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The field of liberal arts and humanities encompasses a broad range of topics that focus on helping individuals develop a better understanding of ourselves, our cultures, and our civilization. While a liberal arts and humanities degree can prepare students for specific jobs, such as journalist, social worker, or political scientist, it also equips students with a host of transferable skills that can be applied to jobs in nearly every industry.

Liberal arts and humanities degrees are available at all post-secondary education levels, from associate to doctoral degrees, and can be found in online and traditional campus settings. A student’s particular area of interest and career aspirations will guide which degree they seek. This page provides information on multiple popular liberal arts and humanities degrees and careers.

What You Can Do With A Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree

Liberal arts and humanities degrees prepare students for a variety of careers, both within their specific area of study and in other fields, thanks to their emphasis on transferable skills.

Many of the industries that attract individuals with liberal arts and humanities degrees are expected to experience growth within the next decade. For example, employment in community and social services occupations, such as social work and human services, is projected to grow at a faster-than-average pace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other related industries that are expected to see growth through 2033 include entertainment, social sciences, and management.

However, students, particularly those who earn an undergraduate degree in liberal arts and humanities, can use this type of education as a springboard to nearly any career. Individuals with liberal arts backgrounds can work in business, healthcare, tech, sales, and more.

Career outlook

  • Social workers: Help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems.
  • Public relations specialists: Create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent by crafting media releases and developing social media programs to shape public perception of their clients and increase awareness of the client’s work and goals.
  • Writers and authors: Develop content for various types of media, including advertisements; blogs; books; magazines; and movie, play, and television scripts.
    • Median annual salary: $73.690
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 5%
    • New jobs projected: 15,100 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or writing
  • Librarians and library media specialists: Help people find information and conduct research for personal and professional use. Their job duties may change based on the type of setting they work in, such as public, school, or medical libraries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liberal Arts and Humanities

Is a degree in liberal arts and humanities worth it?

Of all college majors, liberal arts and humanities are most frequently at the center of the debate about what subjects are worth studying. Ultimately, whether a degree is worth it depends on a student’s individual priorities and interests.

A degree in liberal arts and humanities is one of the most versatile degrees a student can earn.  While students in a liberal arts and humanities degree program learn specific skills relevant to their major, they also develop a wealth of transferable skills that can be applied to a range of career prospects. Some of the key skills a liberal arts and humanities degree can help students develop include critical thinking, logical reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, and communication. Students who earn a liberal arts and humanities degree may find it easier to shift between industries and jobs than those who have more specialized degrees.

From a return on investment (ROI) perspective, a liberal arts and humanities degree may be less certain than some other areas of study. However, students can improve their chances of getting a positive ROI by choosing an affordable program, graduating on time, and using their degree program as an opportunity to build their professional network.

Why are liberal arts and humanities important?

Studying liberal arts and humanities is key to developing a better understanding of ourselves, others, and the world. As the name implies, these subjects explore what it means to be human, from an individual, cultural, and societal perspective.

Some subjects, such as English, journalism, and communication, focus on self-expression and connection between people, while others, such as human services and social work, seek to improve lives at the individual and societal levels.

Overall, liberal arts and humanities are essential because they help individuals be well-rounded and think critically and logically about the world around them. Many of the skills students develop in a liberal arts and humanities program are valuable not only in the workforce but also in life, such as the ability to problem-solve, think creatively, and be open to new ideas.

Should I get a liberal arts or humanities degree online or in person?

Quality programs in liberal arts and humanities exist both online and in traditional classroom settings. The decision to attend school online or on-campus is a personal one that depends on an individual student’s needs and learning preferences.

Certain subjects within liberal arts and humanities, such as English, writing, and history, may be particularly conducive to online learning, as they rely heavily on reading and written assignments, However, because critical thinking is a central component of liberal arts and humanities, student’s enrolling in an online program should seek out a program that allows for the exchange of ideas, whether through live virtual classes or online discussion groups.

Other subjects within liberal arts, such as social work, typically include an experiential learning component, like an internship, that requires on-site attendance. Students pursuing this type of degree in an online setting should confirm internship attendance requirements, to ensure they can accommodate them in their schedule.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Liberal Arts and Humanities

Associate

Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.

Many students earn an associate degree in liberal arts or humanities to complete general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. These programs typically include coursework in areas like English, social sciences, foreign language, math, and more. Depending on the specific area of study, an associate degree may also prepare students for entry-level jobs.

The most common associate degrees in liberal arts and humanities are an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA).

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students usually complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

For many liberal arts and humanities careers, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of post-secondary education needed, particularly for entry- and mid-level careers. These programs introduce students to foundational theories and skills within their area of study and include a broad general education component, to help students develop transferable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Depending on the subject, students in a bachelor’s degree program will likely be expected to complete an experiential learning component, such as an internship, as part of their program.

There are several types of bachelor’s degrees available to students studying a liberal arts or humanities topic, including:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)

Master’s

A master’s degree is an advanced degree program designed to deepen a student’s knowledge within a particular area of study, prepare students for career advancement, or be a stepping-stone toward doctoral study. Credit requirements vary by subject and program, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Completion time also differs based on the total number of credits and whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.

Within liberal arts and humanities, there are a few career paths, such as social work and library science, that require a master’s degree. Master’s degrees in liberal arts and humanities are also popular among post-baccalaureate students as they allow graduates to teach at the collegiate level.

Master’s degrees within liberal arts and humanities typically include a strong research component and require students to complete a thesis as part of their graduate requirements.

There are numerous master’s degrees available in liberal arts and sciences, including:

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Master of Library Science (MLS)
  • Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)
  • Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Doctorate

A doctorate degree is the terminal degree for most fields within liberal arts and humanities. The total number of credits required for a doctoral degree varies by subject and program, but most take 3-5 years to complete.

A core component of a doctoral program is the dissertation, which typically involves students developing a theory, conducting research, and presenting their findings, under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

For liberal arts and humanities, the most common type of doctoral degree is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Students commonly pursue doctoral degrees in liberal arts and humanities if they want to teach at the post-secondary level or conduct research and scholarship within their field.

Online Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Traditional Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Learn More About Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs