A bachelor's degree in humanities offers endless career opportunities

If you love to learn, a bachelor's degree in humanities may be your perfect degree path. Coursework for a humanities degree may span a number of liberal arts subjects. You'll learn about history, literature and the social sciences as you explore different academic fields. Although some students use a bachelor's degree in humanities as a springboard to higher education, many others go on to rewarding careers immediately after earning their undergraduate diploma.

With a degree in humanities, you may go on to work in one of the following occupations:

• Teacher
• Historian
• Social scientist
• Writer
• Communications professional

Students earning a bachelor's degree in humanities often choose a specific concentration for their studies. This may include a focus on education, philosophy or a certain geographic region.

Humanities degree curriculum and education options

Coursework for a degree in humanities will depend upon your intended career path. Those seeking to teach will need to complete education requirements along with their degree classes. Students who wish to pursue higher education in a field such as psychology will also need to tailor their undergraduate work to meet the prerequisites for the specific graduate program that interests them.

As virtual learning becomes increasingly popular, some adults are choosing to earn an online bachelor's degree in humanities. These programs can provide the same learning opportunities as on-campus classes, but courses can be completed in the comfort of your own home. If you have a job or family, an online bachelor's degree in humanities can allow you to pursue your education without missing any of life's important events.

Finding a job with a humanities degree

The question, "what can you do with a humanities degree?" is often asked by prospective students. However, the real question is, "what can't you do with a humanities degree?" Graduates with a background in humanities learn skills that are easily transferred. With a background in liberal arts and an emphasis on critical thinking, employers find that workers with a humanities degree are well-rounded and suitable for a variety of tasks.

Many of the fields that attract humanities graduates are expected to grow in the next decade. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for historians will increase by 11 percent from 2008-2018. Likewise, sociologists are expected to see increased demand with 22 percent growth.

In addition to being a growing field, a bachelor's degree in humanities could qualify you for a high-paying job. The 2009 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the following mean annual incomes for careers commonly pursued by humanities degree holders:

• Sociologists: $76,190
• Middle school teachers: $53,550
• Historians: $56,350
• Geographers: $71,420

As is often the case in many careers, those with more experience and greater education can earn higher incomes. To position yourself for success after graduation, look for college internship programs that can help you gain career experience in your chosen field and make you a more attractive candidate to employers. Discover how a humanities degree can give you the well-rounded education you'll need for a variety of jobs.

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