What Can You Do With a Humanities Degree? (10 Human-Centered Careers)

With a humanities degree, there is no limit to where you can work and what positions you can hold. From human resources roles and government positions to for-profit start-ups and research, the humanities equip you to be a dynamic and innovative leader in any professional atmosphere. 

Here are just a few of the dynamic careers you can pursue with a Master of Arts in Humanities.

10 Sought-After Humanities Degree Jobs

1. Public Relations Manager

Tasked with developing and maintaining a client’s or company’s public image, public relations managers prepare press releases, oversee marketing campaigns and help establish brand identity. PR managers may also envision and implement strategic responses to any concerns regarding their company’s reputation or image.

2. Archivist 

Archivists help to preserve history and, in turn, educate future generations. Their work helps to open up the past to present as well as future scholars and generations. They work with physical documents, maps, computer records, photographs and more to help people access original information. Archivists may find employment in colleges, museums and government agencies. 

3. Historian

Much like archivists, historians work to preserve history and equip future generations to engage with historical content.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

4. Writer/Journalist

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

5. Editor

Often working in tandem with copywriters, technical writers or journalists, editors are tasked with reviewing, fine tuning and even fact checking copy and other types of content before publishing. Editors are often the final set of eyes on a piece of content — as such, editors require a keen eye for detail, a solid understanding of target audiences and a strategic mindset for putting out content that increases engagement with a particular audience.

6. Teacher

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, and they help to shape the future of individual communities and society at large.  

7. Public Service Worker

The work of a public servant looks to improve communities and help people achieve fulfilling, safe lives. Their work can impact more than just their own neighborhood, as some public service positions affect the whole nation. With positions like urban planner, law enforcement officer, policy analyst and more, the field of public service is incredibly diverse and has far-reaching impact. 

8. Researcher

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 journals, with writers and professors sharing new insights on ancient texts and new information. Or, research can happen in libraries, with academics discovering connections between ideas. Whatever the setting, researchers contribute to a more-informed future for individuals, communities and beyond. 

9. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers can work in both artistic fields as well as diverse business capacities. Wherever there is a need for aesthetic vision, graphic designers can put their skills to work. Pursuing creative ways to bring ideas and concepts to life, graphic designers may find employment in technical industries, marketing agencies, government organizations and media. 

10. Professor

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 post graduation. 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. 

Choosing a Master’s in Humanities at Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles

The Master of Arts in Humanities at Mount Saint Mary’s University is a dynamic and flexible interdisciplinary program designed for lifelong learners who are interested in cultivating a deeper understanding of the connections between the individual, the community and the world. 

Personalization comes first in our program and students can design a course of study that is best suited to their goals. Our interdisciplinary courses give students an MA degree with selected concentrations: 

• Creative Writing
• Cultural Studies
• English
• History

Students pursuing the MA in Humanities at the Mount can also choose to complete their degree in a part-time or full-time capacity in a weekend-only format. 

Discover Your Options with a Master’s in Humanities; Connect with Us!

Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Mount Saint Mary’s University gives you unprecedented access to opportunities to use your humanities degree. The Mount has a vivid history of engaging with the community and encouraging students like you to foster interdisciplinary interests and expand their skill sets. 

By joining the community of students in our Master of Arts in Humanities program, you will surround yourself with curious, driven and forward-thinking professionals who are all working towards a common goal: to obtain transferable, human-centered skills and to leave the world a better place.

Take the next step today — you can request more information, attend an online information session or start your online application.