Arts & Humanities

A degree from a reputable, accredited college within the fields of arts and humanities will build you a strong foundation from which you can launch numerous careers. These programs involve a lot of skills that are highly desirable to employers, including critical thinking, communication skills, and research and analysis skills. These courses typically produce well-rounded graduates who can succeed in a variety of roles.

What’s more, if you’re not quite ready to enter the world of work after graduation, you’ll have a plethora of graduate-level programs to choose from, as the same general concept applies. Arts and humanities degrees share a lot of similarities in terms of curriculum; communications degree programs, for example, can lead to a master’s degree in English, sociology, marketing, and more.

Regardless of your plans after graduation—if you’ve thought that far ahead—a degree in arts and humanities from an accredited institution can set you up for a long and lucrative career, with numerous options for working in creative fields. In this article, we’ll look at some of the many study options you have to choose from, plus the types of careers that these degrees could lead to.

What Degrees Are There in Arts and Humanities?

Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular course of study for students within most disciplines, including the arts and humanities. However, they are not the only option; you could also take an associate’s degree, which typically lasts half the time, meaning it also costs far less in tuition. Or, for graduates of a bachelor’s degree, further study options are available at the master’s and doctoral degree levels. Take a look at the options available below.

Certificates in Arts and Humanities

It’s possible to gain certificates in the arts and humanities without committing to a full degree program, though it’s worth bearing in mind that most full-time, professional roles will require a bachelor’s degree. Still, for entry-level roles in law enforcement, for example, or for those who want to work in an industry like copywriting, a certificate can be useful for boosting certain skills without the commitment and cost of a degree program.

There are also graduate certificate programs, comprising approximately 12 to 15 credits, which can be completed in a year or less. These typically consist of around four courses and focus on specific skills that could help to enhance your employability or advance your career.

Associate’s Degrees in Arts and Humanities

Typically lasting for two years when studied full-time, associate’s degrees may prepare you for entry-level roles in a broad range of fields. Alternatively, many associate’s degree graduates choose to transfer credits and top up their studies to a bachelor’s degree. Many roles in arts and humanities require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum.

These degree programs typically consist of 60 credits and may be offered in an accelerated format, meaning you can complete the program in as little a year, though the academic demands will be greater, so it depends on your schedule. Alternatively, there are many associate’s degrees now offered entirely online, particularly within these fields where there is not normally a practicum or any form of real-world work experience, unlike disciplines such as health care or social work.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts and Humanities

The majority of students pursuing a career in the arts and humanities will choose a bachelor’s degree, as it is the strongest foundation for further study or for entering the workforce. Over the four years of a bachelor’s degree (when you’re studying full-time), you’ll take many of the same courses as your associate’s degree peers, though you’ll have a more comprehensive curriculum that looks at subjects in greater depth. These programs also commonly allow you to specialize in a specific minor, which could improve your employability after graduation.

Within an arts and humanities degree curriculum, you’ll see many of the same courses shared between programs. These general education courses will normally include basic topics like writing, communication, and research, in addition to mathematics, computing, and social sciences.

Master’s Degrees in Arts and Humanities

Rather than looking for work after graduation, some bachelor’s degree graduates go on to further study at the graduate level. Master’s degrees usually last for two years of full-time study and allow you to focus on an area that interests you most or is relevant to your preferred career. You’ll normally take several core courses, with the remainder of your credits consisting of electives.

For example, those wanting to launch a career as a copywriter or technical author could opt for a degree program that has fewer core courses and more electives; these electives could include topics such as marketing, publishing, and communications. Alternatively, public administration students with aspirations to become political scientists could focus on topics like public policy and public administration.

Doctoral Degrees in Arts and Humanities

Doctoral degrees are the most intensive programs of study around, normally lasting between four and six years. Doctoral programs within these fields include very broad programs like the Doctor of Liberal Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, but it can often be better to specialize even further at the doctoral level.

These programs are very research focused, with an emphasis on research methodology and proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative areas. You’ll also need to complete your own research project in the relevant discipline, applying everything that you’ve learned.

Types of Degrees in Arts and Humanities

Now that we’ve covered the different levels of study available, we’ll look at a more granular level at the various subject areas that exist within arts and humanities. Below, we’ve detailed some broad categories of study, though it’s worth bearing in mind that degree program titles vary widely from one institution to the next.

Animation

Animators use computer software to bring stories to life. In addition to specialist software, you’ll employ hand-drawn sketches and storyboards, and three-dimensional modeling techniques to give life to your creations. With a degree in animation, you could find work as a graphic designer, contribute to the creation of movies and websites, or find work as a video game designer; these are just a few of your potential careers. Your courses will cover topics like digital art, computer animation, and motion graphics, though you’ll also gain an understanding of the finer art of storytelling, including character design.

Communications

Every industry requires strong communication skills, so with a degree in communications, you’ll be poised to take on a variety of roles. You could work with social media engagement, find work as an editor, or move into the corporate world as a member of a marketing or advertising team, for example. Your degree program will overlap with other popular subjects, such as psychology, linguistics, and sociology, so you’ll come out of college as a well-rounded graduate.

Divinity

One of the lesser-known degree programs, divinity focuses on the Christian faith and its applications in the professional world of work. In fact, these are some rigorous courses of education; many of the denominations in the Christian religion will expect you to have a minimum of seven to eight years of study before you may become ordained. However, this degree program could lead to other careers, including church manager or military chaplain.

English

Similar to a degree in communications, a degree in English has a broad range of applications after graduation. It’ll impart strong communication, critical thinking, and research skills, among others. You’ll take courses like literature and linguistics, and you may even study how politicians employ certain means of communication to avoid answering questions or sway the audience in a particular direction. Upon graduating, you could work in many of the same fields as a communications major, including marketing, publishing, editing, and teaching.

General Studies

If you can’t settle on a particular area of interest for your college education, general studies could be for you. Instead, you’ll branch out and study a diverse range of subjects across the arts and sciences (and sometimes other disciplines, too). Your coursework will often touch on areas like the sciences, mathematics, and literature, with essential skills development in areas like critical thinking, business management, and creativity.

Graphic Design

A career in graphic design can take you in many directions, across different industries, though there are core skills that any designer will need to acquire. These include visual composition, typography, and a broad range of design techniques. Some graphic design degree programs will include courses in character development, storytelling, and creative writing. Look for a course that aligns with the industry and role in which you’d most like to work after graduation.

History

Graduates of a history degree have an understanding not only of the significant events of the past, but also of human behavior, society, and the likelihood of future events repeating themselves. Many history degree graduates have gone on to work within banking, law, and medicine. You could also find work as a history teacher—or a professor, after further study at the master’s and doctoral level. Other career opportunities for history majors include working at museums, archives, and libraries. Like many other humanities majors, you’ll gain strong proficiency in analytical skills, critical thinking, and writing, all of which are important to future employers.

Human Development

Human development degree programs can lead to employment within the care and social work industry, which often has some of the strongest growth statistics, according to the BLS. For example, the demand for social services managers is predicted to grow 13% by the year 2028. These professionals also earned a median salary of nearly $70,000 in 2019. In addition to the common skills development mentioned above, plus strong research skills, you’ll normally have the opportunity to take a practicum that will give you hands-on experience; this can be highly attractive to future employers in a competitive job market.

Interior Design

Due to the specific nature of this degree program, most graduates will go on to work as interior designers. Depending on the company, and whether you have past experience or a portfolio, this could be as an assistant or junior designer, collaborating with senior professionals and learning in the role. Professional associations in this field offer further opportunities to boost your resume, including the American Society of Interior Design, Interior Design Society, and International Interior Design Association. You can also gain professional certification with the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), which takes approximately six years.

Journalism

We won’t sugarcoat it, journalism is generally in decline in recent years, owing to the explosion of technology and online media services. According to the BLS, reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts are seeing reduced positions; figures show that the number of available positions is predicted to decline by 10% between 2018 and 2028, representing 5,100 fewer positions. However, it’s a very unique role and one that could see you traveling internationally to report on global news. Of course, there are other careers within and outside of journalism that are open to graduates from a degree program of this type.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Degree programs in liberal arts and sciences can be paired with a range of majors, including subjects like history, philosophy, and literature, among others. Like many arts and humanities degrees, these programs can lead to a career as a teacher, editor, and administrative manager. This is because much of your curriculum will involve the study of concepts that include human pursuits, like literature and theater. It’s a broad degree program and is thus suitable for students who perhaps want to attend college, but have not yet settled on a career plan.

Library Science

There’s more to a career in library science than just “being a librarian.” You could specialize in one of a range of areas, including archives, adult literature, and digital media. While other non-digital, print-related roles, such as journalism, are in decline, the BLS predicts a 6% rise in demand for librarians between 2018 and 2028, representing over 8,000 new positions being created. And in terms of earning potential, the median annual salary for a librarian in 2019 was nearly $60,000.

Music

Most students enrolling in music degrees are of traditional college age. This is not really a program for distance learners; being on-campus means you’ll be able to participate in student music groups and bands, and use studio facilities provided by the college, such is the case with most performance-based degree programs. They’re frequently paired with concentrations in areas such as composition or music education, with many graduates going on to become music teachers. However, with an understanding of music history, theory, and learning techniques, after graduation you’ll be ready to work in a range of roles as a performer, teacher, or industry expert.

Political Science

According to 2019 median salary data produced by the BLS (see below table), political scientists earned some of the highest salaries among arts and humanities graduates. Degree programs in political science, however, can lead to other careers in industries such as education, business, marketing, and law. As part of your curriculum, it’s likely that your courses will cover topics such as political theory and development, and governing systems, both at home and abroad. You’ll gain strong communication and analytical skills, which are always in high demand among prospective employers.

Social Sciences

Social science majors study the theory of human society and how its various parts interact. You might be taking courses in finance and law, becoming a subject matter expert in one field; or, you may broadly study how change is effected within society. After graduation, you might find work as a research or marketing assistant, analyst, or even as a social worker. This broad program of study imparts numerous skills that are in high demand, leaving numerous career paths open to you.

Theology

Courses that make up a theology degree program may include topics such as pastoral care, Bible reading, and ministry. These religion-oriented programs prepare you for positions related to faith and religion, though they can also lead to careers in both education and in working for nonprofit organizations. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have to accept a lower than average salary either; according to the BLS, teachers earned a median salary of just over $61,000 in 2019. What’s more, philosophy and religion teachers specifically earned nearly $90,000, though further education may be required to earn at the top of your field.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Arts and Humanities?

Entrance into a bachelor’s degree program typically requires a high school diploma and, sometimes, minimum ACT or SAT examination scores. However, most institutions allow all admitted students to enrol in a humanities program. For those who don’t meet specific score requirements, an associate’s degree is usually easier to access, and these programs are offered by many community colleges. Upon successful completion of an associate’s degree program, you could then transfer credits into a humanities-related program at the bachelor’s level.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Arts and Humanities?

The fields of arts and humanities cover some of the broadest selections of degrees that you’ll find in college and university brochures. This includes many creative roles, such as author, fashion designer, and multimedia artist. Your earning potential can vary widely depending on the career path you choose, but in terms of personal and job satisfaction, arts and humanities offer some of the most rewarding careers around. Below, we’ve listed some of the potential careers you’ll find within these disciplines.

Copywriter

Copywriters and authors produce a range of copy for different services. This could include website copy, advertising campaigns, books, brochures, or television and movie scripts. It’s a fairly autonomous role; in fact, according to the BLS, more than 60% of professionals were self-employed in 2018. However, once you’ve built up a reputation and portfolio, you may find yourself working on your own schedule from any location you choose. A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field is the norm for full-time roles, though many self-employed authors may never have been to college.

Craft and Fine Artists

Craft and fine artists employ various techniques and myriad materials to produce original pieces of art, many of which you’ll see within exhibitions and museums. In 2018, the BLS highlighted that almost 65% of artists were self-employed or independent, making this a highly creative and autonomous pursuit. You’ll use techniques like painting, sculpting, and drawing to flesh out your ideas, deciding which materials are most appropriate. Like any creative field, earning potential can vary largely, though you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more personally rewarding and calming career.

Fashion Designer

Many fashion designers working in the industry will have a bachelor’s degree in a subject like merchandising or fashion design. To land such a role, you’ll be expected to have a portfolio to showcase when approaching prospective employers. If you’re successful in finding a position, you’ll be coming up with new designs for clothing, footwear, and accessories, and producing instructions that allow manufacturers to bring your designs to life. Many fashion designers work with wholesalers, though a quarter of designers were self-employed in 2018, according to BLS statistics.

FBI Agents, Police, and Detectives

Education requirements for professionals working in law enforcement can vary from one role to the next, and from one agency to the next, too. In fact, to become a police officer, you do not need a college degree; a high school diploma will usually suffice. Some forces are also now allowing direct entrance into detective roles for graduates, though experience in the field is preferred. For federal agencies, including working as an FBI agent, you’ll normally be expected to have a bachelor’s degree.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers use computer software to produce designs, though unlike multimedia artists, this is often static media, such as advertisements, magazines, and brochures. You may be working on new branding or logos, or templating the layout for a new website. Many graphic designers are self-employed, though most also have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a similar discipline.

High School Teacher

High school teachers educate young minds, preparing students for college or work after graduation. You’ll prepare lesson plans, deliver daily lessons to students, assess each student’s progress, and communicate with parents and other members of staff, where needed. You’ll also need to manage student behavior, which can be particularly challenging in this age group. High school teachers require a bachelor’s degree, in addition to licensure in their state.

Industrial Designer

As an industrial designer, you would be responsible for developing new concepts for a range of products, including automobiles, electronics, and home appliances. You’ll need to think about all areas of product design, from functionality through to aesthetics, usability, and cost. You will take end user requirements into account, before designing a product from scratch, and even employing computer software to create renderings. This is another profession that requires a portfolio to remain competitive during the job-seeking process, and you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree.

Interior Designer

Interior designers are well-versed in the art of home and office decor, selecting the best items for an indoor space and producing design documentation (blueprints) to visualize their ideas. You’ll need an up-to-date understanding of building codes and accessibility, among other concepts, in addition to having a bachelor’s degree in the area of interior architecture or design.

Interpreters and Translators

Interpreters and translators work in a diverse range of fields. They’re responsible for translating communications from one language to another while maintaining clarity and staying as close to the original message as possible. You will need to have native fluency in a minimum of two languages—one of these usually being English—though having more languages can help you secure employment more easily. You’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree, though as long as you have fluency in two languages, that degree doesn’t always necessarily need to be related to the study of languages.

Lawyer

Chances are, you’ll already understand a lot about this profession due to its prominence in television and films. You’ll represent your clients in court, build cases for upcoming trials, or conduct research. You’ll need a solid understanding of national laws, but also the ability to interpret and use those laws in the creation of a legal strategy. You will need to be prepared to undertake around seven years of full-time study after graduating from high school, including the four years necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree. The culmination of this work is the final studying to pass the bar examination, which can be notoriously challenging.

Librarian

There’s a common misconception that the earning potential for librarians is fairly low, but according to the BLS, in 2019 the median pay for librarians was $59,050; that’s above the national average for all other U.S. occupations, collectively. As a librarian, you’ll maintain databases of resources within your library, manage the facility’s organization, and source new resources for the library. According to the BLS, in 2018 most librarians were employed by schools or local governments.

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

These professionals are responsible for organizing small and large-scale events, whether for corporations or individuals, such as weddings. You’ll meet with new clients to understand their needs, including when and where the event needs to take place, the number of guests, and the budget. You’ll source services from third-party organizations and coordinate the running of the event on the day. According to the BLS, you may be given more responsibilities in your first role if you studied specifically for a degree within this discipline.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

As a multimedia artist or animator, you’ll use computer software to create media and visual effects that will ultimately be used in a range of mediums. You could be working on a television advertising campaign, films, or even video games. You’ll take still images and animate them with specialized software, or research new projects to come up with a delivery plan. To be successful in finding a position, you’ll typically hold a bachelor’s degree; however, you’ll be in a much stronger position if you’ve built a portfolio to show to potential employers.

Political Scientist

According to the BLS, in 2018 over half of all political scientists worked within federal government positions. As a political scientist, you’ll research political issues, like foreign relations and political trends, analyzing data from a range of sources and forecasting changes in world politics, society, and the economy. Such a role typically requires a master’s degree in a subject like public administration or political science, but these professionals are among the highest earners in the fields of arts and humanities.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relation specialists uphold the image of the brand or company that they represent. This can mean fulfilling duties such as writing press releases and managing the media, aiding in crafting the right communications for the public, and drafting speeches for senior executives. These professionals, often called media or communications specialists, normally have a bachelor’s degree in a major such as English, business, or journalism.

Technical Writer

Unlike regular copywriters that might write about every topic imaginable, technical writers focus on development technical documentation. This could include product user manuals, project specifications, and how-to guides. An element of this role involves contact with specialists in the area you’re writing about, plus the end users of the intended documentation. You’ll need to understand the needs of the user, gather information and knowledge needed to write your content, and incorporate any necessary illustrations, including graphs or animations. A bachelor’s degree is the typical educational requirement, though knowledge of a specialist area like engineering can be beneficial.

How Much Can I Earn with a Degree in Arts and Humanities?

Some degree programs or areas of study tend to lead into a range of highly paid careers. The same is true for many career paths resulting from a degree in arts and humanities, though there is more variation here; the salaries we’ve researched from the BLS range from around $50,000 per year to around $120,000, according to median salary data. If you have your mind set on a particular career, then this data will help you to understand what you could earn after graduation.

Commercial, Service, and Industry

	Median Salary (2019)	Projected Growth (2018–2028)
FBI Agents, Police, and Detectives	$31.33 hourly / $65,170 annually	Average (5%) 37,500 new openings
High School Teacher	$61,660 annually	Average (4%) 38,200 new openings
Historian	$30.62 hourly / $63,680 annually	Average (6%) 200 new openings
Human Resources Specialist	$29.77 hourly / $61,920 annually	Average (5%) 33,000 new openings
Industrial Designer	$33.12 hourly / $68,890 annually	Slower than average (3%) 1,500 new openings
Interpreters and Translators	$24.92 hourly / $51,830 annually	Much faster than average (19%) 14,600 new openings
Lawyer	$59.11 hourly / $122,960 annually	Average (6%) 50,100 new openings
Librarian	$28.39 hourly / $59,050 annually	Average (6%) 8,500 new openings
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner	$24.33 hourly / $50,600 annually	Faster than average (7%) 9,600 new openings
Political Scientist	$58.76 hourly / $122,220 annually	Average (5%) 300 new openings
Public Relations Specialist	$29.40 hourly / $61,150 annually	Average (6%) 17,300 new openings
Technical Writer	$35.03 hourly / $72,850 annually	Faster than average (8%) 4,700 new openings

Creative

	Median Salary (2019)	Projected Growth (2018–2028)
Copywriter	$30.39 hourly / $63,200 annually	Little or no change (1%) 100 fewer openings
Craft and Fine Artist	$23.44 hourly / $48,760 annually	Little or no change (1%) 500 new openings
Fashion Designer	$35.48 hourly / $73,790 annually	Little or no change (1%) 400 new openings
Graphic Designer	$25.05 hourly / $52,110 annually	Slower than average (3%) 8,800 new openings
Interior Designer	$26.94 hourly / $56,040 annually	Average (4%) 3,300 new openings
Multimedia Artist and Animator	$36.19 hourly / $75,270 annually	Average (4%) 3,000 new openings

Can I Get an Online Degree in Arts and Humanities?

One of the many benefits of modern technology is that students around the world can now access educational programs that would’ve been previously inaccessible, whether that was due to location or cost. Online programs are typically cheaper than their on-campus counterparts—you won’t pay for fees such as room and board—and often, you’ll pay the same rate as students studying at the college, regardless of whether you live outside of the state—or even the country.

So, you can get an online degree in arts and humanities. In fact, we’ve listed several “best of” ranking lists at the bottom of this article, which break down the best online programs in different subject areas. One of the great things about the arts and humanities is that most programs won’t require you to take a real-world practicum, meaning you can complete all your coursework from home or any other remote location.

The Best Colleges for Degrees in Arts and Humanities

Now that you know the types of degrees available within the fields of arts and humanities, in addition to the career prospects and earning potential for a range of roles, you’ll want to look at the best colleges for your discipline. We’ve already prepared a number of rankings that will help you find the best college for a particular subject, which you can find below.