Worth Studying Humanities? Are Humanities Degree Useless?

Many students find themselves curiously interested in a certain major known for limited career opportunities.

Such is the case with a humanities degree.

If you are wondering if you should study humanities, then this article will guide you to figure out the feasibility in real-time.

Let’s jump right into it.

Worth Studying Humanities? Are Humanities Degree Useless?

Humanities degrees are NOT useless, they contribute so much to our society and can lead to hundreds of different important, in-demand, well paying and impactful careers.

Humanities degrees are worthwhile because they educate students on how to communicate effectively, think critically, and make ethical decisions.

Interest in the art universe can excel to unparalleled heights and enjoy similar growth opportunities as a STEM major.

In a recent report, the British Academy (1) suggested that art graduates manage to secure well-paying jobs in the top 10 fastest growing industrial sectors.

Another report suggested that employers often rank spoken, communication, and critical thinking skills above technical aptitude while hiring a candidate.

The point is, as an art major, you won’t have trouble competing with individuals with a science degree.

What Are Humanities?

Humanities include studying life, people, and society with a critical eye.

Since it involves critical thinking skills, you can elevate your writing and research practices.

Take philosophy, for example. The way it revolves around exploring humanity is the crux of the Humanities degree. Of course, there are also subjects like English, History, Liberal Art subjects, and more.

It is essential to note that humanities differ from social sciences, and the only similarity between the two is the subject-wise division.

Each subject focuses on a particular discipline and offers a degree.

For example, you can get your humanities degree in English or Philosophy. However, some institutions provide customized courses, including bits of every subject and creating an overview.

The popularly known areas of study for a Humanities major are: Worth Studying Humanities?

• Literature

• Global Languages

• Art

• History

• Music

• Religion

• Philosophy

How to Know Humanities Is Right for You?

Humanities degrees are not insignificant; they make a significant contribution to our society and can lead to a variety of important, in-demand, well-paying, and meaningful employment.

A degree in humanities is ideal for you if you have a natural tendency to explore the mind, tackle humanitarian issues, and communicate effectively.

Since there is no raw format or hard and fast rules that limit your creativity, you may find yourself nurturing your mind in a positive direction.

Hence, your subjective point of view matters, which may make you feel heard and often lead to healthy conversations.

What you’ll learn:

• Communicating with people

• Critically analyzing events and people

• Stronghold on logical concepts

• Ability to speak for and defend an opinion or idea

• Refinement of emotional intelligence

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Humanities Degrees, What Are The Career Options?

Now that you’re aware of the many reasons you should be opting for a career in humanities let us discuss the right career option for you.

With tons of options available it is easy to find yourself lost and confused, even ending up making a bad choice.

But it’s never too late.

Relax and don’t worry; there’s plenty of fish in the sea for you to catch and call your own.

To make things simpler, we will list down each subject separately. Here they are:

Attorney:

You can become a law expert only after passing the bar exam on top of the current degree.

This career is good for students interested in national laws and regulations with strong arguing skills.

Lawyers make around $126,930 annually in the US and often start their independent practice after getting the hang of everything.

Historian:

If you love history, then a humanities major can lead you to become a historian tasked with interpreting old testaments, findings, and more.

You may have to travel a lot (maybe a good thing?) to recently discovered places so that you can carry out your research.

Historians make a lot less money than lawyers, for example, and the average salary in the US is around $63,100 per year.

Visual/Performing Artist:

You can refine the creative child inside you by becoming a visual/performing artist that puts out remarkable and praise-worthy ideas using various materials, places, and people.

You’ll most likely work from an office space, a warehouse, or home. The average salary of a Fine Arts major is around $49,120.

Event Manager:

The job of an event manager revolves around seamlessly organizing a meeting, event, or a professional get-together.

They are often responsible for the finances, logistics, and security of the event, ensuring no obstacles.

Of course, an event manager usually has a team working directly under them, keeping an eye on the ongoing process.

On average, an event manager makes around $51,560 per year.

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Another lucrative career opportunity after completing a humanities degree is becoming an advertising manager.

You’ll be responsible for creating the general interest of the public in your brand and offering services that convert them into a buyer.

The average salary of an advertising manager in the US is around $141,490.

If the managerial job seems too much, you can also become a professional copywriter, which pays almost the same.

Public Relations

If you’re good with the community and like to talk to people, you can become a public relations manager.

You’ll represent an individual or a company and handle their public persona to keep it positive.

The median salary of a public relations specialist in the US is $62,810.

Human Resource Management:

Human Resource specialists are responsible for new hiring, training programs, scheduling interviews, and more.

They also handle the day-to-day tasks of resolving employee issues or discussing problems with a certain individual.

Since they act as a representative from the company, they are often well-spoken and have exquisite communication skills.

The median salary of an HR specialist in the US is around $63,490.

Final Thoughts

Humanities degrees are not insignificant; they make a significant contribution to our society and can lead to a variety of important, in-demand, well-paying, and meaningful employment.

Regardless of the potential prospects and lucrative career choices, a humanities degree also offers significant personal growth opportunities.

If your heart is set on going through with it, you should sign up without hesitation in a humanities program.

We hope this article proves helpful and laces you with enough motivation to reach your desired goals. Good luck!

What Are Humanities?

How to Know Humanities Is Right for You?

Humanities Degrees, What Are The Career Options?

Attorney:

Historian:

Visual/Performing Artist:

Event Manager:

Advertisement:

Public Relations

Human Resource Management:

Final Thoughts

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References