Our Humanities Degree Program at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, takes a unique approach to student education. The Humanities program is an interdisciplinary program made up of classes in three separate areas of study:
The goal of the Humanities major is to help students deepen their understanding of themselves and our culture by exploring the ways human beings find meaning in our lives. We explore these ways by studying both our own individual insights and the artistic, philosophical, and religious works that have shaped human experience.
Why Study Humanities at Marshall?
The Humanities Degree Program is unique in two ways: students may choose course work equivalent to a major in a single department or create a broader curriculum of their choice from various humanities courses. Our program also has a strong interdisciplinary side, which allows students to learn from many great minds in different areas. The final degree certificate shows both the Humanities major and the departmental discipline.
Our interdisciplinary program offers our students dynamic and challenging learning opportunities. Each Humanities major designs a “contract” with faculty, allowing students to play a large role in the selection of their program of studies during their time at Marshall. Our faculty regularly team-teach, which gives our students the benefit of insights from our three disciplines and provides a model for creative intellectual engagement. Our faculty members are at the cutting edge of their various specialties, conducting adventurous research, and maintaining contact with leaders in their respective fields. This creates an exciting environment for students, and unusual opportunities to make contacts and enter graduate school. Our graduates have gone on to study at nationally respected schools in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classics, Comparative Literature, English, Law, Divinity, and Art History.
Opportunities for Humanities Majors
Humanities majors can study in three different programs, offering a diverse and well-rounded look at Humanities.
Majoring in Humanities prepares students for employment or a postgraduate education. Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and because we emphasize communication, writing, and problem-solving skills, our students are well prepared for their next step in West Virginia or throughout the region. Our majors have gone on to successful careers in Law, Politics, Marketing, Real Estate, Consulting, and more!
Here are some great links to learn more about the value of the Humanities after graduation!
Why The Humanities Matter More Than Ever—Even When You Keep Hearing Otherwise (forbes.com)
Why we still need to study the humanities in a STEM world – The Washington Post
Why Google Hires Humanities Majors? – Imagine | Johns Hopkins University (jhu.edu)
The Fundamental Role of Arts and Humanities in Medical Education | AAMC
Average LSAT Scores by Major – Magoosh LSAT Blog
The Best Pre-Med Major | Backed By Med School Acceptance Data (medschoolinsiders.com) [NOTE! After math and physics, the highest scorers were from the Humanities; AND Humanities majors had the highest acceptance rate to Med School!]
Career Outlook for Humanities Majors
When a student majors in Humanities at Marshall University, the philosophical skills of reasoning, communication, and understanding lay the groundwork for a wide array of employment opportunities. Employers appreciate prospective employees who can solve problems imaginatively and who can communicate well with fellow employees, customers, and clients. The education we provide also allows students to smoothly transition to different types of careers throughout their lifetime due to its broad applicability.
The average mid-career salary for people with degrees in humanities compares favorably to successful jobs in today’s market. Among the careers Humanities students can obtain are:
Teacher – $61,660
Advertising Sales Agent – $53,310
Technical Writer – $72,850
Public Relations Manager – $116,180
Artist – $48,760
Editor – $61,370
Museum Curator – $49,850