BA in Humanities

Humanities Program Overview

Our online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities program is designed for individuals who want to learn to think more critically, communicate more clearly, and problem-solve more effectively.

This program offers an intensive, multidisciplinary approach to understanding human cultures through study in the fields of art, communication, English, history, music, foreign languages, and other areas in the humanities. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be equipped with a well-rounded foundation of knowledge that prepares you to succeed in a diverse range of industries, whether you’re preparing to enter a new field or advance within your current position.

If you’re a working professional whose job or family commitments have kept you from completing a degree, this online program is ideal for you. As a student, you’ll earn the same esteemed degree as you would on campus, with the added convenience of learning fully online at your own pace.

Alumni Outcomes 

Human beings are at the heart of every business. As a graduate of our online BA in humanities program, you’ll possess a comprehensive knowledge base that will enable you to pursue countless career opportunities. Our alumni work for companies including:

  • NASA
  • Apple
  • Dell
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Chevron
  • State Farm

Careers for BA in Humanities Graduates

An online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from UT Permian Basin empowers you with knowledge and skills that will enhance your success in a broad range of roles, including:

Humanities General Education

Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements: communication (6 credits); U.S. history (6 credits), language, philosophy, and culture (3 credits); mathematics (3 or 4 credits); life and physical sciences (8 credits); political science (6 credits); creative arts (3 credits); component area (4 credits). No courses used to complete the general education requirements may also be used to complete the requirements for the tracks within the humanities major.

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
8 weeks
3
The study of art, its role in society, the creative process, and standards of artistic judgment.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1108 - Biology for Non Science Majors Laboratory
8 weeks
1
The laboratory will provide practical and interactive experiments and demonstrations of concepts covered in BIOL 1308.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
BIOL 1308 - Biology for Non-Science Majors
8 weeks
3
A survey of the fundamental principles that apply to living organisms. These include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, physiology, biodiversity, and ecology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 1115 - Communication Lab
8 weeks
1
Practical activities across the sub-disciplines of the field of communication.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Fall A 2025
COMM 1301 - Introduction to the Study of Communication
8 weeks
3
An introductory course that surveys the history, development, and future directions of the field of communication. Equal emphasis is placed on understanding application of theory to everyday situations and learning introductory approaches to research.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
COMM 1315 - Introduction to Public Speaking
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the theory and practice of public speaking, with an emphasis on invention, arrangement, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. Further emphasis is given to the reduction of anxieties associated with public speaking.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Summer A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025
ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
8 weeks
3
A description of major economic problems facing modern societies is presented together with how the capitalistic market system addresses these issues. The emphasis is on macroeconomics theory and practice.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
ECON 2302 - Principles of Microeconomics
8 weeks
3
Individual consumer and producer choices are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on supply and demand relationships, utility concepts, and cost and revenue curves as they relate to price theory and various forms of competition. Completion of ECON 2301 is recommended, but not required.
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2024
ENGL 1301 - Composition I
16 weeks
3
Composition I offers intensive instruction in the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading), emphasizing the recursive nature of the process and the importance of the relationship among writer, audience, and subject. The course will also explore the connection between writing and critical thinking and the usefulness of writing as a tool for learning in all fields of knowledge. Students enrolling in Composition I will be expected to have a good command of standard written English.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 1302 - Composition II
16 weeks
3
Composition II covers argument, rhetorical analysis and the research paper. In this course students analyze and respond to texts of various kinds through essays and research papers. Students will learn to defend their points of view by using textual evidence and strong rhetoric. Readings and exercises help student learn to write broad-minded, well-informed essays in polished academic prose that moves and educates the reader.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in the physical geological sciences.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1102 - Historical Geology Laboratory
8 weeks
1
Laboratory methods in historical geology, with emphasis on paleontology.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology
8 weeks
3
Survey of Earth’s structure, composition, and the dynamic processes that have resulted in the modern distribution of the Earth’s geographic regions, landforms, resources, and geologic hazards.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
GEOL 1302 - Historical Geology
8 weeks
3
Study of Earth’s origin, geologic time, and the major sequential physical and biological events that culminate in the modern distribution of ecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on the geological history of North America.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1301 - Physical Geology GEOL 1101 - Physical Geology Laboratory
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 1301 - History of the United States to 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from European colonization through Reconstruction.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 1302 - History of the United States Since 1877
16 weeks
3
A survey of major social, economic, and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
MATH 1314 - College Algebra
16 weeks
4
Study of quadratics, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and exponential functions; systems of equations; progressions; sequences and series; and matrices and determinants.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Whole Fall 2025
MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics I
16 weeks
3
Modern applications of mathematics including graph theory, optimization, data organization, and social decision models.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024
MATH 2412 - Precalculus
16 weeks
4
College algebra (sets, functions, relations, logic), trigonometry (circular functions, logarithms, and exponential functions), and analytic geometry (standard form conic sections).
Prerequisites: MATH 1314 - College Algebra MATH 1324 - Applications of Discrete Mathematics
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1301 - Jazz, Pop & Rock
8 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2305 - American National Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of American national political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in U.S. government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PLSC 2306 - State and Local Politics
8 weeks
3
An examination of state and local political institutions and processes. Satisfies state requirement in Texas government.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
PSYC 1301 - Introduction to Psychology
8 weeks
3
Foundation for the understanding of basic psychological principles affecting human behavior
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Whole Summer 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Whole Summer 2025 Summer B 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Spring A 2026 Spring B 2026 Summer A 2026 Whole Summer 2026 Summer B 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Spring A 2027 Spring B 2027 Summer A 2027 Whole Summer 2027 Summer B 2027 Whole Fall 2027 Fall A 2027 Fall B 2027 2028 Fall B 2028
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology
8 weeks
3
Students are introduced to the basic concepts and theories used to study the nature of social processes and the structure of society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Spring B 2024 Summer A 2024 Summer B 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024
Core

30 credit hours

Courses
Duration
Credits
HIST 2321 - World Civilizations to 1500
10 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their mutual influences through 1500.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations
16 weeks
3
A survey of the world's major civilizations and of their cultural, political, and economic interactions from roughly 1500 to modern globalization.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Fall 2024
ENGL 2322 - British Literature to 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works in British Literature from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Restoration and late 18th century.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2323 - British Literature Since 1800
16 weeks
3
Chronological survey of major works of British Literature from the late 18th century (about 1800) to the Modern Period.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2327 - American Literature to 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry through 1865.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 2328 - American Literature Since 1865
16 weeks
3
Chronological examination of writers, works, and movements in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from 1865 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Fall 2024 Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025
ENGL 3332 - Literature and Art
8 weeks
2
The study of art within the context of British Literature, American Literature, or Comparative Literature, with special emphasis on gender constructs.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Fall A 2025
ENGL 3333 - Literature & Mythology
16 weeks
3
The study of mythology within the context of British Literature, American Literature, or Comparative Literature.
Prerequisites: ENGL 1301 - Composition I ENGL 1302 - Composition II
Semesters Offered:
COMM 1318 - Interpersonal Communication
8 weeks
3
This course enables students to analyze and practice communication in one-on-one relationships. Topics include problem-solving, decision-making, working with diversity, information processing, understanding of self and others, and effective speaking and listening skills in interpersonal contexts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Fall A 2025
COMM 2302 - Rhetoric in Western Thought
8 weeks
3
Explores theories of rhetoric ranging from ancient Greece to modern times. Students examine different concepts of how rhetoric is a tool for public power as well as its use to transmit common ideas in the Western intellectual heritage.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered:
MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
8 weeks
3
A non-technical survey course designed for the intelligent appreciation of Western and non-Western music styles represented throughout history. Recordings, videos, and live performance help illustrate the influence of music within the various fine arts.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 3318 - Jazz History
8 weeks
3
The study of the jazz idiom from its roots in ragtime and blues, through swing, bop, cool, fusion, and free styles, to current trends in mainstream jazz.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
ARTS 1303 - Art History Survey I
8 weeks
3
A study of the history of art from prehistoric to the Renaissance.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
ARTS 1304 - Art History Survey II
8 weeks
3
A study of the history of art from the Renaissance to the post-modern era.
Prerequisites: ARTS 1303 - Art History Survey I
Semesters Offered: N/A
Humanities (BAC) Concentration

24 credit hours. Please consult with your faculty advisor regarding courses.

Courses
Duration
Credits
There are no Humanities (BAC) Concentration courses available.
Electives

Any 3300 or higher cannot be used in general ed. requirements, major or minor.

Courses
Duration
Credits
ARTS 3301 - Women Artists I
16 weeks
3
The study of women artists from ancient times to the early 1900s.
Prerequisites: ARTS 1303 - Art History Survey I ARTS 1304 - Art History Survey II
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 3310 - Modern Media in Society
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to the structure and content of contemporary communication media, as well as the ways those media interact with culture.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2025
COMM 3331 - Public Advocacy
8 weeks
3
Explores the public messaging strategy of corporations and other large organizations. Students investigate how research techniques used to identify public groups are transformed into message in various media. Emphasis is given both to relevant theoretical issues as well as to relevant professional skills.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
COMM 3370 - Research Methods
8 weeks
3
Introduces students to research methods used in the communication field. Topics may include quantitative methods, interpretive methods, textual and archival research, and computer-assisted techniques. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Spring B 2025
COMM 4323 - Dark Side of Communication
8 weeks
3
Explores the dark side of human interaction, including relational transgressions, interpersonal violence, deception, and hurtful messages.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
HIST 3341 - Colonial America
16 weeks
3
This course covers the colonial era in the United States from the earliest permanent settlement to the eve of the crisis with Great Britain, focusing on the main political, social, and cultural concerns of the era before American independence.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
HUMA 4301 - Virtual Reality
N/A
3
History, culture, and social dynamics of the phenomenon of “virtual worlds," and their influence on contemporary culture and society.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
HUMA 4302 - Film Music History
8 weeks
3
This course explores today’s leading art form. It traces the history of film music, its changing relationship to cinematography, and its inspiring future. Students will learn to critically discuss the language of film music and the many roles it plays in cinematic drama. Finally, participants will learn to document their aesthetic experience of major film scores.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 3310 - Jazz, Pop & Rock II
16 weeks
3
Historical introduction to jazz and the American popular song, including rock and roll. Corequisite(s): Meets concurrently with MUSI 2310 but requires additional coursework.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
MUSI 3316 - History of Music Education in America
N/A
3
The study of music education in American public schools from colonization to present.
Prerequisites: MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation MUSI 1311 - Music Theory and Aural Skills I
Semesters Offered: N/A
SPAN 1412 - A Beginning Course in Spanish II
16 weeks
4
A continuation of SPAN 1411. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1411 or one year of high school Spanish.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
SPAN 2312 - Intermediate Spanish II
16 weeks
3
A continuation of SPAN 2311. Further development of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Emphasis on comprehension, appreciation, and interpretation of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students acquire vocabulary and grammatical structures necessary to communicate and comprehend at the intermediate-high level, according to ACTFL guidelines. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2311, or three years of high school Spanish, or the required score from the CLEP in Spanish.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: N/A
SPAN 3321 - Hispanic Civilization
16 weeks
3
Currents and characteristics of Spanish culture and history as expressed through the centuries in literature, art, philosophy, and history. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3301 or instructor’s approval.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2024 Whole Spring 2025
Capstone Senior Project

Please consult with your faculty advisor regarding courses.

Courses
Duration
Credits
There are no Capstone Senior Project courses available.

Admission Requirements

The SAT and ACT Exams are optional for the 2023-2024 school year. Test scores will be used as supporting documents to determine admission and scholarship opportunities.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

  • Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
  • GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
    • Dual-credit high school courses must be included
  • Completed application

Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.

Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements

If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
  • Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
  • SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
  • Completed application

Official Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:

UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.

Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission

High School Graduation Class Rank SAT ACT
Top 25% No minimum score No minimum score
2nd Quarter 1020 20
3rd Quarter 1160 24
4th Quarter 1280 27

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.

If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.

Faculty Bio

Program Head for Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor of History
spickermann_r@utpb.edu

Dr. Spickermann is associate professor of history and the program head for humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences at UT Permian Basin. His recent research has focused on the history of adoption in 20th-century Germany. Dr. Spickermann came to UT Permian Basin in 2001 following 12 years teaching at universities in Michigan. He earned his doctoral degree at the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley.

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Spring1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/245/2/24
Spring A1/2/241/8/241/12/241/16/243/8/24
Spring B3/4/243/11/243/15/243/18/245/10/24
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Summer5/20/245/27/245/31/246/3/248/8/24
Summer A4/29/245/6/245/10/245/13/246/28/24
Summer B6/17/246/24/246/28/247/1/248/15/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Whole Fall8/12/248/19/248/23/24 8/26/2412/13/24
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
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