Occupational Possibilities
Study in humanities enhances the ability to understand cultures through the study of the languages, philosophies, fine arts, and literature of both Western and non-Western peoples. Many graduates of the program pursue graduate studies in areas of the humanities or in business, law, or the arts.
Humanities majors also pursue a wide range of career paths, some of which are listed below. This list was compiled from national data and from Major Options by Nicholas Basta (1991, New York: The Stonesong Press). For some of the occupations listed below, such as teacher, additional skills and/or related training may be desirable. Additional graduate study is generally expected for those occupations marked with an * on the following list.
Business and Industry - Market research analyst
- Advertising copywriter
- *International attorney
- Employee relations specialist
- Manager
- Sales representative
- Cross-cultural relations specialist
- International marketing analyst
- Publications coordinator
- Television programming director
| Government and Public Sector - Homeless advocate
- VISTA volunteer coordinator
- Foreign service officer
- Labor mediator
- *Public historian
- Paralegal
- *Urban planner
- Legislative aide
- Mediator trainee
- Import specialist
- International relations officer, Commerce Department
- Arts council director
|
Education and Research - *Professor
- Teacher
- *Librarian
- *Archivist
- Reading specialist
- *Student development professional
- *Preservation specialist
- *Intellectual properties attorney
- Museum director/curator
- Coordinator, cultural arts center
| Communications - Film maker
- Public opinion analyst
- Reporter/columnist
- Editor
- Public relations representative
- Freelance writer
- Critic-films, literature, art, or music
- Grants specialist
- Abstractor
- Film distributor
- Arts programmer (TV/radio)
- Information specialist
|
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Skills and Abilities
Study of humanities encourages students to think in new and imaginative ways and to evaluate ideas and problems from a broad critical perspective. Such skills will find use in a wide range of occupational settings. For example, an advocate for the homeless, an international attorney, and a market research analyst all must be able to examine problems from a variety of viewpoints. A sampling of skills and abilities fostered by the humanities program follows.
Communication - Synthesizing themes from diverse sources
- Comparing/contrasting ideas
- Using theoretical approaches
- Understanding components of complex problems
- Offering diverse perspectives
- Reading critically
- Weighing values
| Analysis - Synthesizing themes from diverse sources
- Comparing/contrasting ideas
- Using theoretical approaches
- Understanding components of complex problems
- Offering diverse perspectives
- Reading critically
- Weighing values
|
Research - Working with original sources in many fields (e.g. philosophy, history, art, music)
- Gathering information
- Designing instruments
- Organizing materials/information
- Establishing hypotheses
- Summarizing ideas
| Cross-cultural Undertstanding and Interpersonal Relations - Understanding and interpreting other cultures/beliefs
- Examining problems from a variety of perspectives
- Appreciating similarities/differences among cultures
- Honing sensitivity to others' viewpoints
- Acknowledging value systems
- Collaborating as part of a team
|
Career Planning and Resources
Internships
Job Search
Professional Associations
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For More Information
...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:
University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624
For information about majors and concentrations in humanities:
Humanities and Western Civilization Department
2106 Wescoe Hall
(785) 864-3011
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