HOW RELEVANT IS A HUMANITIES DEGREE?

Archivists help to preserve history and, in turn, educate future generations. Their work helps to open up the past to present scholars and future generations. They work with paper documents, maps, computer records, photographs and more to help people access original information. They can work in colleges, museums, governments and in other roles. Archivists keep history alive and educate others on the importance of priceless perspectives. 

• The average salary for archivists is $58,640, and they can make up to $101,870.
• The estimated job growth for archivists is 12% over the next decade.

Much like archivists, historians work to preserve history and help future generations engage with it. Their work of analysis helps the public make sense of countless facts and accounts. Historians must love research and be willing to approach their studies with an open mind, ready to be surprised by first-hand accounts and facts. From specializing in niche events within humanity to understanding the overarching narrative of anthropology, historians engage with where society has been to help it understand where it could go next. 

• Historians make an average of $63,940 a year and can work in museums and universities. 
• The estimated job growth for historians is 4% by 2031.

Communication is a cornerstone of every society. Through thoughtful wordsmithing and creative copy, writers and journalists communicate their emotions and opinions, as well as informative reports. Their work helps to inform society and assist people in making informed decisions. Writers can work for marketing agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations. Journalists can report on general news both in their town and abroad, and they can also pursue specialized reporting industries. 

• Journalists can make up to $76,807.
• The estimated job growth for journalists is 6% over the next decade.

Working in public service requires putting the needs of others before your own. The work of a public servant looks to improve communities and help people live peaceful and safe lives. Their work can impact more than just their own neighborhood, as some public service positions affect the whole nation. With positions like firefighter, urban planner, police officer, policy analyst and more, the field of public service is diverse and has a far-reaching impact. 

• Salaries range in these positions, and there is a career for every interest in helping communities thrive. 

Passionate about discovery, innovation and contributing to society’s knowledge base? Research might be the right path for you. Research for humanities scholars can occur in surveys and in journals, with writers and professors sharing new insights on ancient texts and new information. Or it can happen in libraries, with academics discovering connections between ideas. Whatever the setting, researchers contribute to a more-informed future, all while pursuing interests that inspire them. 

• The average salary for researchers is $74,055.

Through their dedication to education and mentorship, professors help students in higher education settings reach their full potential as academics and professionals. Their insight and professional connections help students thrive in their studies and in their careers after college. Another highly customizable job, professors work to engage students and challenge them to see the world through a new lens, honing their skills in specific fields along the way. 

• The average college professor makes around $165,081.
• The estimated job growth rate for professors is 12%. 

Graphic designers can work in artistic fields and in business capacities. Wherever there is a need for aesthetic vision, designers can work their magic. Pursuing creative ways to bring ideas to life, graphic designers fill the world around them with beauty and expression, uniting people through their art. 

• Graphic designers tend to make around $50,710. 
• The job growth rate is an estimated 3%.

Yes, of course, a master’s degree in humanities can prepare you to teach, both at the high school level and in higher education settings. Leaders by nature, teachers help students see the best in themselves and learn all they can about the world. Teachers lead the next generation of innovators and explorers. They help to shape the future of individual communities and the country at large.  

• The average salary for high school teachers is $61,820.
• The estimated job growth for teachers is 5%, which means about 77,900 job openings for high school teachers alone.

If you want to learn more about the field of education and how to become an invaluable teacher, check out our guide to education programs and credentials.