The Humanities in the Workplace: How a Master's Degree Adds Value

Humanities degrees traditionally include courses in literature, history, philosophy and the arts. Some employers don’t understand how these degrees provide invaluable skills for jobs in the modern market. In fact, humanities degrees have more to offer than many people realize. 

The Great Debate: Humanities Degrees

Debates over the relevance and adequacy of humanities degrees have become more prevalent in recent years. Some critics point to the technological and data-driven nature of modern jobs, which causes them to question the practicality of a humanities education. 

However, this perception does not capture the whole picture. Those with master’s degrees in humanities provide vital critical thinking and communication skills applicable across industries. The foundational skills students invest in during their graduate degree underpin their ability to learn and adapt to various modern professional environments. 

Humanities graduates prepare to dissect complex texts, identify underlying themes and construct well-reasoned arguments. This analytical prowess is invaluable in any sector that requires a nuanced understanding of human behavior, cultural dynamics, ethical considerations and how various tech systems are designed and interface with each other. 

Students who invest in their humanities disciplines can jump into their jobs and approach projects and relationships with the care and consideration this type of an education provides. 

Why Study the Humanities?
Necessary Skills For Your Future

Valuable Perspectives for Decision-Making

A humanities graduate may approach a business problem by considering its ethical, social or political dimensions instead of just the financial outcomes. Graduates with a humanities degree might foresee potential public relations issues or anticipate changes in consumer behavior that necessitate a business strategy’s pivot. 

A multidisciplinary perspective adds value in today’s complex business environment. Companies recognize the value of diverse viewpoints, and humanities training helps graduates contribute to discussions from a holistic, liberal arts perspective rather than a rigid focus on just one field. A broad perspective is precious in roles that require an understanding of global markets and multicultural workforces. 

Superior Communication Skills

Humanities programs hone students' written and oral communication skills. Coursework in humanities disciplines, from literature to history to philosophy, emphasizes essay writing. These courses allow students to grow their skills in articulating arguments and clearly presenting their ideas, developing their ability to communicate complex information to colleagues and clients, a cornerstone of effective leadership and teamwork. 

From drafting reports to delivering presentations, humanities graduates have experience conveying the nuanced arguments needed in corporate communications roles and in client-facing positions. Their training in rhetoric and discourse equips them to persuade and inform, making them vital assets in negotiations, sales and customer relations. 

Communication skills like these facilitate collaboration and leadership across teams. By listening attentively and expressing their thoughts clearly, humanities graduates help build relationships and exert their influence across organizations. Their communication talents make them well-suited for management tracks, where the ability to articulate a vision and motivate teams is paramount. 

What Can You Do With a Humanities Degree? 

A humanities graduate degree magnifies the benefits students receive in a humanities program. At the master’s level, humanities students undertake advanced interdisciplinary research that hones analytical skills. Coursework in these programs trains students to synthesize information and articulate complex ideas, preparing them for the sophisticated analysis required in senior roles. 

Career Paths for MA in Humanities Graduates 

Humanities students thrive in fields like:

• Business
• Nonprofit Administration
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Journalism
• Publishing
• Teaching
• Archival Roles
• Public Service Work
• Research

The training for a master's degree provides qualified candidates with the opportunity to work in high-level positions, interpreting and shaping the cultural narratives that influence society and positioning them as valuable assets in any organization. 

Shape the Future with a Humanities Master’s Degree at MSMU

A Humanities degree provides graduates with versatility for their careers in any field. The Master of Arts in Humanities at Mount Saint Mary’s University is a dynamic and flexible interdisciplinary program designed for lifelong learners interested in cultivating a deeper understanding of the connections between the individual, the community and the world. 

Throughout the program, you will: 

Hone your reasoning: you’ll develop habits of rigorous, reflective thinking and reasoning, equipping you to solve problems creatively and compassionately and compellingly express yourself. 

Take advantage of flexibility: Mount Saint Mary’s University’s MA in Humanities gives students flexibility in their program with our weekend-only format. This approach redistributes the work of a semester over six non-consecutive weekends of class instruction so busy professionals can make the most of their education without pausing their careers. 

Get a Degree Built for You: Personalization comes first throughout our program, and you can design a course of study best suited to your goals.

Humanities Certificate Programs

Not ready to fully commit to a master’s program? Explore the field and topics included in our humanities degree by enrolling in one of our certificate programs. The humanities graduate program offers four certificate programs founded upon the four concentrations offered as part of the master’s in humanities – Cultural Studies, English, History and Creative Writing. 

If you’d like to learn more about our Master of Humanities programs and where a degree in Humanities can take you, download our eBook, How Relevant is a Humanities Degree? Exploring the Value of Humanities Degrees in Modern Society. 

Or, you can request more information.