Degrees of Tomorrow: Liberal Arts & Humanities

Though many people may think that the most important degrees are in the sciences and mathematics, it’s actually quite the opposite. The humanities and the arts have been essential to human cultures throughout time. Their study can facilitate deeper intercultural understanding and lay the groundwork for a civically engaged life. They can also prepare graduates to think critically, act creatively, and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

The skills that students gain while studying the humanities and arts are essential in a number of different professions. Many jobs that deal with people, such as teaching, marketing, and human resources, require an understanding of communication and interpersonal relationships. The skills gained with a degree in either of these fields are also important to pursuing advanced degrees in law, medicine, and business. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and think outside the box is more important than ever.

Here are some online degrees in art and humanities that can prepare students for successful future careers in various fields.

There is no doubt that graphic design is a rapidly growing field. Many businesses and organizations now recognize the importance of having a strong online presence, and they are willing to pay for talented individuals who can help them achieve this. As a result, there is a growing demand for graphic designers with the skills and training necessary to create effective online content.

An online degree in graphic design can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this field. Topics covered include the latest design software and techniques, and many programs also provide the opportunity to put these skills into practice through internships where students complete real-world projects.

Southern New Hampshire University (BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts)

The online bachelor of arts in graphic design and media arts from Southern New Hampshire University teaches students how to produce designs that inspire and influence audiences. Through the program, students learn how to use the latest design tools and technologies, work with an interdisciplinary team, and apply ethical and culturally sensitive practices.

The program offers concentrations in user experience design and web design, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences to their specific interests. By completing the program, students will develop a portfolio that showcases their ability to tell visually compelling stories across various print, digital, and video media platforms.

• Cost: $320 per credit

Bellevue University (BA in Graphic Design)

Bellevue University’s online graphic design bachelor of arts program prepares students to think critically and create visually pleasing solutions to problems. Students learn how to use color, images, layout, typography, and other principles to influence design, branding, and messaging. They also gain experience in designing for both print and digital mediums.

Upon graduation, students will have a portfolio of work to present to potential employers. Courses in the online graphic design degree program include color theory, design principles, layout and composition, digital imaging, web design, and more.

• Cost: $440 per credit

Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that is used to convey complex information to a specific audience. Because technical writing requires a high level of precision and clarity, many organizations prefer to hire writers who have completed a formal education program.

While many brick-and-mortar schools offer degree programs in technical writing, online degrees are becoming increasingly popular among students and working adults. The typical workload will vary from job to job, but overall, technical writers can write manuals and policies, create content, or compile documentation for complicated processes.

Indiana University East (BA in English, Technical, and Professional Writing)

Indiana University East offers an online bachelor of arts in English degree focused on technical and professional writing, preparing students for careers such as technical writer, documentation specialist, copywriter, and media content specialist.

Skills gained in this program include argumentative writing, grammar and usage, science writing, critical thinking, and literary interpretation. The degree requirements include completing 48 credits of English core courses, nine credits of literature elective courses, and three credits of language courses.

• Cost: $346.89 per credit

University of Central Florida (BA in English – Technical Communication)

Aspiring technical writers can complete the online bachelor’s degree in English with a focus on technical communication at the University of Central Florida. This degree prepares students for various careers, providing graduates with the skills to document, research, and explain complex topics clearly to the general public.

Courses in the program include technical writing, documentation, and technical communication for virtual workspaces. Upon graduation, students are prepared for careers in law, editing and publishing, teaching, corporate and not-for-profit management, consulting, information technology, or graduate study in English and other disciplines

• Cost: $365.86 per credit

Most philosophy degree programs will cover the history of philosophy, major theories and philosophers, and philosophical methods. This broad education provides students with critical thinking and analytical skills that can be useful in many careers. Philosophy graduates can go on to work in law, education, or as researchers and consultants. Others use their degree to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, business, or technology.

With an online degree in philosophy, students can study at their own pace and choose a program that fits their needs and interests.

Oregon State University (BA in Philosophy)

Oregon State University offers an online bachelor’s degree program in philosophy that is unique in its focus on engaged philosophy rather than abstract thinking. The program provides students with the skills necessary to support lives guided by ethical reflection and civic responsibility. Skills gained in this program are centered around the ability to interpret and analyze information and communicate the findings clearly.

While students will study classical issues, they will also examine pop culture, artificial intelligence, politics, and social media.

• Cost: $346 per credit

University of New Orleans (BA in Philosophy)

In as little as two years, students can earn their online bachelor’s of arts in philosophy from the University of New Orleans. No prior courses in philosophy are required. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended that applicants would have completed at least some college before applying.

Courses to earn this degree include an introduction to logic, ethics, and the history of modern philosophy. In addition to general education coursework, students must earn 33 credits in philosophy classes to earn this degree.

• Cost: $6,954 for 12 credits

Economics studies how people use scarce resources to satisfy their unlimited wants. Students who pursue an online degree in economics will learn about the allocation of resources, the role of government in the economy, and the impact of economic policy on individuals and businesses. In addition, they will gain important skills such as critical thinking and data analysis.

Upon graduation, students with an economics degree can be prepared for a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors.

Pennsylvania State University (BA in Economics)

The online bachelor’s of arts in economics degree at Penn State provides students with a strong foundation in liberal arts while also teaching them the mathematics and computer science needed to understand human behavior and economies. This allows students to go into various professional fields such as consulting, government, health and environmental policy, or public policy. The program can also be a stepping-stone to graduate or specialized studies, especially in economics or law school.

Students can choose to focus on either the qualitative or quantitative aspects of economics, depending on their career goals.

• Cost: $664 per credit

University of Maine (BA in Economics)

Students looking to gain the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for various careers can complete the online bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Maine. The curriculum is designed to develop professional skills, and students are encouraged to pursue their interests through research experiences and other opportunities.

The degree requires a minor or double major, and students must complete a senior capstone course. Graduates of this program go on to work in business, economics, public policy, law, and public administration.

• Cost: $485 per credit

Earning an online degree in social work can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a career in this people-centric field. Social work courses cover many topics, from human behavior and social policy to research methods and case management.

Students will learn how to assess and support individuals, families, and communities who are dealing with challenges such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. With a social work degree, graduates can pursue careers in diverse settings, including child welfare agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practices.

Walden University (Bachelor’s of Social Work)

Walden University offers a bachelor of social work (BSW) program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This program helps students grow as practitioners and social change agents with engaging instruction, realistic simulations, and hands-on experiences.

The BSW program also helps students prepare to pursue their master of social work (MSW) degree. As a BSW graduate, students who wish to pursue licensure as social workers have the opportunity to move seamlessly into the MSW program at Walden.

• Cost: $333 per credit

Arizona State University (Master’s of Social Work)

The online master of social work at Arizona State University prepares students to work with individuals, families, communities, and the world at large. The program focus areas include community practice, administration, policy practice, behavioral health, and innovative services for children, youth, and families.

The degree is accredited and can make one eligible for professional licensure with the State of Arizona. This degree follows a set sequence to ensure students build upon previously learned concepts. Students will participate in two year-long field education internships to build practical skills.

• Cost: $807 per credit

When students study linguistics, they explore the complexities of human language. They learn how to analyze linguistic data and develop theories about how language works, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of language in communication and society.

Linguistics students develop strong analytical and research skills that are highly valued in many different career fields. Careers that may be open to graduates with a linguistics degree include teaching, speech therapy, translation, lexicography, publishing, marketing, and advertising. Linguistics degree holders can also pursue technical careers as this field of study is critical to artificial intelligence, computer text recognition, and speech recognition.

Liberty University (MA in Linguistics)

Liberty University provides students with the opportunity to explore the theoretical aspects of language and gain knowledge that can be applied to a wealth of career fields through their online master’s of arts in linguistics. The core content of the program covers phonetics, phonology, morphology, and other prominent topics in linguistics. Additionally, students can specialize in a particular area of linguistics to further develop their skills and focus on the subjects that best suit their professional or personal interests.

With 100 percent of the classes being taught online, students have the flexibility to complete their assignments from anywhere in the world. This school teaches from a Christian worldview.

• Cost: $615 per credit

University of Massachusetts Boston (MA in Applied Linguistics)

With a comprehensive scope of study, the online master’s of arts in applied linguistics at the University of Massachusetts Boston introduces students to the theoretical, empirical, and practical dimensions of applied linguistics. The program includes concentrations in bilingual education, ESL instruction for English language learners (ELLs), and foreign language pedagogy, which includes English as a Foreign Language.

The program emphasizes both theory and practice, with content reflecting the research interests of faculty and students. The interdisciplinary core curriculum for this degree includes courses in basic theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics discourse analysis, and ethnographic research.

• Cost: $575 per credit

While studying library and information science, students will learn about the classification of books, the principles of library management, and the latest trends in information technology. They will also develop research and writing skills that will be essential for careers in library science.

Upon graduation, students with a degree in this field can pursue careers as librarians, archivists, or information technology specialists, among others. While library sciences may seem archaic, a key component of this field is to archive, store, and curate information for access at a later time. This is a critical role primarily due to the vast amount of data produced daily.

University of Arizona (MA Library and Information Science)

The curriculum of the master of arts in library and information science at the University of Arizona reflects the diversity of library and information environments and touches on the areas students will eventually work in and the populations they will serve. There are many opportunities to specialize with concentrations in digital information management, legal information and scholarly communication, archival studies, and academic, public, special, and law librarianship.

This is a 37-credit degree program and is accredited by the American Library Association, ensuring that graduates will be prepared for careers in a variety of library and information science settings.

• Cost: $941.50 per credit

University of Washington (Master’s of Library and Information Science)

The online master’s of library and information science degree program at the University of Washington program is designed as a three-year part-time program that gives students a solid foundation in all aspects of this field.

The program starts with a three-day mandatory on-campus orientation. During this introductory session, students will meet your online cohort and course instructors, as well as engage in activities with residential students. Most of the coursework is completed asynchronously, allowing students a high degree of flexibility in completing their coursework. A final capstone project allows students to demonstrate the skills and competencies they gained in this program.

• Cost: $852 per credit