Academic support programs, (e.g., Educational Advancement Program, Upward Bound)
School and community libraries
K-12 schools, public and private
Head Start programs
Private learning centers
Test preparation organizations
Adult education programs, (e.g., those focusing on GED preparation)
Nonprofit organizations including those promoting literacy, (e.g., VISTA)
Language institutes, local and abroad
Museums
Strategies
Earn a Ph.D. to teach and research at four-year institutions. Some two-year institutions may accept a master’s degree. The interdisciplinary nature of liberal arts and humanities is good preparation for advanced education in a variety of fields.
Obtain a master’s degree in student affairs, higher education administration, or library/ information science to prepare for those fields.
If interested in K-12 teaching, fulfill requirements for certification. This may involve a double major or a minor. Research alternative paths to certification such as Teach for America and other similar programs.
Get involved in leadership roles on campus including peer mentor, resident advisor, orientation leader, or tutor.
Volunteer with community organizations.
Join related professional associations as a student member.
Develop strong communication, public speaking, and foreign language skills. Build cultural competence.
Secure strong recommendations from faculty, and maintain a high grade point average. Assist a professor with research or take an independent study class to develop research skills.
Advocacy
Domestic and International Advocacy
Humanitarian Services
Development:
Economic
Community
Housing
Disaster/Disease Relief
HIV/AIDS Advocacy
Policy Development
Program Administration
Education
Volunteer Coordination
Grant Writing
Fundraising/Development
Research
Employers
Community action agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Private voluntary organizations
Faith based organizations (FBO’s)
International aid and relief organizations
Non-governmental Organizations (NGO’s), (e.g., International Red Cross)
Federal government agencies with an international focus, (e.g., Peace Corps, USAID) or community assistance focus, (e.g., Americorps)
State and local government agencies
Research organizations
Strategies
Gain experience through extensive volunteering or by completing an internship; these experiences are critical to finding full-time positions.
Participate in an international service learning experience or church-led mission trip.
Get involved with cultural events or organizations on campus.
Take additional courses in social work, global studies, or other relevant areas.
Develop excellent research, writing, communication, and organizational skills. Learn how to motivate individuals and groups.
Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours. It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and committed to the work you’re going to do.
Social Services
Counseling
Psychotherapy
Mental Health Services
Case Management
Programming
Community Relations
Fundraising/Development
Administration
Employers
Mental health institutions
Hospitals and clinics
Residential treatment facilities
Private and group practice
Correctional institutions
Federal, state, or local government:
Department of Human Services
Organizations that aid immigrants, migrant workers, and refugees or focus on cultural issues
Youth organizations and camps, (e.g., the Y and Boys and Girls Clubs).
Nonprofit and social services organizations:
United Way
Goodwill Industries
Salvation Army
Church-based programs
Strategies
Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology, social work, or child and family studies.
Obtain a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, or social work for increased counseling opportunities or advancement into administrative work.
Gain essential practical experience through part-time or summer jobs and internships.
Volunteer with organizations that assist people of diverse backgrounds.
Participate in training opportunities, (e.g., suicide prevention or crisis hotline response).
Acquire knowledge of government and community resources available for those in need.
Media and Arts
Journalism
Creative Writing
Freelance Writing
Copy Writing
Editing
Research and Analysis
Broadcasting:
Television
Radio
Media Sales
Museum Work
Arts Programming
Art Sales
Fundraising/Development
Employers
Newspapers
Magazines
Broadcast media companies including television and movie industry
Radio stations
Foreign news agencies
Trade, professional, or consumer publications
Internet marketing sites
Advertising agencies
Publishing houses
Large corporations
Museums
Galleries
Organizations and centers devoted to the promotion of the arts
Smithsonian Institution
Self-employed, freelance
Strategies
Study a second field such as journalism, English, or broadcasting to prepare for a career in media.
For positions in the arts, consider a minor in art history. Plan to pursue a relevant graduate degree such as museum studies.
Write for campus publications such as college newspapers, magazines, or department/program newsletters. Work at campus radio or television stations.
Use your interests and communication skills to write about topics of interest for specific publications, (e.g., local sport magazines).
Intern with a publishing house, magazine, radio or television station depending upon area of interest.
Create a portfolio of writing samples, especially those that have been published. For other areas, create a website or digital portfolio to promote skills to potential employers.
Seek opportunities for recognition and networking through writing contests and freelance writing submissions.
Become familiar with the proposal and submission process involved in freelance writing.
Law and Government
Law:
Corporate Practice
Public Interest Law
Civil Law
Lobbying
Government Relations
Elected or Appointed Leadership
Public Policy
Research
Intelligence
Campaign Management
Special Interest Advocacy
Program Administration
Employers
Law firms
Corporate legal departments
Public defenders offices
District attorneys
Public interest groups
Civil rights organizations
Legal aid
Sole practitioner
Government agencies
Lobbying groups
Strategies
Obtain the J.D. for law positions or an advanced degree in public administration, public policy, or international relations for government positions.
Supplement curriculum with relevant courses to prepare for law school.
Participate in activities that develop strong debate and public speaking skills such as mock trial.
Get involved with the pre-law society on campus.
Gain relevant experience through jobs or internships with law firms, government agencies, or mediation centers.
Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations.
Prepare for and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Apply for federal government internship programs while in school.
The Foreign Service requires passage of the Foreign Service Exam, after obtaining a master’s degree or significant work experience.
Business
Financial Services and Banking
Management
Customer Service
Sales and Marketing
Advertising and Public Relations
Human Resources
Training and Development
Equity and Diversity Functions
International Business
Importing/Exporting
Travel and Tourism
Consulting
Employers
Public and private corporations in various industries:
Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies
Retail stores
Hotels and restaurants
Consumer goods manufacturers
Multinational businesses
Staffing agencies
Consulting firms
Market research firms
Public relations agencies
Travel agencies and tour operators
Convention and visitors’ bureaus
Strategies
Double major or minor in business.
Gain business experience through internships or part-time and summer jobs.
Join campus organizations or professional societies and seek leadership roles.
Understand the skills employers’ desire and be prepared to demonstrate them, such as communication (oral and written), computer, interpersonal, leadership, and teamwork.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals to learn more about career fields.
Earn an MBA or a graduate degree in another area of interest for more advanced opportunities.
When job searching, seek employers interested in hiring “any major.”
For international assignments, plan to start in U.S. based positions and gain experience with the company/industry. Usually more seasoned employees are given international assignments.
General Information
Liberal studies and humanities provide an interdisciplinary background that helps students develop analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills while gaining knowledge about American and foreign cultures and histories.
When paired with a major in another field, humanities can enhance the employability of a student because of a deeper understanding of cultural and historical backgrounds and analytical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
Because liberal studies and humanities are broad-based, interdisciplinary majors, it is important to develop skills relevant to targeted fields through internships, part-time or summer jobs, or volunteer experiences.
These majors are excellent candidates for a number of graduate school options because of their broad liberal arts background as well as specific interests that may set them apart from other students. For those wishing to pursue graduate education, maintain a high GPA, establish relationships with faculty to secure strong recommendations, and gain experience through volunteer, work, or research opportunities.
