Submitted by Jeanne Steffener, Tulalip Tribes Higher Education
Your first question might be, “What is Humanities?” The humanities are academic disciplines that study human culture. The humanities use methods that are primarily critical or speculative and have a significant historical element.
The emphasis of the humanities is on art, writing, literature, philosophy, religion, music, ethics, foreign language, theatre or speech. A major in the humanities can include history, psychology, sociology, women and gender studies, political science, anthropology, economics and geography. In the humanities, you will study all areas of society from past events and achievements to human behavior and relationships among groups. You will also learn how to learn with emphasis on developing research skills, reading, writing and thinking through abstract problems.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in the humanities introduces students to a broad spectrum of human behavior, thoughts and values. Students in this program become well-versed in not only their subject but are great communicators, excellent writers, extremely good at problem-solving and critical thinking. They often love the arts and people too. These qualities can often transition into a variety of job options. This area of concentration is ideal for those who seek flexibility and wish to broaden their cultural awareness and critical thinking skills. It can lead to future studies in law, medicine and business. Teaching certification is also preceded by liberal arts or humanities degree.
Many jobs in policy, research or marketing are good avenues for humanities graduates. Other popular career choices include advertising, Foreign Service, journalism, lobbyist, law, public administration and publishing. In fact, you will find successful humanities students in every area of human endeavor. Working for the FBI might seem far-fetched but the FBI needs people who know how to read and interact with others. Knowledge of cultures and languages can be an asset in this career.
Many humanities majors enter a graduate program. A humanities degree in conjunction with law school, journalism school, seminary, education and even an MBA can be exciting combinations. Also, humanities degrees have been proven as excellent training ground for the GRE (Graduate Records Exam), LSAT (Law School Admittance Exam) and other required graduate level entrance exams.
In fact, if you have a passion for your studies, you will find your own path in life. Money in itself should not be the end goal; it should be the means to that end you desire. If you look around, there are many rich and famous people who started out with a humanities degree. Because they started out with a well rounded education and the ability to think critically and problem solve, they were able to turn their passion into a successful vocation.
Have you reached a cross-road in your life and are looking to make a change? Come speak with staff in the Higher ED department and we can assist you with finding what educational options are open to you. Give us a call at 360-716-4888 or email us at highered@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.