Department of Humanities

At Central State University, the Department of Humanities plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission of fostering academic excellence and community engagement. We are dedicated to nurturing critical and independent thinkers through our diverse Bachelor of Arts, minor programs, and comprehensive General Education courses. Our commitment to both students and faculty is evident in the emphasis we place on their creative and professional development.

Our department proudly offers bachelor's degrees in English with concentrations in Literature and Pre-Law and Humanities — Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition, we provide a range of minors, including History, Pre-Law, Philosophy and Religion, Africana Studies, Literature, Environmental Humanities, and Gender and Sexuality Studies, each designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Unlock your future with a Humanities degree

Earning a four-year degree in the Humanities equips students with the essential skills and abilities that are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries, as well as by graduate and professional programs. The career possibilities for those who major in the Humanities are diverse, with popular pathways including management and marketing, healthcare, and even careers at the forefront of technological innovation.

Employers consistently seek out the skills that are honed through Humanities courses. In fact, surveys reveal that written communication skills top the list of attributes that employers prioritize in job candidates, with 80% of employers requiring proof of these skills before making a hiring decision. Other sought-after attributes include problem-solving, teamwork, analytical skills, verbal communication, leadership, attention to detail, and adaptability — all of which our curriculum is designed to develop.

Humanities majors thrive in the business world. Data shows that 15% of Humanities graduates move into management roles, 14% work in office and administrative positions, 13% excel in sales, and 10% find success in business and finance. In fact, managers in marketing, advertising, and public relations who studied liberal arts often earn significantly more than their peers with specialized degrees.

Leading tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, and Google recognize the value of a well-rounded education that includes a strong foundation in the Humanities. Take Bess Yount, a Stanford graduate with degrees in communication and sociology, who is now a marketing manager at Facebook. Her success story underscores the demand for professionals who bring a personal touch to the rapidly evolving tech industry, where skills like critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication are increasingly prized.

Google’s own research supports this trend. Analyzing data on hiring, firing, and promotions since 1998, Google found that the most important qualities in its top employees are not STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) expertise, but rather soft skills such as coaching, communication, empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to connect complex ideas. As a result, Google has shifted its hiring practices to include more Humanities majors and artists, recognizing the unique contributions they bring to the tech world.

The medical field also places a high value on applicants with backgrounds in the liberal arts and Humanities. Medical schools have long advocated for the inclusion of Humanities in pre-med education, and recent data from the American Association of Medical Colleges shows that Humanities majors have the highest acceptance rates into medical school — outpacing even those who major in biological sciences, math, and physical sciences.

A 2017 survey of over 700 medical students found that those with greater exposure to the Humanities scored higher on measures of empathy, wisdom, tolerance of ambiguity, resourcefulness, and emotional intelligence, and showed fewer signs of burnout. These findings underscore the importance of a Humanities education in preparing students not only to be competitive medical school applicants but also to become compassionate and effective medical professionals.

At Central State University, our commitment to fostering these essential skills ensures that our Humanities graduates are well-prepared to excel in a wide array of careers and to make meaningful contributions to society.