Our Humanities Degree Program at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, takes a unique approach to student education. The Humanities program is an interdisciplinary program made up of classes in three separate areas of study:
Classics
Philosophy
Religious Studies
The goal of the Humanities major is to help students deepen their understanding of themselves and our culture by exploring the ways human beings find meaning in our lives. We explore these ways by studying both our own individual insights and the artistic, philosophical, and religious works that have shaped human experience.
Why Study Humanities at Marshall?
The Humanities Degree Program is unique in two ways: students may choose course work equivalent to a major in a single department or create a broader curriculum of their choice from various humanities courses. Our program also has a strong interdisciplinary side, which allows students to learn from many great minds in different areas. The final degree certificate shows both the Humanities major and the departmental discipline.
Our Philosophy program is unique in the region in three ways. We offer courses in three of the major contemporary philosophical styles: Analytic, Continental, and Pragmatist philosophy.
We are part of the only interdisciplinary degree program in the area, team-teaching with the departments of Classics and Religious Studies, benefitting from the insights of three disciplines in studying historical and cultural contexts. Each Humanities major designs a “contract” with faculty, allowing students to play a large role in the selection of their program of studies during their time at Marshall.
Our faculty members are at the cutting edge of their various specialties, conducting adventurous research, and maintaining contact with a variety of leading philosophers. This creates an exciting environment for students, and unusual opportunities to make contacts and enter graduate school. Our graduates have gone on to study at nationally respected schools in Philosophy, English, Law, Divinity, and Art History.
Opportunities for Humanities Majors
Humanities majors can study in three different programs, offering a diverse and well-rounded look at Humanities.
Majoring in Humanities prepares students for employment or a post graduate education. Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and because we emphasize communication, writing, and problem-solving skills, our students are well prepared for their next step in West Virginia or throughout the region.
Classics: Here students will explore languages, history and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. These eras represent the beginnings of western culture that shape civilization today.
Philosophy: Students will investigate the nature of thinking, the ultimate nature of reality, and use the history of human thought to help figure out what we should focus on as a culture. Philosophy also trains our intellects and helps shape communication and problem solving. Studying philosophy enables us to participate better in the “dance of life,” appreciating the joyful aspects more fully, while steering through the difficult aspects more successfully.
Religious Studies: Students will examine beliefs about the nature of human beings and our place in the universe, our belief systems and how those effect cultures now and in the past.
Career Outlook for Humanities Majors
When a student majors in Humanities at Marshall University, the philosophical skills of reasoning, communication, and understanding lay the groundwork for a wide array of employment opportunities. Employers appreciate prospective employees who can solve problems imaginatively and who can communicate well with fellow employees, customers, and clients. The education we provide also allows students to smoothly transition to different types of careers throughout their lifetime due to its broad applicability.
The average mid-career salary for people with degrees in humanities compares favorably to successful jobs in today’s market. Among the careers Humanities students can obtain are:
Teacher – $61,660
Advertising Sales Agent – $53,310
Technical Writer – $72,850
Public Relations Manager – $116,180
Artist – $48,760
Editor – $61,370
Museum Curator – $49,850