choose to specialize in numerous fields, and have the opportunity to practice in a number of areas while a student before selecting a career.
While multiple undergraduate studies can lead to a successful career as a physician,
a degree in the study of humanities might best prepare students to begin medical school.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, students who earned their
degree in humanities had a higher rate of matriculation in medical school than students
who earned their degree in biology for the 2021—2022 academic year.
Writer
Writers help set the scene and allow readers to be transported to a different world. Whether it be a book, television show, film, article, or news report, the written word offers readers insight into the unknown.
The ability to write purposefully and with expertise takes practice. In studying humanities, students are given the space to hone their writing skills while receiving extensive guidance on strengthening them so that they’re prepared for a successful career upon graduation.
The career path of students who have earned their degree in humanities is as diverse as the students themselves. While the list above is not comprehensive, it represents an array of the choices available. Explore the career pages throughout the Humanities and Teacher Education Division for additional career options and to see where current Seaver College alumni work.