Why pursue an education in humanities?
Contrary to common perceptions that a humanities degree is less practical than a STEM degree, the skills you’ll develop through a humanities education are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s world. According to the US. Department of Labor, the most desired soft skills include oral and written communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In fact, employers today report a lack of these essential soft skills in the job market.
For professionals looking to strengthen these practical and incredibly versatile skills in a competitive job market, there’s no more effective way to take advantage of the soft skills gap than earning a humanities degree. In this article, we’ll explore the impact a humanities education has on two essential life skills: critical thinking and problem-solving.
Cultivating Independent Thought
One of the primary benefits of a humanities education is the cultivation of critical thinking. For example, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities takes a multidisciplinary and well-rounded approach to subjects like:
- writing and literature
- communication and public speaking
- history and culture
- foreign languages
- music and the arts
- philosophy and social sciences
- physical sciences
As a humanities student, you’ll learn how to analyze texts, interpret historical events, and engage with philosophical debates. Additionally, you’ll acquire the skills needed to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate evidence critically. This analytic process promotes independent thought and well-reasoned arguments that can benefit you in countless career paths—and even daily interactions.
You’ll also dive deeply into cultural and social contexts, which is vital for critical thinking and understanding multiple, often controversial perspectives. For instance, in many of our literature courses, you’ll examine characters’ motivations and societal influences, enabling you to better understand the nuances and complexities of human behavior. This kind of skill makes you highly valuable in numerous professional settings.
Solving Real-Life Problems
While we often equate problem-solving skills with technical knowledge, a humanities education teaches you how to navigate and analyze causes and consequences. For example, the study of history involves analyzing past events to understand what happened and come up with solutions to contemporary issues. The ability to creatively draw connections between different fields of knowledge and apply interdisciplinary approaches is a hallmark of a humanities education. This skill is particularly relevant in a world where problems are rarely confined to a single discipline.
Philosophy courses, with their focus on logical reasoning and ethical dilemmas, further enhance your problem-solving and reasoning abilities. By engaging with complex questions and developing coherent arguments, students learn to approach problems methodically and creatively. This skill is essential for careers that require innovative thinking, leadership, and strategic planning.
Versatility and Career Diversity
As a humanities student, you’ll certainly reap the communication and analytical skills that can ease your navigation of day-to-day problems. But these versatile skills can also open doors to a wide range of careers. The ability to think critically and solve problems effectively are highly valued in fields such as:
- law
- education
- journalism
- public service
Humanities majors are not limited to academic or cultural institutions but can also thrive in business, technology, and healthcare industries.
Excel in Multiple Fields With an Online UTPB Humanities Degree
By fostering an understanding of cultural and social contexts, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, and promoting versatile skill sets, a humanities education can be an invaluable asset in an increasingly complex world. In fact, LinkedIn lists some of the top workplace skills in 2024 as adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and research: all skills you’ll develop with a humanities degree.
Flexible Online Learning
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities offers a well-rounded and comprehensive education that equips you with skills highly valuable in a competitive job market. Take it from one of our humanities graduates:
“I am confident that the valuable education I receive here from the incredible professors will serve me in my profession as an educator and law student.”
Our graduates work in diverse and reputable companies, such as:
- NASA
- Dell
- Fidelity Investment
- Apple
Best of all, you can study from anywhere in the world, on your own terms: Classes are synchronous and entirely online.
Become an invaluable asset in today’s world with a humanities degree. Apply here.