Explore a Career in Arts & Humanities | American Public University Skip Navigation Arts and Humanities at APU Apply Now Request Info Why Should You Enroll in an Arts and Humanities Program? Unlike other academic disciplines, arts and humanities programs are focused on analyzing human culture and the human experience. Taking classes in ancient and classical, American, or military history, for example, enables a student to make sense of and learn important lessons from past historical events. History courses also provide a way to resist duplicating the same logistical and behavioral mistakes of past leaders in the military and in politics. Similarly, literature classes typically offered as a part of an Arts and Humanities education encourage not only the study of different aspects of world literature but also allow learners to gain more insight into cultural traditions, human beings from different geographical areas, and writers' unique viewpoints. Through intellectual analysis, literature courses also promote a deeper understanding of humanity and life. Seeking a major in areas such as philosophy or religion provides students with the opportunity to explore, analyze, and debate various topics according to their own personal interests. Enrolling in this type of program provides students with a solid knowledgebase that can be used in the future. Why Is Online Education Helpful? As a college student, taking arts and humanities courses at an online university offers several benefits. The asynchronous format permits our University students to set their own schedules without a time-consuming trip to a physical campus, so that students may study at whatever time they find suitable – morning, afternoon, or evening. Some programs require in-person activity, including doctoral residencies, internships, practicums, proctored comprehensive exams, or class projects with in-person assignments. View your program of interest for specific requirements. The online library at the University also allows research to be easily conducted from any location with an internet connection. In addition, our online learning environment utilizes a multimedia format. Many of our classes use ebooks that can be easily accessed 24/7 in our online library (note: some graduate courses require students to acquire their own books). Information is also presented via other formats, such as videos and podcasts. This multimedia method of instruction enables adult learners with different learning styles to better absorb vital information about a variety of academic subjects. What Workplace Skills Can Be Acquired from an Arts and Humanities Program? Two of the most desired skills in today's workplace are oral and written communication. Communicating orally involves making speeches, podcasts, webinars, and in-person presentations for teaching information to customers, other employees, and C-suite executives. Today's communicators must know how to craft information on various subjects that suits a particular audience, and the communication courses provided in our arts and humanities programs help students to more easily refine that skill in the online classroom. Similarly, written communication is also a useful skill to possess. For example, today's arts and humanities graduates are required to create a host of written documents typically used for both internal and external business communication, including: Emails White papers PowerPoint or Prezi presentations Handbooks Press release for public relations efforts Reports Social media posts Meeting notes Blog, newspaper, or magazine articles These business documents often require creativity and research, which can be developed and improved in the online learning environment. In addition, writing-based professions typically require a deep understanding of technical writing, science-based writing, or business writing. As a result of the development of social media platforms and digital marketing, today's writers must also have a deep familiarity with not only the basic mechanics of writing such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but should also comprehend how writing can be tailored to attract the notice of search engines. Students enrolled in an arts and humanities program often participate in group projects as a part of the curriculum assigned by an associate professor or another department teacher. Through these projects assigned by teachers at the University, a student can practice and develop soft skills such as empathy, critical thinking, complex problem solving, teamwork, creative thinking, and leadership, as well as an innovation-based mindset. The Need for Foreign Language Skills The convenience of ecommerce has made it possible for many organizations to embrace diversity and conduct business with customers and partners in countries around the world. As a result, there is a need for workers who can converse, write, and read documents in non-English languages. Within the Arts and Humanities programs in our school, we offer courses for learning multiple languages, such as: Spanish German Russian French Portuguese Arabic Familiarity with another language and its nuances as well as that country's business culture, history, and traditions can be helpful information for anyone who seeks opportunities in global businesses or nonprofits both inside and outside the United Status. Career Opportunities for Arts and Humanities Graduates Seeking a major in the arts and humanities can help prepare a learner for various career options, according to their professional interests. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that arts and humanities majors are often employed in professions such as Art and graphic design Communication and public relations Education Management However, the skills that a learner at our school acquires by taking an arts and humanities degree or certificate program are not limited to just these fields; the information gained from an arts and humanities education can be applied to multiple industry fields. For instance, someone with an entrepreneurial spirit may find that developing the ability to clearly communicate verbally or in writing with employers, vendors, partners, and management proves useful. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , [Field of Degree: Liberal Arts, accessed January 2023] BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary. Arts and Humanities Student Organizations In addition to picking up useful skills in the online classroom, the University provides networking opportunities through clubs and honor societies. The University offers multiple student organizations for any student, staff, alumni, or faculty member interested in the arts and humanities, including: Historical Studies Honor Society – promoting the study of history Lambda Pi Eta Club Honor Society – recognizing achievement in communication studies Paranormal Activities Club – promoting the investigation of paranormal phenomena Performing Arts Enthusiasts and Practitioners – engaging fine arts enthusiasts, including artists, music lovers, theater performers, and dancers Photography Club – promoting the study of photography Psychology Club – engaging members who are studying psychology R.E.A.D. Book Club – advancing members' recognition of great books Saber and Scroll Historical Society – advancing the knowledge of history Top Degree Programs Communication Bachelor of Arts History Master of Arts Psychology Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies Associate of Arts All Related Programs AA, History AA, Interdisciplinary Studies AA, Military History BA, Communication BA, English BA, History BA, Human Development and Family Studies BA, Interdisciplinary Studies BA, Military History BA, Philosophy BA, Political Science BA, Psychology BA, Religion BA, Sociology MA, History | Capstone Option Practicum Option MA, Military History MA, Political Science MA, Psychology MA, Sociology American History American Revolution Ancient and Classical History Civil War Studies European History Nursing Education Nursing Leadership Organizational Crisis Management World War II Studies Mobile Security Workplace Initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Business Continuity Leadership Strategies for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Operational Crisis Management Teaching Adult Learners Online Hear From Arts and Humanities Faculty Members Dr. Bjorn Mercer Associate Professor, Communication and World Languages "Communication is one of the most flexible disciplines of study that students can take, because no matter what the technology, the need to communicate is constant." Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson Assistant Professor, Communications "The best writing is the raw writing, the emotional writing where people can really break down why something is important, how it can affect lives." Dr. Steven Wyre Assistant Professor, Philosophy "The reality is that philosophy majors are prized for their critical thinking and analytical skills. Philosophy majors also develop superior communication skills; they are capable of taking complex topics and breaking them down to explainable part." Previous Slide Next Slide Arts and Humanities Resources What Value Does a Philosophy Degree Have in the Real World? By Dr. Steven Wyre There are many reasons our students give for wanting to study philosophy, ranging from wanting to do well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) in preparation for law school to personal enlightenment. But what can anyone really do with a philosophy degree? Read Article Why Study Communication? By Dr. Bjorn Mercer The way individuals and organizations communicate has changed dramatically with the widespread adoption of social media. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Communication professors Dr. Alison Slade and Dr. Amanda McClain about their interest in the communication field and how quickly things have changed from traditional journalism to the rise of YouTubers and influencers. Listen to Podcast Seasonal Affective Disorder and How to Overcome Its Symptoms By Daniel G. Graetzer, Ph.D. During the long winter months, do you feel sluggish or have a low energy level? Has your appetite decreased or do you require more sleep than normal, but you do not understand why? One major cause of winter depression is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Read Article Additional Arts and Humanities Resources Articles, Podcasts & More See a full list of resources for prospective arts and humanities professionals. Explore Additional Resources Frequently Asked Questions According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top professions of those holding a degree within the arts and humanities include art and design, communication and public relations, education and management. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [Field of Degree: Liberal Arts, accessed January 2023] BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary. We offer flexibility and convenience to our students, which is especially beneficial for working professionals. Our courses are taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to educating the next generation of leaders. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and many individual programs hold industry-specific accreditations. No, your bachelor's degree does not have to be in a specific subject area to apply for acceptance into one of the master's programs within the arts and humanities. Our students come to us with degrees in a variety of fields. Yes! APU is committed to awarding as much transfer credit as possible. Beyond traditional academic credit, we also award credit for military experience, professional training and certification. Additionally, you have the possibility to earn credit for your life experience through our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. Next Steps Courses Start Monthly Next Courses Start May 4 Register By May 1 Apply Now Request Info Call: 877-755-2787 Chat: Live chat