Why Humanities Degrees are Important

According to George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, the humanities are the “why” to science’s “how.” “I don’t think you can have the ‘how’ without the ‘why,’” he says. The title of “humanities” generally encompasses the fields of history, philosophy, theology, literature and occasionally communications and the fine arts. It can lead students who study one of these subjects in college into a variety of interesting, successful and rewarding careers; however, many students have doubts about majoring in a non-STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field. In fact, over the past decade, students earning degrees in the humanities have declined in number by 17%. So why get a bachelor’s degree in the humanities? 

At Concordia University, Nebraska, these categories are joined by several more items that would fall into the humanities category. Majors such as English, Geography, Journalism and Public Relations, Spanish, Classical Liberal Arts and World and Intercultural Studies also fit into this classification. In addition, the pre-seminary and pre-deaconess programs are humanities-related. Many opportunities for diverse study are undoubtedly included on this list. Students’ concerns, however, about pursuing one of these areas of study may relate to the possible need for graduate school to find a well-paying job or being able to find a job at all after spending considerable time and money on their undergraduate education.  

According to one article published by the University of Northern Colorado, however, “the kinds of things that folks in the humanities and the arts develop are the very things that corporations want in their employees.” This article is referring to something valuable that a humanities degree can instill in students: real-life skills.  

Although many humanities degrees may not have as clear-cut of a job ready for students after graduation – such as a pre-nursing student eventually becoming a nurse, for example – students gain skills in critical thinking, writing, empirical and quantitative reasoning and teamwork. When companies look to hire new employees, they consider the employee’s “soft skills” and people skills, asking whether the applicant will make a good addition to the company’s environment.  

Additionally, some students may appreciate the idea of having less defined career options for post-graduation employment. Humanities degrees in particular offer students wide-ranging experiences in the liberal arts, possibly directing them toward unexpected careers with unique organizations. Students with niche interests and the wish to pursue these interests creatively may find joy in a humanities-related program as well, which can set them up to receive a specialized graduate degree.  

For example, the famed Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas studied English literature at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. He decided to continue his education in law school, and today is the longest-serving member of the current Supreme Court, having held his position since 1991. Thomas’ case is only one of the many examples of highly successful people who began their postsecondary education with a humanities-related major.  

At Concordia, students have two unique humanities-related options in the university’s pre-seminary and pre-deaconess programs. These pre-professional programs ensure that students have met the requirements for matriculation into one of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s two U.S. seminaries, where men can study to become pastors and women to become deaconesses. These humanities students will define the next generation of church workers in the LCMS; this is a distinctive and necessary vocation.  

Above all, students should study in the field to which God calls them, whether this is in the humanities or a STEM subject. In addition, studying a subject in which one is interested rather than choosing a field of study for a future salary or ideal job prospects is generally much more fulfilling. So, if you are a prospective college student curious about how the humanities can shape you into a more well-rounded member of society and offer you unique opportunities for future careers, don't be afraid to explore what a humanities degree can lead you toward!  

Interested in humanities programs at Concordia University, Nebraska? Learn more here.