--- title: "Guide: Exploring the Value of Humanities Degrees Ch 1" description: "Is A Humanities Degree Relevant? Exploring the Value of Humanities Degrees Chapter 1: Understanding Your Education: What is a Humanities Degree?" --- [![Logo MSMU](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search ![Logo MSMU](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU") # HOW RELEVANT IS A HUMANITIES DEGREE? ### EXPLORING THE VALUE OF HUMANITIES DEGREES IN MODERN SOCIETY In an interconnected world, the ability to address multiple audiences and help solve complex, integrated problems is more important than ever. The skills necessary to navigate business spheres and public service positions alike require preparation and an understanding of diverse ways of thinking and living.  While most majors give some thought to examining how their field affects and interacts with others, one field puts an interdisciplinary approach at its core: humanities. Pursuing a graduate degree in humanities takes your learning to the next level through increased critical thinking skills, faculty involvement, more opportunities for career advancement and the ability to take control of your course of study. [Get Started](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-1#what-is-humanities) ![Eye Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Psych%20Interactive%20eBook/Eye%20Icon.svg) ## HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE You are busy, and your time is precious, so we invite you to explore this resource in whatever way makes the most sense to you. Read this resource from cover to cover, or drop down to the section that appeals to you most: ![Grad Cap Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20124%20x%20124/Grad%20Cap%20124.png) ### [Understanding Your Education: What is a Humanities Degree?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-1#what-is-humanities) ![Question Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20124%20x%20124/Icon%201@2x.png) ### [Is a Humanities Degree Worth It Today?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-2?hsLang=en) ![Scroll Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/Scroll%20Icon@2x.png) ### [Explore What it Means to be Human – Choose a Master’s Degree in Humanities](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-3?hsLang=en) ![Reading Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20383%20x%20383/reader-icon@2x.png) ### [Harness Your Love of Lifelong Learning: Earn a Humanities Degree from the Mount](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-4?hsLang=en) ![Checkmark Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20124%20x%20124/Icon%207@2x-1.png) ### [Take Your Career to the Next Level – Become an Unstoppable Leader at the Mount](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-5?hsLang=en) #### UNDERSTANDING YOUR EDUCATION: ## WHY GET A DEGREE IN HUMANITIES? Humanities degrees are often misunderstood because of their customizable nature. The choice to major in humanities or choose an interdisciplinary concentration means choosing academic autonomy and job flexibility. In a humanities program, you’ll customize your studies, choosing courses and concentrations that interest you and serve myriad career paths after graduation.  ### Specific fields within the humanities include: ![Pen Nib Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20124%20x%20124/Icon%204@2x-1.png?width=75&height=75&name=Icon%204@2x-1.png "Pen Nib Icon") Creative Writing ![Globe Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/Western%20Civ%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=Western%20Civ%20Icon@2x.png "Globe Icon") Cultural Studies ![Book Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20124%20x%20124/Book%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=Book%20Icon@2x.png "Book Icon") English ![History Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/History%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=History%20Icon@2x.png "History Icon") History ![Bible Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/Modern%20Catholicism%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=Modern%20Catholicism%20Icon@2x.png "Bible Icon") Religious Studies ![Linguistics Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20178%20x%20178/Linguistics%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=Linguistics%20Icon@2x.png "Linguistics Icon") Linguistics ![Philosophy Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20144%20x%20144/Theory%20Icon@2x-1.png?width=75&height=75&name=Theory%20Icon@2x-1.png "Philosophy Icon") Philosophy ![Plus Icon](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Premium%20Content/Icons/Yellow%20and%20Purple%20178%20x%20178/And%20More%20Icon@2x.png?width=75&height=75&name=And%20More%20Icon@2x.png "Plus Icon") And More! The humanities matter to the world at large because they represent how humanity communicates and expresses itself. From the arts to philosophy to science, the legacy of humanities is far-reaching. While studying the humanities, you’ll learn practical information related to your topic of interest, but you’ll also learn practical soft skills that you can carry with you into your career, like interview skills, research and problem-solving. In fact, pursuing a graduate degree in the humanities can pay dividends in your future career, giving you an edge in job searches and in promotions within your company.  - - - - - #### [NEXT](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-2?hsLang=en) #### [Is a Humanities Degree Worth It Today?](https://explore.msmu.edu/a-guide-exploring-the-value-of-humanities-degrees/chapter-2?hsLang=en) - - - - - ![MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA](https://explore.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png?width=246&name=MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA.png "MSMU.lgo.stk.2c.LA") [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/2427c2c8-6355-4826-ab87-f827663fc641) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/62894ca9-2748-4120-adca-395f88962c42) [![Plan a Visit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/7d765942-974f-48c0-808d-47b1f425de9f) WEST LA ### Chalon Campus 12001 Chalon Road Los Angeles, CA 90049 310.954.4000 DOWNTOWN LA ### Doheny Campus 10 Chester Place Los Angeles, CA 90007 310.954.4000 - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - [Academic Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/) - [Academic Calendar](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/registrar/academic-calendars/) - [Careers at The Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/human-resources/employment/) - [Information Technology Resources](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/information-technology/) - [Accreditation](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/accreditation/) - - - - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/) - [Website Feedback](https://www.msmu.edu/resources-culture/website-feedback/) - [Campus Safety](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/campus-security/) - [Title IX](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/title-ix/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/privacy-policy/) - [Institutional Complaint Process](https://www.msmu.edu/academics/financial-aid/institution-complaint-process/) - [Non-Discrimination Policy](https://www.msmu.edu/student-life/support-resources/title-ix/prohibiting-unlawful-harassment-and-discrimination/)