Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs: Certificates, Majors & Important Info You Need to Know
Explore the benefits of a Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Program! Gain the knowledge and skills to excel in history, philosophy, language, and more.
- By: The College Compass Team
Liberal arts and humanities degree programs are fundamental components of higher education that have stood the test of time. While these programs have seen a decrease in popularity among students in recent years, that is only due to a need for more understanding about their vital importance to the modern job market.
Liberal arts and humanities degree programs are just as important today as ever. They are rapidly being modernized to better align with today’s job market needs.
This article is packed with essential information on Liberal Arts and Humanities Programs, including majors, courses, acquired skills, and more- enabling you to make a knowledgeable choice that will shape your future career!
What are Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs?
Liberal arts and humanities degree programs are a broad category of academic disciplines that focus on the study of human culture and society.
With this broad range of subject matters covered, it is ideal for individuals who want to gain an understanding of various topics and have a global outlook on their studies.Â
The domain of Liberal Arts offers a plethora of popular disciplines for you to explore. Here are some noteworthy examples:
- HistoryÂ
- Biology
- PsychologyÂ
- Human Services
- Anthropology
On the other hand, humanities is an integral component of the liberal arts, focusing on investigating and examining human experiences. These topics can include:
- ArtÂ
- LiteratureÂ
- TheologyÂ
- Journalism
In addition, liberal arts and humanities degree programs provide an excellent platform for those who wish to pursue further higher education or a professional career.
It also allows specialization in one particular area, such as English Literature or Philosophy, to gain an even deeper understanding of the topic.
Skills You'll Learn from Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree
As with many programs, Liberal Arts and Humanities can provide you with many skills essential for success in today’s competitive workplace.
But what specific skills will you actually learn while working towards your degree in humanities?
Critical thinking and problem-solving: Liberal arts and humanities degrees require thinking critically about different issues, topics, and problems. Thinking critically allows you to look at data objectively, analyze it, and develop solutions that are well-thought-out and informed by your research.
Creativity: By studying liberal arts and humanities, you will learn how to come up with creative solutions to difficult situations or tasks. You’ll understand the importance of being open-minded and curious to think outside the box when needed. This ability is valuable because it allows you to approach everyday tasks in an innovative way that can result in great rewards for your team or company.
Communication: Liberal arts and humanities courses emphasize communication as well – both written and verbal. You’ll learn how to effectively draft professional documents such as reports and emails and present information clearly in meetings or other speaking engagements. These skills will make you more marketable when it comes time to search for a job or internship.
Research: Through research-based courses, you will gain an understanding of different research methods and be able to develop your research projects.
International relations: You will gain an understanding of global politics and diplomacy, allowing you to pursue further study or work abroad.
Collaboration and Teamwork Skills: Liberal arts schools emphasize collaboration among their students, which helps you build relationships with peers while also honing their teamwork skills. Working with students allows you to recognize different perspectives while strengthening your ability to work in group settings.
What types of Certificates, Degrees & Majors can you find in Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Liberal Arts and Humanities degree programs encompass a wide range of academic disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, languages, classics, cultural studies, and many more.
From the earliest civilizations to contemporary issues, Liberal Arts and Humanities majors cover a wide range of subjects and allow students to delve deep into their interests. They offer you the opportunity to explore the human experience, both past and present, and to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Here are some of the top majors in Liberal Arts and Humanities:
English
English is one of the most popular majors within liberal arts and humanities programs. Students who pursue this major will hone their writing, grammar, and comprehension skills and gain a deep understanding of literature from around the world.
Majors and degrees in English help students develop critical thinking, articulate ideas, and effectively communicate.
History
The history major encompasses various aspects of human civilization throughout the ages. It examines how different cultures have interacted with each other over time and how individuals have impacted our collective history.
Students learn about political, economic, social, and cultural developments in various regions worldwide. This major can provide an excellent foundation for any research or policymaking career.
Philosophy
A philosophy major focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills by exploring questions related to morality, knowledge, religion, politics, and more. Students analyze texts from ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle and modern thinkers like Sartre and Nietzsche.
This major also introduces research methods used by professional philosophers, such as argumentation analysis and logical reasoning.
Anthropology
Anthropology offers a vast and vibrant exploration of the human experience, from prehistoric times to modern culture.Â
An anthropology major is a fascinating journey into archaeology and linguistics, which can open up doors in diverse career paths such as archeologist, anthropologist, and museum curator; while also providing excellent foundations for entering occupations like social work or teaching!
Communications
Communications is a major that can provide students with unique opportunities to develop their creativity and communication skills. Students who pursue this major will be exposed to various subjects, such as public speaking, digital media, theater, and film production.
This degree will help you open your minds to new perspectives while developing collaboration, creativity, performance, and organization skills.
Political Science
Political Science majors study politics from a theoretical perspective. Students will explore topics such as public policy, international relations, political behavior, comparative politics, constitutional law, and public administration.
Political Science majors often find themselves working in government organizations after graduation due to the nature of their studies.
Journalism
Journalism majors learn about reporting news stories accurately while learning the basics of language usage and composition.
They also gain an understanding of mass media platforms such as television broadcasts and newspaper printouts while sharpening their writing skills to write captivating stories that keep readers engaged.
Journalism graduates often work for newspapers or news outlets after graduating from college.
Psychology
As a Psychology major, you will become an expert in the fundamentals and application of psychological concepts to real-world situations.
You’ll learn about research methods, theories, and historical trends that shape modern psychology, as well as how they can be applied to human behavior, learning, and development.
This degree provides excellent preparation for entering various fields, from counseling to education – allowing you to put your knowledge into practice with respect for culture and diversity.
Human Services
A Human Services major brings together a variety of disciplines, including health services, psychology, sociology, law, and criminal justice, to equip you with the skills needed to face the contemporary challenges in human services.
Its curriculum is created to empower you with the necessary tools and competencies so that you can effectively assess, mediate, and evaluate vulnerable people in our society.
By combining practical applications with theoretical instruction, the curriculum will help you gain insight into how public policies shape modern human service agencies and enhance your capacity to intervene on behalf of those requiring assistance.
What does the course curriculum look like in Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs?
Liberal Arts and Humanities programs offer students a well-rounded education focusing on humanities, social sciences, and the arts. So, if you are considering a major or minor in liberal arts and humanities, you may be curious about what courses you will complete.
The curriculum for the field is incredibly broad and diverse, offering you the chance to explore various topics and contexts.
Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from your course curriculum if you choose to pursue a degree in liberal arts and humanities.
Modern English Grammar
In this course, you will have the opportunity to bolster your grammar proficiency and become well-versed in English while becoming more efficient speakers and better writers.
Ancient Civilizations
In this course, you will explore the history of ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. You will learn about their cultures, beliefs, and legacies that have shaped our world today.
Introduction to Philosophy
This course dives into the fundamentals of philosophy and its pivotal role in our society. You will cover a wide range of topics, from Greek and Chinese philosophies to skepticism, ethics, idealism, rationalism, and truth.
By the end of this course, you’ll have acquired sufficient knowledge to take on more advanced studies in philosophy!
Anthropological theory and methods
This course dives into nineteenth-century and modern approaches to anthropology, such as evolutionism, functionalism, structuralism, cultural ecology, Marxism, and postmodernism, which have shaped this field’s general historical framework. Furthermore, feminist thought has had a strong influence that continues today.Â
Introduction to Communication
This course provides an overview of theories and research within the field of communication, exploring a range of methods used to address fundamental issues in contemporary human discourse.
Focusing on relational, group, political, cultural, and international communication processes and dynamics, this class serves as a comprehensive gateway into the realm of scholarly knowledge related to communication studies.
Introduction to Public Policy
Investigating a variety of matters, such as civil liberties, school segregation, welfare, and social policy initiatives, education and urban housing projects, energy efficiency, and conservation efforts – characteristics of each system are evaluated to understand which elements will influence the construction or implementation of public policies.
Introduction to Journalism
This course dives into the nuts and bolts of modern-day journalism, equipping students with everything they need to report and write stories. You will explore the roots of journalism and evaluate its role in today’s democratic societies.
Additionally, this class provides insight into how news is crafted and distributed, as well as delves deeper into journalistic ethics while taking a closer look at significant legal decisions that shape US-based reporting.
Sociology
A comprehensive comprehension of the dynamics of human societies and collective behavior is invaluable for any job setting or professional career.
In this introductory course to sociology, you’ll gain a better perception of society and social life by exploring language, culture, race and ethnicity, gender differences, inequality in education access, deviance from societal norms as well as sociological theories & methods.
Introduction to Psychology
In this comprehensive course, you will explore the expansive field of psychology and its many applications in daily life.
From what motivates us to taking ethical decisions to understanding memory, learning, intelligence, and personality – all these topics are included with a special focus on honing your critical thinking skills as well as providing real-world evidence through relevant research studies.
With this course you’ll gain invaluable insight into human behavior that can be used practically throughout life!
Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs: Career Outlook, Salary Potential & Positions
Liberal arts and humanities programs provide students with a promising foundation for many different careers.
Salary potential for liberal arts and humanities graduates varies depending on the specific field and the level of experience. Entry-level positions in fields like journalism or social work may have lower salaries. In comparison, more senior roles in areas like public relations or non-profit management may offer higher salaries.
The median salary in Liberal Arts & Humanities occupations is around $50,000 annually, potentially reaching up to $90,000 or more in certain positions.
Top Jobs you can get with a Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree:
Teacher
Working as a teacher requires excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate students. You will create lesson plans, teach classes, and grade assignments.
Average Salary
$61,820 per year
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Museum Curator
Curators, who may also serve as museum directors, are responsible for procuring and displaying collections.
They oversee the negotiation and approval process for purchasing or exchanging items within a collection with ease. Additionally, they conduct research to authenticate, assess and classify the objects in their care.
Average Salary
$50,120 per year
Degree Level
Master's
Historian
As a historian, you will be expected to undertake detailed research and analysis work for governments, businesses, non-profits, historical associations, and other organizations.
Your job duties may include delving into the past to uncover events of significance while producing papers and books on your findings or teaching related courses.
Average Salary
$63,940 per year
Degree Level
Master's
Social Worker
Social workers support people in difficult situations, from adopting a child or receiving a terminal illness diagnosis to preventing and treating substance abuse.
Additionally, some social work professionals actively aid community organizations and policymakers by constructing better social programs, services, and conditions, known as macro social work.
Average Salary
$50,390 per year
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Editor
Editors are essential for successfully publishing and producing books, newspapers, websites, and magazines.
They select compelling stories to captivate their readership while making suggestions to improve the content throughout the review period.
Average Salary
$63,350 per year
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers have a range of responsibilities, being employed by many types of organizations.
These may be centered around specific demographics such as children or veterans or those with needs including substance abuse, mental health issues, and chronic hunger.
Whatever the case, these professionals ensure that people in need receive assistance from the correct sources to help improve their lives.
Average Salary
$74,000 per year
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Social and Human Service Assistants
Social and human service assistants are crucial to many different industries, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
They not only assist other workers in providing support to families and clients but also help them access available benefits or services provided by the community.
hese professionals contribute immensely in allowing individuals to reach their potential by aiding them with housing assistance and more.
Average Salary
$37,610 per year
Degree Level
High School Diploma
Public Relations Specialist
As representatives of their clients, public relations specialists do the critical work of constructing and upholding a positive image within the public eye.
PR experts can heavily influence how people view those they represent through media releases, social media campaigns, and other initiatives designed to foster awareness of their client’s endeavors and objectives.
Average Salary
$62,800 per year
Degree Level
Bachelor's
*Please be advised that the average salary provided by the BLS may deviate significantly from state to state and occupation to occupation, depending on various factors.
Popular colleges with Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs
To help you find the best fit for your individual academic goals and interests, we’ve compiled a list of the top colleges and universities with Liberal Arts and Humanities Programs.
These institutions provide strong academic programs, career-ready training, and various opportunities to engage in research and internships.
Harvard University
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, Harvard offers unequaled opportunities for research and career development. Students benefit from access to a wide range of resources, including renowned professors, a diverse student body, innovative laboratories, and libraries with extensive collections.
Yale University
Yale is considered one of the top universities in the US, and its liberal arts program is no exception. The university is home to a wide range of humanities courses and numerous student organizations dedicated to exploring cultural and social topics.
Princeton University
Princeton’s reputation for producing some of the nation’s top scholars is reflected in its liberal arts program. The university offers a vibrant and challenging academic environment, with particular strengths in philosophy, art history, and literature.
Stanford University
Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the humanities while surrounded by cutting-edge technology. The school’s Department of Linguistics is especially renowned, and students receive access to numerous regional internships.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago has long been known for producing some of the world’s most influential humanities and social sciences scholars. Its Department of Philosophy is especially renowned for its pioneering work in ethics, aesthetics, and epistemology, and numerous student organizations are available for students to get involved in.
University of Pennsylvania
Also located in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania has an illustrious reputation for its liberal arts program. Its faculty is highly respected in the field and offers a wide range of courses for students to explore their academic interests.
What you need to know about Accreditation
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation ensures students obtain a quality education in their desired field of study. Rather than reviewing the institution as a whole, programmatic organizations evaluate individual programs or offerings to guarantee they align with established standards and provide an adequate level of instruction within the specialty area.
*Our website proudly displays a reputable list of colleges and universities, all accredited by either renowned regional associations or highly respected national agencies that have been acknowledged by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
FAQ about Liberal Arts & Humanities Degree Programs
Absolutely! A liberal arts and humanities degree can open up many career opportunities for you and provide you with the skills to succeed in various fields.
Liberal arts and humanities graduates have the potential to find employment in a wide range of industries, including government, education, communications, law, and business. Additionally, many employers value the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills that liberal arts and humanities graduates possess.
Yes! Most liberal arts and humanities departments offer special courses and internships designed to give students hands-on experience in the field.
Additionally, many universities have close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, which opens up additional opportunities for students to gain valuable experience.
Summary
The future looks positive for those choosing to study liberal arts and humanities. Recent research indicates companies are more eager than ever to recruit individuals with exemplary communication and problem-solving capabilities – which you’d develop throughout your time in a liberal arts program.
Ultimately, pursuing a liberal arts degree pays off in the long run. You’ll learn transferable skills and gain an expansive worldview that you can use throughout your professional life. Investing in yourself by studying the liberal arts is rewarding and will open up numerous opportunities for meaningful career growth.
So why wait? Apply for a liberal arts and humanities program today and start on the path to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Editorial Disclaimer
The College Compass is reader-supported and committed to maintaining complete editorial independence. All views expressed are solely ours and are not influenced by any external party. We may include affiliate links in the article, which helps us earn a small commission to support our work. We always have a link to the source for any data or information we include. Learn more about our editorial practices.
Featured Colleges