Careers in Arts and Humanities

Careers in Arts and Humanities

Did you know that a liberal arts degree could prepare you for hundreds of different jobs? The reason is because your areas of study are broad and general in subject areas such as philosophy, literature, art history, humanities, psychology, English, culture, religion and classical studies. An arts program offers you the opportunity to build your knowledge and understanding of the world and its people. So, although you are not studying for one particular career, you will acquire a set of very employable skills.

Richard Sigurdson, former Acting Dean of Arts, The University College of the Cariboo, Canada, summarizes these skills as follows:

• analytical and knowledge-building skills;
• evaluative and critical thinking skills;
• creative thinking skills;
• effective oral and written communication skills;
• critical and reflective reading skills;
• problem solving and pattern intelligence skills;
• numerical skills;
• synthesis skills and the ability to express the results of analysis and evaluation;
• the ability to pose meaningful questions that advance understanding and knowledge;
• the ability to conduct research and organize material effectively;
• information literacy and other skills associated with learning how to learn;
• the exercise of independent judgment and ethical decision-making;
• the ability to meet goals, manage time, and complete a project successfully;
• self-confidence and self-understanding;
• the ability to cooperate with others and work in teams;
• a sensitivity to individuals and tolerance of cultural differences;
• the ability to use equipment; and
• an informed openness to new information technologies.

Arts and Humanities Education and Life-Long Learning
When you investigate arts and humanities programs, consider the following points when choosing which college or university to attend:

• The degree program should be state accredited. Click here for more information about accreditation.
• Speak with admissions counsellors to determine the flexibility of the programs offered. For example, can you study a wide range of courses in your first and second years and then create a major and a minor in your third and fourth years? Maybe you wish to structure a major in your second year?
• What works best for you? Taking two years of college and then transferring to a four-year program? Or would you prefer four years at the same school?
• Does the school offer career services that include job placement, a resume service, job fairs and networking opportunities? Is there a fee connected with the career services offered? What is the placement rate for graduates of the program?
• Are you able to attend school full-time or part-time? Evenings or weekends only? Have you considered online or distance learning. Click here for more information on online learning.
• What is the cost of the education required? Will you require financial aid? Could you qualify for a scholarship? Are loans or grants available to you? Click here for more information about financial aid.

No matter what piques your interest, the study of arts and humanities offers many options to students.

• Get Started: Visit the links on the left navigation bar to review current career information and learn more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as salary expectations, working conditions, future outlook of the profession, employment rates and educational requirements.