IS A HUMANITIES DEGREE WORTH IT?
Along with the general misunderstandings that are pinned on humanities degrees, there are also myths that cloud this major’s reputation. These misconceptions may discourage students from pursuing a degree that aligns with their interests and goals. To avoid this, we aim to debunk these myths at the beginning of this resource.
Myths
Humanities degrees don't make you marketable.
Some believe that the customizable nature or lack of practical courses of a degree in the humanities pigeonholes degree holders into one job or no job at all.
Humanities degrees don't lead to lucrative careers.
There’s a misconception that the careers that come out of humanities are not well-paying or that they don’t offer career advancement.
Humanities degrees only prepare you for a teaching career.
While some certainly do pursue a career in education after studying the humanities, it is not the only career path.
Facts
Humanities degrees make you marketable in a variety of fields.
Pursuing a degree in the humanities gives you interdisciplinary experience in a variety of fields. Broadening your knowledge base and areas of expertise makes you more marketable in an ever-changing job market.
Humanities concentrations can also equip you with a unique skill set gained from taking courses on a variety of topics. This leverage can help you secure a job in any field — not just one you specifically majored in. In fact, the best business managers and executives often come from fields within the humanities.
Humanities degrees teach you transferable skills.
Beyond the practical education you’ll receive throughout your degree, humanities also teach you soft skills and applicable experience you can carry into any job. Some of these skills include communication, empathy, creativity, leadership, time management, problem-solving and adaptability, to name a few. The social, psychological and critical thinking skills needed to successfully lead an organization all come through in humanities degrees.
Countless careers exist for those with a humanities degree.
While teaching is always an option for those who study the humanities, there are many other careers you can pursue with a humanities degree. From human resources roles and government positions to for-profit start-ups and research, the humanities equip you to be a dynamic leader in any professional atmosphere.