What can you do with a Humanities and Humanistic Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 82 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 50%, Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-17%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 50%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 23% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 47%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2017 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Humanities and Humanistic Studies. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Production Assistant
Wind Blown Jewelry
Oct 2017 - Mar 2020
The position of Production Assistant at Wind Blown Jewelry does not require any knowledge or skills from a BA in Humanities and Humanistic Studies, which is unrelated to jewelry production.

Whole30 Certified Coach
Whole30
Jun 2019 - Jun 2020
As a Whole30 Certified Coach, there may be some indirect relevance to humanities in terms of cultural understanding and human behavior, but the role primarily focuses on nutrition coaching, which is not directly related to the degree.

Operations Manager
Bull City Talent Group
Jun 2022 - Present
The role of Operations Manager at Bull City Talent Group likely utilizes skills related to humanistic studies such as organization, team dynamics, and understanding diverse human perspectives, making it directly relevant.

ABOUT

Experienced Legal Assistant with a demonstrated history of working in the legal services industry. Skilled in Research, Microsoft Excel, Management, Customer Service, and Microsoft Word. Strong legal professional with a Bachelor of Arts - BA focused in Humanities/Humanistic Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

What jobs can you get with a Humanities and Humanistic Studies degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the job paths of individuals who graduated with a degree in Humanities and Humanistic Studies, it's pretty mixed when it comes to how relevant their jobs are to their degree. A lot of people who studied humanities seem to end up in roles that aren't directly related to what they learned in school. Some common positions include roles in customer service, education, and various administrative functions, but many of these roles, like bartending or working as a server, don’t really require a deep understanding of humanistic principles. It's interesting to see how degrees in humanities can open doors, but sometimes those doors lead to areas that feel pretty far removed from the academic focus.

One of the standout fields for those with a humanities background is education. Many graduates go on to become teachers or educational coordinators, and these positions directly utilize principles from their studies, such as understanding diverse perspectives and effective communication. For example, roles like a Special Education Teacher Assistant or an Assistant Learning Specialist leverage skills developed through a humanities education to better support various learning needs. This kind of application shows how humanities can shape really impactful careers, especially in educational settings.

On the flip side, many people have ended up in jobs like administrative roles, customer service, or project management, where the connection to their degree is less clear. For instance, you see a lot of customer service positions or various management roles that might benefit from soft skills like communication and organization but don’t necessarily require the nuanced understanding of society, culture, or ethics that a humanities degree provides. So, while those skills are valuable, it's kind of sad to see them not being fully utilized in many of these jobs.

There are definitely exceptions, especially in roles within media, arts, and nonprofit organizations. Jobs like being a documentary filmmaker or working as a campaign manager for environmental causes often relate closely to the educational background in humanities. They allow people to use their storytelling and advocacy skills in meaningful ways that align directly with their studies. But overall, it seems like there’s a big spectrum—some grads really find their niche in settings that resonate with their education, while others drift into areas where their skills might only be tangentially useful.

In conclusion, the journey after a humanities degree shows both the potential and challenges that come with such a broad field of study. Many graduates find fulfilling work, especially in education and nonprofit sectors, while others may feel like their skills are underutilized in various operational or service-oriented roles. It’s a reminder that while a degree in Humanities can offer valuable insights into human behavior and cultures, the job market often steers graduates down paths that don’t fully reflect the depths of their educational experiences.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we dive into the career trajectories of graduates from programs in Humanities and Humanistic Studies, it's clear that their paths can vary widely—some succeed in fields tied closely to their studies, while others venture down unexpected routes. For many, the first jobs they take can range from internships in education or service roles to positions like teaching assistants or content creators. These first jobs often lay the groundwork for their future careers, but they don't always align directly with the humanities focus. Over time, as we look at their careers five to ten years later, there tends to be a mix of roles that remain related to the humanities and careers that seem far removed from it.

For instance, a few graduates ventured into education, such as special education teacher assistants or learning specialists, making use of their communication skills cultivated during their studies. Others have become involved in creative fields like documentary filmmaking, marketing, or even acting, which can both benefit from and enrich the training received in humanities programs. However, a significant number found their way into roles such as administrative assistants, managers, or operations specialists—positions that reflect a more traditional corporate environment, sometimes disconnected from the core of humanities education. It appears that not everyone finds a direct route that utilizes their degree fully; many instead navigate toward more pragmatic job markets that might not directly draw upon their studies.

Overall, this blend of job roles speaks to a broader trend in the humanities field. Many of these graduates start out with dreams and aspirations that connect to their studies but may pivot to roles that prioritize stability and employment over personal passion. This could indicate a resilient adaptability to job market demands, yet it also raises questions about the alignment between higher education in humanities and actual job opportunities in more traditional career paths. While there are certainly examples of individuals thriving in related occupations, many appear to settle for jobs that, while stable, may not fully capitalize on their educational backgrounds. It’s a mixed bag; some definitely hit it off in careers relevant to their major, but many seem to find success in areas that didn't necessarily require their degree at all.

How hard is a Humanities and Humanistic Studies degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Humanistic Studies can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, and honestly, it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love reading, writing, and diving deep into human experiences and cultures, you might find it pretty enjoyable and not too strenuous. On average, it’s often considered a bit easier than more technical degrees like engineering or computer science, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. You’ll still face challenges, especially with critical thinking, analyzing texts, and making solid arguments in your papers. So, if you're passionate about the subject, you'll probably find it more engaging than tough, but don’t be fooled—there’s still a fair amount of work involved!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Humanities and Humanistic Studies.

Do Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these Humanities and Humanistic Studies grads, it's a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some folks have climbed the ladder really well; for example, the ones who landed roles at Meta and Nationwide seem to be in solid positions now that likely come with good salaries. On the flip side, many others are working in roles like teaching, bartending, or in internships that might not pay all that well. Although some of these jobs can be fulfilling and have growth potential, it doesn't look like every grad has struck gold in terms of salary.

Overall, it seems like there are opportunities out there, particularly for those who found niches in tech or healthcare, but others are still figuring things out in entry-level roles or freelance gigs, which can be more unpredictable in terms of income. So, while some are likely doing well, others might be facing financial challenges. It just goes to show that the path you take after college can really shape your financial future!

What buzzwords do Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Humanities and Humanistic Studies. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Humanities and Humanistic Studies?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Humanities and Humanistic Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Humanities and Humanistic Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count