The value of the humanities as a degree path.
- Jozie Moll
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
For many people, the idea of intelligence and the concept of “being smart” largely stems from
someone's skill in mathematics and the sciences. Although those two things are necessary and
important for society, people tend to put them at a higher pedestal than other subjects;
specifically, the humanities. The humanities typically refers to subjects like English, history,
philosophy, gender studies, the arts, etc. These subjects are ones that people might typically be
wary of studying if they decide to pursue higher education, and this is because it's a common
belief that degrees in the humanities make it difficult to obtain a job after graduation. However,
in this day and age, it's becoming more apparent that the study of humanities is becoming more
important than ever.
Even though many people may assume that a degree in mathematics or the sciences might be
more useful for them in the future, it's important to remember that the humanities are just as vital
for mankind as a whole. According to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of
Illinois, “The humanities are vital to preserving the core of what makes us human... it's that
nebulous nature that make them such excellent choices.” This demonstrates how even if you
believe that studying a different degree might make you more likely to land a job in the future,
the benefit of studying humanities can't be denied. Not only do the humanities give us skills to
navigate life as a whole, but they're also a vital part about what makes us human in the first
place. Without the humanities, it would be very difficult for people to have the skills to
efficiently interact with others in the first place.
Although it's evident that the humanities are necessary to sustain human life, it's understandable
that people may be concerned about whether or not a job in the humanities field will be
sustainable, or even attainable at all. As the world has been changing dramatically over the years,
the ability to quickly adapt and respond to crises has become increasingly desirable to
employers; and people with humanities degrees are trained for this exact purpose. According to
The University of Oxford, “The business sector was the most common destination of humanities
graduates (21%)... 13% entered the legal profession... There was a notable increase over time of
graduates entering the ICT sector, particularly among women.” Not only do people with
humanities degrees find jobs, but they also find jobs in high paying sectors, like business and
law. This information can not only help reassure people looking to pursue a humanities degree,
but it can also help encourage people to look at this path in the first place.
With so many prospective college students worried about their future after graduation, it's
important to remind them that they still have options available. A humanities degree isn't an
“easy way out,” nor is it a less noble degree path than mathematics or science. While the action
of seeking higher education is a brave act in itself, every student should remember to seek the
path that's best for them; even if it's not the most conventional or common path to take.
Sources:
University of Oxford. “New Research Shows How Studying the Humanities Can Benefit Young
People’s Future Careers and Wider Society | University of Oxford.” Www.ox.ac.uk, 21 June
2023,
ng-people-s-future-careers.
“Why Study the Humanities? | Humanities at Illinois | Illinois.” Illinois.edu, 2021,
Jozie Moll, 12th grade
Instagram: jozie_moll
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