A degree in arts and humanities

Obtaining a degree in arts and humanities offers students flexibility in their studies, many opportunities to specialize and wide career choices.

 

 

One of the most broadly based programs in higher education; the field of arts and humanities offers students many skills that prepare them for further education or a direct move into a career. Students find an arts and humanities curriculum attractive because of the flexibility it offers in course choices. Students can explore a wide range of academic programs while postponing a decision on specialization for a job or advanced degree.

 

Diversify or concentrate

Although in some instances a certificate or a Bachelor’s may be sufficient to obtain a desired job, these programs often form the basis for postgraduate work. There are two major strategies to consider: diversify or concentrate. Art students looking to diversify can add business courses (perhaps through a Master’s of Business Administration curriculum) to prepare for running a corporate graphics department. Music students interested in concentrating can take as many courses as are needed to prepare for life as a performer.

 

 

Marketable skills

Whether you plan on obtaining a certificate or continuing on for a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree, education in arts and humanities can ready you for a vast array of careers. Although you won’t necessarily be studying for one particular occupation, you will acquire a wide range of highly marketable skills, including these:

 

• Analytical skills.
• Creative thinking skills.
• Cultural skills.
• Judgmental and decision-making skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Research skills.
• Teamwork skills.
• Time-management skills.

Video: College of Liberal Arts

 

Career opportunities

Among professionals who have graduated with degrees in the arts and humanities are educators, museum curators, managers of nonprofit organizations, writers, editors and many more:

 

• Actors.
• Archeologists.
• Archivists.
• Choreographers.
• Clergy.
• Composers.
• Historians.
• Interpreters and translators.
• Talent directors.

 

Liberal arts and humanities

A liberal arts and humanities education enables students to see the world from diverse perspectives and to analyze information, conduct research and communicate with others effectively. Most students choose to focus on specific fields of interest within liberal arts and humanities. Here are some of them.

 

Art

An art curriculum can teach students how to become artists -- painters, sculptors, potters, photographers -- art historians or art instructors. Students wanting to emphasize art history explore art from around the world and various time periods.

 

 

Design

Degrees in design can include emphasis on graphic design, architecture, interior design, clothing design and other fields of study. Many courses involve use of computer software programs because technology is widely used in almost every area of design.

 

English

Reading is the starting point for nearly all English classes. Students are exposed to differing cultures through prose and poetry. Subjects taught include world literature, composition, creative writing and technical writing.

 

Fashion design

Fashion design programs offer courses including design, drawing, sewing and cutting fabric. Students also take classes that show them how to choose and purchase fabrics and how to keep up to date with trends.

 

General arts

General arts or general studies courses provide an overview of disciplines including arts and humanities, mathematics, behavioral sciences and natural sciences. Students often go on to pursue interests in writing, psychology, history and languages.

 

Graphic/multimedia design

In a typical graphic/multimedia design program, a combination of technical and general education courses prepares graduates for positions as graphic designers, web page designers and multimedia designers.

 

Music

Music courses include composition, arranging and appreciation. Some courses also teach singing and the playing of musical instruments. Music history courses teach students about the origins of different types of music.

 

Religion

Students taking religion courses examine ideas, institutions, symbols and rituals that form the bases of theological systems. Some graduates go on to enroll in a seminary or advanced degree programs in preparation for the ministry; others pursue careers in education.

 

Web design

Courses in web design include training in design and technological skills that are needed in the field of e-commerce. Also, they often include training in project management, marketing and sales.

 

Writing

Writing courses teach students composition, sentence and paragraph structure and grammar. Students analyze the work of other writers and learn how to use language to convey their ideas clearly.

 

Video: Bachelor of Liberal Studies

 

Universities offering relevant courses

The universities listed here, among many others, offer courses in arts and humanities studies:

American InterContinental University Online
Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online
Columbia University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Kaplan University Online
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
New York University
Princeton University
San Jose State University
Stanford University
Yale University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Chicago
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Phoenix Online
University of Texas, Austin
University of Utah
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin