There’s an old joke on college campuses:
The science major asks, “Why does it work?” The engineering major asks, “How does it work?” The business major asks, “How much will it cost?”
The humanities major asks, “Do you want fries with that?”
Humanities majors study so many different subjects in college (a mix of the arts, history, literature, language, science, and philosophy), people assume it’s the major for kids who can’t make up their minds. While other grads spring into six-figure careers as soon as they graduate, humanities majors are the ones who end up flipping burgers.
The National Center for Education Statistics called out business as the most popular bachelor’s degree in America. The job market favors graduates who majored in science, tech, engineering, or math (STEM)—fields that pay well starting from the first paycheck. No wonder so many freshman choose majors like business and computer science—whether they care about those subjects or not. After all, you want to earn a degree that gets you a good job, right? Why not follow the money?
The Benefits of a Humanities Degree
But you’re going to college to earn more than a degree. At college, you learn how to learn so you can adapt to every possible future. The humanities can give you this vital adaptability. If you’re still trying decide what to study in college, here’s why you should consider being a humanities major:
You’ll Be Prepared for a Wide Range of Professions
As a humanities grad, you’ll have the tools and skills that every employer in every field wants, so you aren’t limited to one field. Reading literature and studying philosophy sharpens your analytical skills. Learning about history helps you make informed decisions. Having a knowledge of the arts helps you relate to a broader range of people. The humanities equip you in several disciplines, not just one, so you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.
You’ll Understand Yourself Better
If you’ve been dreaming of becoming a doctor since kindergarten, then majoring in pre-med is a no-brainer. But if you’re like most new students, you’ve got a sense of what you like doing, but you’re unsure of where you want to end up. Being a humanities major lets you build your raw skills while exploring different subjects. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a clearer picture of where you fit in the professional world.
You May Earn More Over Time
The Association of American Colleges & Universities released a report examining the income of graduates from different majors over time. STEM and other pre-professional majors earn more immediately after graduation. But humanities majors earn an average of $2000 more later in life than their STEM-major peers.
Being a humanities major doesn’t sentence you to work in a coffee shop for the rest of your life. In fact, majoring in the humanities can prepare you for your best possible life—a well-rounded, high-skilled life of work and service.
Would you like to learn more about a Humanities Major?
Bob Jones University offers a wide variety of degree opportunities, including a BA in Humanities. Click the links to the right to explore how BJU can help you prepare for a well-rounded future with a wide variety of employment options.
