The humanities encompass the many fields of study concerned with the human experience in social, historical, and personal contexts. Rather than the empirical methodology employed in the natural and social sciences, the humanities are examined through critical analysis, qualitative reasoning, and inquiry. Disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, literature, history, classics, philosophy, and the arts.
The ... humanities are an important component of a liberal arts education. This course of study usually gives students a background in a variety of subjects, but they will choose one discipline to focus on or major in. They will then gain depth and breadth of knowledge in that area while developing critical thinking and writing skills that will serve them in other areas of life
Because humanities students focus more on developing their intellect than gaining practical job skills, it is sometimes difficult for them to figure out what kind of professional path to follow. Luckily, though, there are many options available: a humanities degree is appropriate for entry-level jobs in cultural institutions, such as arts organizations or museums, or with businesses that need creative thinkers. Or, students can choose to stay in academia and continue their studies at the advanced level. They may also decide to become secondary teachers in their subject area.
Students in the humanities often choose to supplement their academic work with professional internships, which makes it possible to gain practical job experience while still in school. Many schools have career development offices to connect their students to off-campus resources. In fact, this is even true of online programs—while there might not be a campus, there are always administrators ready to connect students to new opportunities.
