Is a humanities degree worth it? Careers, skills and what you can do with this major
09/10/2026
By Jeffrey Cohen,
Dean of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
A humanities degree is worth it for students who want to build flexible, career-ready skills in communication, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, cultural understanding and problem-solving. Humanities majors can pursue careers in fields such as law, education, journalism, marketing, public service, human resources, museums, nonprofit leadership, UX research, technical writing and technology.
As artificial intelligence automates routine tasks, employers increasingly seek employees with human skills developed through humanities education. AI can analyze information, identify patterns and generate content. However, it’s people who determine how knowledge is interpreted, applied and implemented to build a better future.
AI, automation and globalization are transforming the way we live and work, but they are also increasing the value of the skills that make us uniquely human. Organizations require people who can ask thoughtful questions, navigate complex challenges, understand different perspectives and make decisions with purpose.
That’s where the humanities come in.
In this article, you'll learn:
- What the humanities are
- What careers humanities graduates pursue
- What skills humanities majors develop
- Why employers value humanities graduates
- Why pursue a humanities education at Arizona State University
What are the humanities?
The humanities are fields of study focused on human culture, meaning, expression, values and experience. They can include:
| Field | What it studies |
|---|---|
| Literature | Stories, poetry, drama, language, interpretation |
| History | Human societies, events, change over time |
| Philosophy | Ethics, knowledge, reality, reason, meaning |
| Languages | Communication, translation, culture |
| Art history | Visual culture, style, symbolism, artistic movements |
| Religious studies | Belief systems, rituals, sacred texts, traditions |
| Classics | Ancient Greek and Roman languages, texts, cultures |
| Cultural studies | Identity, media, power, social meaning |
At The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University, students explore the ideas, cultures, languages, histories and stories that shape our world while building the skills needed to navigate and shape the future. Through courses and research with renowned faculty and hands-on experiences, students learn how to understand the human experience and use that knowledge to make an impact.
What are careers in humanities?
Humanities graduates work in careers such as:
- Communications
- Corporate training
- Education
- Foreign service
- Government
- Human resources
- International relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Libraries
- Marketing
- Museums
- Nonprofits
- Public policy
- Public relations
- Publishing
- Technical writing
- User experience writing
- UX research
Do employers hire humanities graduates?
A humanities education gives students the tools to be successful in countless professions. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 90% of employers prioritize oral communication skills, 87% value ethical judgment, and 84% seek critical thinking and analytical reasoning — all hallmarks of a humanities education.
Studying humanities helps improve your:
Critical thinking
Humanities majors learn how to analyze information, challenge assumptions and approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.
Ethical reasoning
Students learn to consider the human impact behind decisions, especially as AI, automation and emerging technologies create new opportunities and challenges.
Communication
Through writing, storytelling and collaboration, humanities majors learn to share ideas clearly and connect with diverse audiences.
Empathy and intercultural awareness
Students develop the ability to understand different perspectives and engage across cultures and communities.
Adaptability and lifelong learning
Humanities students develop curiosity and the ability to continue learning throughout their lives, for both their careers and personal interests.
How do humanities students get real-world experience?
A humanities education is about understanding where we’ve been, making sense of where we are and shaping where we go next.
At The College, students have opportunities to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it beyond campus through research, internships, study abroad, community engagement and interdisciplinary experiences.
Students work alongside faculty experts exploring questions that impact communities around the world, including:
- How language shapes communication and identity
- How cultures influence the way we understand ourselves and others
- How history informs today’s biggest challenges
- How technology raises new ethical questions
- How societies can create a more connected and equitable future
By connecting ideas across disciplines, humanities majors learn to approach problems creatively and develop solutions grounded in understanding.
What can you do with a humanities degree?
For many students, choosing a major starts with a question: What am I passionate about? But it can also come with another: What can I do with this degree?
For Chris Livesay, a 2005 graduate with a degree in Italian and art history, the answer wasn’t immediately obvious.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do with my humanities degree … maybe it wasn’t a straight line, but I really love what I get to do, and I’m proud of it. I credit this education for giving me the tools to take that sense of adventure and curiosity and turn it into something valuable.”
Rather than letting that uncertainty determine his path, Livesay followed his interests in language, culture, art and storytelling. Today, he uses those same skills as a foreign correspondent for CBS News, telling stories from around the world and connecting audiences with different people and perspectives.
Livesay’s journey demonstrates what makes studying the human experience so valuable: it helps students adapt to change and develop skills that extend far beyond a single field or profession.
Meet ASU humanities graduates who are using their education to turn curiosity into careers and passion into purpose.
A student fascinated by language may pursue opportunities in international relations, technology, education or communication. A student interested in history may find careers in law, government, museums or research. A passion for culture and society can become a foundation for leadership, advocacy, business or community impact.
Why study humanities at ASU?
At Arizona State University, students pursuing a humanities degree have the opportunity to explore big questions with faculty who are actively shaping conversations in their fields.
Humanities graduates develop transferable skills and put them to work. Humanities majors are employed at rates comparable to graduates from other disciplines, with an unemployment rate of 2.13%, nearly identical to the 2.17% average across other degree types.
Humanities students learn alongside faculty whose work explores some of society’s most complex questions — from culture and identity to technology, ethics and global challenges. The College is home to nationally recognized humanities research, innovative programs and award-winning faculty whose work spans languages, cultures, history, philosophy, technology and society.
Humanities at ASU
- No. 15 in the nation for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development survey
- 20+ language programs, offering one of the largest selections among public universities
- Award-winning faculty recognized with prestigious honors, including Pulitzer, Guggenheim, MacArthur, and British and American Academy awards
Students benefit from the resources of a large research university while building personalized academic pathways that connect their interests to their goals. Through interdisciplinary opportunities, students can combine a humanities education with other areas of study, preparing them to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
Whether you’re passionate about understanding cultures, telling stories, exploring ideas or creating change, The College provides the tools and experiences to help you start a career with customizable learning.
Is a humanities degree worth it?
For many students, a humanities degree is worth it because it develops durable skills that apply across industries, including communication, analysis, ethical decision-making, cultural fluency and adaptability. These skills are especially valuable in a changing workforce shaped by AI, automation and global connection.
A humanities education prepares students to think deeply, communicate effectively and engage with the world around them. It gives students the skills to work alongside technology while keeping people at the center of innovation.
At The College, students don’t have to choose between studying what they love and preparing for the future. They can do both.
Explore humanities degree programs at The College.
FAQs
What do you study in a humanities degree?
A humanities degree is designed to help students understand human culture, communication, ethics and history while developing analytical and communication skills that transfer across careers.
Is a degree in humanities worth it?
A humanities degree is worth it for students who want to build versatile, in-demand skills that apply across a wide variety of careers. Humanities majors develop critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning and problem-solving abilities that employers consistently value.
Which jobs do you get with a humanities degree?
You can enter a range of careers and professions with a humanities degree, including:
- Attorney
- Communications professional
- Corporate trainer
- Educator or teacher
- Foreign service worker
- Government official
- Human resources director
- International relations expert
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Marketing director
- Museum curator
- Nonprofit leader
- Public policy expert
- Public relations specialist
- Publisher
- Technical writer
- User experience designer
- UX researcher
What are some higher-paying jobs for humanities majors?
Humanities graduates may pursue higher-paying roles in law, marketing leadership, communications strategy, public relations, UX research, technical writing, human resources leadership, policy analysis and management. Salary depends on role, industry, location, experience and whether a student pursues graduate or professional education.
What skills do humanities majors learn?
- Adaptability
- Analytical writing
- Collaboration
- Cross-cultural communication
- Critical thinking
- Ethical reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Public speaking
- Research
- Written communication
Should I choose STEM or the humanities?
Humanities and STEM disciplines complement one another. While STEM fields focus on solving technical problems, the humanities help students understand the ethical, cultural and societal implications of those solutions.
Do employers value humanities degrees?
Employers consistently value the skills developed through a humanities degree. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 90% of employers prioritize oral communication skills, 87% value ethical judgment, and 84% seek critical thinking and analytical reasoning — all core outcomes of a humanities education.
Can humanities majors work in technology?
Humanities majors work throughout the technology industry in roles that require communication, ethics, creativity and an understanding of people. Graduates pursue careers in UX research, content strategy, technical writing, product management, digital marketing and artificial intelligence ethics, among many others.
What's the difference between humanities and social sciences?
The humanities and social sciences both study people and society, but they do so in different ways. The humanities focus on human culture, ideas, history, language, philosophy, literature and the arts, helping students interpret meaning, understand different perspectives and explore ethical questions. The social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, political science and economics, use scientific methods and data to study human behavior, societies and institutions. Together, the humanities and social sciences provide complementary ways of understanding people and solving complex challenges.
Why study humanities in the age of AI?
Studying humanities is more valuable than ever in the age of artificial intelligence because it develops skills that technology can't replace. While AI can analyze data and generate content, people are still needed to think critically, communicate clearly, make ethical decisions and understand cultural and human contexts. A humanities degree prepares students to work alongside emerging technologies by developing creativity, empathy, ethical reasoning and problem-solving skills. As AI transforms industries, these uniquely human abilities will help graduates lead innovation, adapt to change and make informed decisions in an increasingly technology-driven world.