Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs

Earning a college degree in an area of the liberal arts and humanities, such as languages, general studies, writing, humanities, linguistics, theology or philosophy, can prepare students for a number career and higher education opportunities. Students can earn a general humanities degree, but there are a variety of specialties students can also choose, including:

• Classical Studies: Ancient Greek and Roman literature, culture, and art
• Language and Literature: Classics, languages, rhetoric, writing, and comparative literature
• Linguistic Studies: Linguistics, analysis, and translation
• Philosophy and Ethics: Philosophical writing from historical to modern time, specific philosophic subjects, and analysis and interpretation of arguments
• Religious Studies: Religious history, religious leadership and counseling, and theology
• Performing Arts: Theatrical arts, music theory, and theatrical production
• Visual Arts: Sculpture, painting, photography, and drawing
• Art History: Art history students do not create artwork but rather study the history of art. Individuals with art history degrees can teach, work for museums, and preserve artwork

For people interested in pursuing a career in art or currently involved in the profession, being trained in an art studio can help them improve their artistic abilities. Studying art history can possibly increase an individual's creativity and ideas.

Online Degrees in Liberal Arts & Humanities

The following is a selection of popular liberal arts areas of study, along with links to more information. To learn more about a specific area of study, simply make your selection below.

Making your Liberal Arts Education Pay

In 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that an estimated 238,000 people worked in industries specializing in art and design. A little over 60 percent of these professionals ran their own businesses. About 87,000 of these professionals were employed by companies specializing in multimedia art and technology. A large percentage of liberal arts and humanities graduates find fulfilling jobs in the fine arts and esign. It is estimated that job growth in fields for art and design professionals will rise over 16 percent through 2020, surpassing the country's average job growth rate in other career fields.

Salaries for people educated and trained to work in design and art varies according to experience, specialty, and geographic region. In 2012, art directors averaged salaries around $83,000 while multi-media specialists averaged $65,000 annually.

Teaching: An Option That Provides A Steady Paycheck

Aspiring artists, writers, and musicians need consistent pay while they pursue their dreams. A great option is to begin a career in teaching. Individuals interested in teaching students between kindergarten and high school ages must obtain a bachelor's degree and often are required to student teach before they are licensed. According to the BLS, every state legislature and the District of Columbia mandate that teachers working in public school districts become licensed. In 2012, median annual salaries for instructors teaching students between kindergarten and high school ages fell between $43,580-48,690. Over 50 percent of these teachers are members of unions. Individuals interested in teaching at a college level need to complete post undergraduate study while professors desiring to receive tenure at a college or university are usually required to possess PhDs. Earning a degree in liberal arts and humanities is good preparation for a career in teaching.