What Can You Do With a Humanities Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Why pursue a humanities degree in 2025? 

In 2025, pursuing a humanities degree offers unique advantages in a rapidly evolving job market. It develops critical thinking, communication, and cultural literacy, skills that are in demand across sectors such as education, public policy, technology, and the arts.

A fast-track online humanities degree is particularly well-suited for students who are curious about the human experience and enjoy analyzing ideas, cultures, and social systems. Through the degree's coursework,  students examine historical events, ethical questions, literary works, artistic movements, and social dynamics. 

Pursuing a humanities degree can also be a deeply fulfilling path. A 2023 study by the University of Oxford found that over 70% of humanities graduates reported high levels of job satisfaction. This is rooted in valuing personal growth and meaningful work over salary.

What transferable skills do you gain from a humanities degree?

Many students pursuing a humanities degree assume that employers primarily value technical expertise or narrow job-specific skills. Yet there’s often a huge disconnect between what students think employers want and what employers consistently say they want.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), over 90% of employers prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Humanities programs are uniquely positioned to develop these competencies through analyzing texts, debating ideas, and exploring human behavior across cultures. 

In fact, salary outcomes also highlight the value of these skills. For example, looking at an anthropology degree salary shows that while pay can vary based on role and industry, graduates often leverage their critical analysis, research, and cross-cultural communication skills in fields ranging from education and public service to corporate consulting.

These broad abilities translate into concrete, transferable skills that prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including:

• Critical Analysis and Interpretation: Evaluate complex information, trends, and arguments.
• Advanced Writing: Communicate ideas persuasively in reports, presentations, and digital content. These skills are highly sought in communications, nonprofit, and media sectors.
• Research and Data Synthesis: Conduct in-depth research, assess credibility, and synthesize information. These skills are applicable in UX research, market analysis, and education.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Generate innovative solutions by examining challenges from historical, ethical, and cultural perspectives.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Navigate diverse teams and global projects effectively. Graduates with these skills often excel in international relations, corporate strategy, and human resources.
• Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making: Address moral and social dilemmas thoughtfully. These are key assets in law, public policy, and leadership roles.
• Project Planning and Management: Organize long-term projects, coordinate teams, and meet deadlines. These are essential in marketing campaigns, events, and organizational management.

What career options are available with a humanities degree in 2025?

A humanities degree is a launchpad for understanding people, society, and culture in ways that directly shape the workplace. In a world where technology and global interaction dominate, these human-centered skills give graduates an edge in roles that require insight, creativity, and adaptability. 

In 2025, humanities graduates can pursue a wide range of career paths across various sectors, including:

• Education and Academia: Graduates can take teaching roles in secondary and tertiary institutions. Some graduates also enroll in fast-track doctorate programs in educational policy online to prepare for senior administrative or research roles.
• Human Resources: This includes positions like HR assistant, employee relations specialist, and administrative roles in various organizations.
• Creative and Media Industries: The degree creates opportunities in graphic design, multimedia arts, and content creation. In fact, many students exploring what can you do with a graphic design degree will find overlapping opportunities with humanities pathways, as both emphasize creativity, cultural awareness, and effective communication skills.
• Public Service: After completion, graduates can take on roles such as community extension associate and campus minister. They focus on social impact and community development.
• Corporate Sector: This covers positions in various departments, including marketing, communications, and customer service. Humanities graduates in this field can apply their skills in communication and problem-solving.

What is the average salary for humanities graduates in 2025?

The average annual salary for a humanities degree holder in the United States is about $54,258. Starting salaries are generally lower than in some other fields, averaging around $50,681 for entry-level roles. Even so, there is strong potential for career growth. Earnings increase as graduates gain experience, specialize, or take on leadership positions.

Humanities graduates also find fulfilling careers in various sectors. Human Resources Managers with the shortest human resource management master's degree online can earn a median annual salary of approximately $140,030. Regulatory Affairs Managers typically earn between $115,444 and $187,282. Meanwhile, Proposal Managers can expect salaries ranging from $85,090 to $130,616, with top earners reaching up to $158,401.

What is the job outlook for humanities degree holders in 2025?

The job outlook for humanities degree holders remains promising. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, about 170 million new jobs are expected this decade. Many of these roles will prioritize human-centric skills, including communication, empathy, and critical thinking.

Furthermore, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reports that 96.3% of humanities bachelor’s degree holders between the ages of 23 and 32 are fully employed. This employment rate is comparable to that of graduates in the same age range across all fields.

Early-career unemployment for humanities majors may be slightly higher than for other fields. However, this varies widely by location and level of education. For example, humanities graduates in Virginia report an unemployment rate of around 3%. Meanwhile, those who pursue advanced degrees tend to experience lower unemployment than peers with only a bachelor’s degree.

For those considering teaching, factors like region and specialization can influence employment rate and pay levels, and exploring options such as an alternative teacher certification salary can give graduates a clearer sense of their potential earnings in the education sector.

Which industries hire the most humanities graduates in 2025?

Humanities graduates are employed in diverse sectors, with notable representation in education, media, law, and business. The legal profession values the analytical and communication skills honed through humanities studies. In fact, a significant percentage of college graduates employed in the legal field majored in the humanities.

Furthermore, as industries recognize the value of human-centered skills, humanities and fast-track liberal arts degree online graduates are entering emerging fields like artificial intelligence. Companies such as Google and Anthropic emphasize the importance of humanities-trained professionals in designing AI models that meet ethical standards and societal needs.

What are the most common graduate school paths after a humanities degree?

According to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, about 42% of humanities graduates go on to earn an advanced degree. Many do so to gain specialized skills or expand career opportunities. Further study strengthens career prospects and increases long-term earning potential.

The most common graduate school paths include:

• Law School: Many humanities majors leverage their strong analytical and communication skills to pursue careers in law.
• Master’s in Education: Graduates often seek teaching credentials or advanced degrees in education for careers in K–12 or higher education. Some also pursue an accelerated master’s in adult education online to gain specialized skills and flexible learning options.
• Public Policy or International Relations: Programs in these fields appeal to those interested in government, NGOs, or global affairs.
• Business or Management (MBA): Some humanities graduates transition into business, using their critical thinking and communication skills in management roles.
• Master’s in Arts or Humanities: Pursuing an MA or MFA opens opportunities for roles in academia, research, or creative professions.

What certifications boost job prospects for humanities graduates?

Humanities graduates can turn their storytelling, analysis, and communication talents into tangible career assets through targeted certifications. Certifications that strengthen job prospects for humanities graduates include:

• Project Management: PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM
• Digital Marketing: Google Analytics, HubSpot Content Marketing, Facebook Blueprint
• Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel Specialist, Tableau, Google Data Analytics Certificate
• UX/UI Design: NN/g UX Certification, Coursera UX Design. Many who complete UX/UI certifications also discover pathways into user experience jobs, where skills in communication, empathy, and design thinking overlap directly with humanities training.
• Writing and Editing: Technical Writing Certification, Copyediting Certificate

Ninety-one percent (91%) of hiring managers consider certification an important hiring criterion. Certifications are increasingly recognized as proof of practical skills and professional expertise. This highlights how earning relevant credentials can make humanities graduates more attractive to employers.

What global career opportunities are open to humanities majors?

Humanities graduates are increasingly in demand worldwide because of their skills. The cultural and creative sectors employ over 30 million people globally, many of whom hold degrees in humanities or related fields. These graduates are well-equipped to work across international organizations, nonprofits, and multinational companies. They bring valuable skills for navigating diverse perspectives and solving complex problems.

International organizations recruit humanities majors for their expertise in analysis, policy, and cross-cultural communication. For example, the United Nations employs thousands of graduates in roles related to human rights, diplomacy, and program management.

In the corporate world, multinational companies value humanities-trained professionals for their cultural insight and communication skills. A 2023 survey by Oxford University found that 21% of humanities graduates work in international business or consulting roles. Graduates can leverage these opportunities by combining their analytical and intercultural skills to manage global projects.

Is a humanities degree worth it in 2025 for long-term career growth?

While starting salaries may be lower than in some STEM or business fields, humanities graduates often catch up over time. Many reach mid-career earnings in the $80,000 to $90,000 range. A graduate with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities can expect to earn a lifetime total of $5.624 million.

To maximize the value of the best online humanities degree, consider supplementing it with internships, certifications, or graduate studies in high-demand areas. This proactive approach can enhance employability and career advancement opportunities.

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What is the highest-paying humanities job?

The highest-paying humanities job is typically a Regulatory Affairs Manager, with a national average salary of approximately $102,473 per year.  This role involves ensuring that organizations comply with government regulations. 

This role is well-suited for humanities graduates who have developed strong analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills. Pursuing additional certifications in areas like project management or digital marketing can further enhance job prospects and earning potential.

What are the most common entry-level jobs for humanities graduates?

Humanities graduates often start as administrative assistants, human resources coordinators, content writers, marketing assistants, or teaching assistants. These roles generally start around $50,681, with opportunities to increase as graduates gain experience and specialize. 

Most entry-level positions do not require prior professional experience.  However, internships or relevant coursework can give candidates a competitive edge.

How can humanities graduates maximize their career prospects?

Humanities graduates can enhance career prospects by pairing their skills with practical experience. Key strategies to achieve this include: 

• Gain Work Experience: Internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs in relevant industries help build practical skills.
• Develop Technical Skills: Learning data analysis, digital marketing, coding, or project management can increase employability.
• Networking: Join professional associations, attend conferences, and leverage alumni connections.
• Further Education: Short courses or certifications in business, UX design, or content strategy can open high-paying roles.
• Showcase Transferable Skills: Emphasize writing, research, and problem-solving abilities in resumes and interviews.

How do humanities graduates perform in leadership or management roles?

Humanities graduates often do well in leadership and management roles. Many work as project managers, human resources managers, or team leads in corporate, nonprofit, and creative sectors. Their ability to analyze problems and understand human behavior helps them lead teams effectively.