Online Masters Degree in Humanities

The study of humanities can encompass a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, literature, music, philosophy and languages. A multidisciplinary humanities degree is designed to give you critical thinking experience as well as strong analytical and communication skills. With graduate degrees in humanities, you are building a strong foundation of knowledge that can lead you down a variety of career paths.

Earning master's degrees in humanities

Candidates for graduate programs in the humanities may hold bachelor's degrees in humanities or a number of other majors. For example, a degree in art history, English, writing, philosophy or religion could serve as the stepping stone to advanced studies in the humanities.

The curriculum typically depends on your plans for the future. You can focus on one particular discipline or explore diverse courses that introduce you to a broader scope of knowledge.

Core seminars may discuss rhetoric, society, politics, gender, ideology, aesthetics, or the history of literary criticism. Most master's degrees in humanities require a research project and thesis. Though many students opt for scholarly papers, some colleges are willing to accept a creative thesis, especially for specializations in the performing arts, literature, music and the like.

Career outlook and salaries

Studies in the humanities can start you on the path to a wide variety of careers. Here is a sampling of potential occupations for those with a background in the humanities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on the median annual salary from 2010 and employment growth projections from 2010 to 2020:

1. Art directors. Income: $80,630. Growth: 9 percent
2. Lawyers. Income: $112,760. Growth: 10 percent
3. Political scientists. Income: $107,420. Growth: 8 percent
4. Postsecondary teachers. Income: $62,050. Growth: 17 percent
5. Public relations managers and specialists. Income: $57,550. Growth: 21 percent
6. Writers and authors. Income: $55,420. Growth: 6 percent

For certain positions, work experience or specialized training may be needed in addition to your degree. A master's degree may open up your horizons in research or management or teaching positions at the community college level. Earning a Ph.D. in humanities can help you focus on one particular discipline, as well as offering opportunities in academia.

In many cases, degrees can be earned online, and a hybrid approach may also be available. With the flexibility of web-based programs, you can further your education while you gain on-the-job experience.

The study of humanities can encompass a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, literature, music, philosophy and languages. A multidisciplinary humanities degree is designed to give you critical thinking experience as well as strong analytical and communication skills. With graduate degrees in humanities, you are building a strong foundation of knowledge that can lead you down a variety of career paths.

Earning master's degrees in humanities

Candidates for graduate programs in the humanities may hold bachelor's degrees in humanities or a number of other majors. For example, a degree in art history, English, writing, philosophy or religion could serve as the stepping stone to advanced studies in the humanities.

The curriculum typically depends on your plans for the future. You can focus on one particular discipline or …