Dive into the humanities
Explore the subjects you already love—like English or history—or venture into something entirely new, like philosophy or linguistics. With a major in the humanities, you’ll uncover your passions, pursue exciting topics, and earn a world-class education that sets you up for lifelong success.
Studying the humanities helps you achieve your goals while giving you the flexibility to explore different paths. You’ll grow into a thoughtful, adaptable individual, learning from expert faculty in a supportive, inspiring environment. With small, engaging classes and classmates who bring diverse perspectives, you’ll gain the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and thrive in any career you choose.
Explore undergraduate humanities majors:
African American Studies
Dive into the rich stories, culture, and global connections of African American communities. Through African American studies, you'll question, discover, and shape ideas about race, history, and social justice while preparing to lead change.
Join a new generation of thinkers and doers driven to build a more inclusive, democratic society. With African American studies, you’ll be ready to tackle careers in teaching, law, social work, public policy, business, medicine, city planning, and beyond—wherever your passion for justice and progress takes you.
Art history
Dive into the world of visual culture, where you’ll explore the meaning behind art from different times and places. By analyzing and interpreting both past and present works, you’ll discover how art connects us across cultures and shapes our world.
In art history, you’ll gain research, critical thinking, and visual communication skills that will set you up for success in any career. Graduates have pursued a broad range of careers in both the public and private sectors, and been admitted to professional schools for law, medicine, business, and other fields.
Asian American Studies
Explore the powerful stories of Asian American communities and their impact on U.S. society. Asian American studies takes you on a journey through race, gender, sexuality, citizenship, and globalization—unpacking how immigration and cultural contributions have shaped the nation’s fabric.
By examining identity and diversity through a social science lens, you’ll build skills to thrive in careers where understanding race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality makes a difference. Whether you pursue law, education, business, public policy, or beyond, your insights will help shape a more inclusive world.
Classics
Step into the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome to explore epic literature, dramatic history, and timeless philosophy. In classics, you’ll delve into the languages, culture, and thought of two of the most influential civilizations—where ideas about government, justice, and storytelling were born.
Choose your path: Analyze archaeological discoveries, master Latin with a secondary education option for teaching, or connect ancient wisdom to modern philosophy. Classics graduates are prepared for careers in law, medicine, journalism, business, teaching, and wherever critical thinking and historical insight lead.
Comparative & World Literature
Explore the power of words across languages and borders. Comparative & world literature immerses you in literary and cultural traditions from around the globe, unlocking new perspectives on storytelling, identity, and the human experience.
Dive into texts in their original languages, connect ideas between cultures, and discover the art of comparison that fuels fresh insights. Graduates go on to dynamic careers in fields like linguistics, cultural arts, law, academia, and communication—where understanding diverse narratives makes all the difference.
Creative Writing
Immerse yourself in small workshops and engaging literature courses where your imagination takes center stage. As a creative writing student, you’ll sharpen your analytical mind, cultivate your unique voice, and bring original ideas to life in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.
Discover the art of storytelling with creative rigor—learn to develop fresh perspectives, express complex ideas, and master the craft of giving and receiving feedback. Graduates harness their creativity and critical thinking skills in fields like media, publishing, law, politics, education, healthcare, business, and beyond.
East Asian Languages & Cultures
Delve into the vibrant histories, languages, and traditions of East Asia at a leading center for cultural exploration and research. As a humanities student in East Asian languages & cultures, you’ll master an East Asian language, gain interdisciplinary insights into the region’s diverse cultures, and engage in advanced research through interactive seminar courses.
From understanding ancient philosophies to analyzing modern economies, this humanities major curriculum will prepare you for a world of possibilities in education, global business, government, finance, technology, and the arts.
English
English students uncover how literature, film, and cultural texts reflect and challenge the world around us. Through the study of fiction, drama, poetry, and essays, you’ll sharpen your ability to analyze complex ideas, tackle big questions, and communicate solutions with clarity and creativity.
Whether you’re captivated by storytelling, passionate about social issues, or excited to develop professional writing skills, this major offers a path to endless opportunities. A secondary education option is available for future English teachers. With an English degree from Illinois, you’ll be ready to inspire change in fields like media, publishing, law, healthcare, politics, education, business, and beyond.
French
Immerse yourself in the richness of French literature, cinema, linguistics, and civilization. In this dynamic major, you’ll sharpen your fluency, explore diverse perspectives, and discover the profound influence of French-speaking cultures around the world.
With courses that combine language mastery and interdisciplinary studies—and a secondary education option for aspiring teachers—this humanities major will help you be prepared to think globally and act locally. Whether in business, education, hospitality, tourism, government, or the non-profit sector, your French degree will open doors to impactful careers and adventures abroad.
Gender & Women's Studies
Delve into the complex ways gender shapes societies, cultures, and individual lives. In gender & women's studies, you’ll analyze systems of power, challenge inequities, and gain the tools to spark meaningful change. The goal of this humanities major’s coursework is to give you critical thinking, communication, and advocacy skills so that you can be ready to build a more just and equitable world.
Graduates of gender & women’s studies make an impact in social work, law, public policy, victim advocacy, community health, counseling, civil rights, and social justice-focused non-profits. Wherever there’s a need for courageous voices and bold ideas, your future awaits!
German
A degree in German opens the door to a world of languages, literature, and culture. Whether you're exploring the rich history of the German-speaking world or diving into the nuances of Scandinavian languages, this major provides a solid foundation for understanding both language and culture. A secondary education option in German teaching is also available.
Through a range of dynamic courses, you’ll develop a deep appreciation for how languages shape art, literature, business, and society. As you gain fluency and critical insights, you'll be ready to embark on a diverse career journey in business, education, tourism, the arts, and beyond, or be well-prepared for graduate school and professional studies.
History
As a history major, you'll dive into the stories that have shaped the world we live in today. You’ll explore how past events connect to present-day challenges, gaining insights that will empower you to tackle complex global issues. A secondary education option in social science and the teaching of history is also available.
Through this major, you’ll sharpen your research, critical thinking, and writing skills, equipping you to make an impact in any field. Whether you pursue teaching, law, technology, museums, or beyond, a history degree opens doors to careers where understanding the past is key to solving the problems of tomorrow.
Italian
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Italy and Mediterranean societies while understanding their impact on global culture. Italian is an interdisciplinary major that combines language, history, and culture to explore how Italy’s past shapes the present and future in a rapidly changing world.
At Illinois, you’ll gain the skills to navigate the intersections of culture, economics, and politics, opening doors to careers in publishing, law, teaching, consulting, translation, and beyond.
Jewish Studies
In Jewish studies, you'll engage with diverse perspectives on Jewish identity and its influence on world events.
Through courses in Hebrew and Yiddish, alongside fascinating topics like Jewish storytelling and the history of antisemitism, you’ll discover the complex layers of Jewish experience. Small seminars with award-winning faculty will encourage deep discussions and connections with scholars, while diverse public programs bring culture and dialogue to life.
Graduates of Jewish Studies are prepared to pursue careers in academia, law, museum curation, anthropology, law, foreign service, and much more—equipped to make an impact wherever curiosity leads.
Latin American Studies
Dive into the vibrant and complex world of Latin America through an interdisciplinary approach that spans history, culture, politics, economics, and more. As a Latin American studies student, you’ll gain a deep, cross-disciplinary understanding of the region’s geography, anthropology, and diverse societies, while exploring the challenges and opportunities that shape Latin America today.
This humanities major's designed to teach you about global issues from a Latin American perspective, and it opens doors to careers in education, business, government, the arts, tourism, and non-governmental organizations.
Latina/Latino Studies
Latina/Latino studies focuses on the dynamic experiences of Latin American-origin populations in the United States. As a student, you’ll explore how culture, history, and identity shape communities and influence our diverse society. Through this major, you'll develop the skills to become an active participant in our multi-racial, multi-cultural democracy, tackling important social issues with a critical lens.
Graduates of this program go on to make an impact in fields like applied health, law, journalism, social work, education, community activism, government, and business.
Linguistics
The linguistics major offers you the chance to dive deep into the fascinating world of language—its structure, meaning, and cultural significance. You’ll study core areas of theoretical linguistics and expand your linguistic horizons by learning multiple languages, including at least one "Non-Western" language. With courses in Linguistics, English as an International Language, English as a Second Language, and other "less commonly taught" languages, you’ll gain a global perspective on communication.
Linguistics majors are equipped to pursue diverse careers that reflect their passions—from industry roles to graduate studies in fields like language technology, research, education, and beyond.
Linguistics & Teaching English as a Second Language
Linguistics + TESL prepares you to teach English to learners of all ages—whether in private and boarding schools in the U.S., international classrooms, or through global educational organizations. You'll explore the intricacies of language, communication, and teaching methods that will equip you to make a real-world impact in education, publishing, and language assessment.
As a Linguistics + TESL major, you’ll also lay the groundwork for graduate studies, with coursework that sets you up for success in master’s or Ph.D. programs in linguistics, education, psychology, and more.
Medieval Studies
Step into the world of the medieval past, where cultures from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East shaped the foundations of the modern world. The medieval studies major lets you explore a vast range of societies, from their beliefs and values to their art, institutions, and innovations.
Your journey begins with an introduction to medieval cultures across the globe, followed by a personalized plan of study that lets you dive deeper into a particular area that sparks your curiosity. Through this interdisciplinary approach, you'll uncover the rich diversity of medieval societies while gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on today’s world.
Philosophy
Philosophy invites you to dive into life’s most profound questions—about who we are, what we know, and how we determine what’s right. Through deep inquiry, you'll explore everything from the nature of knowledge and experience to the complexities of ethics and values.
As a philosophy major, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking, refine your ability to reason and argue effectively, and enhance your skills in both written and verbal expression. These powerful tools open the door to a wide range of careers, from law and business to government, media, medicine, and beyond.
Portuguese
Study one of the world’s most spoken languages and unlock the diverse cultures of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. As a Portuguese major, you'll dive deep into topics like globalization, race, gender, migration, and the rich history of colonial and postcolonial societies.
Through the study of language and culture, you'll gain professional proficiency in Portuguese and develop the skills to discuss important global issues, from economy and environment to society and politics. Whether you're pursuing a career in international business, social work, education, or diplomacy, your knowledge of Portuguese will open doors to a variety of exciting paths.
Religion
A major in religion invites you to explore the world’s diverse religious traditions through a range of disciplines. From Buddhism and Christianity to Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and the Philosophy of Religion, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how religion shapes cultures, texts, and ideologies across the globe.
As a religion student, you’ll focus on a specific area of interest while also immersing yourself in the study of the world's major religious traditions. This unique perspective will prepare you for careers in education, law, journalism, museums, government, foreign affairs, and NGOs, where you can make an impact by fostering understanding and dialogue in an interconnected world.
Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
Dive into one of the world’s most fascinating and dynamic regions with a major in Russian, East European, & Eurasian studies. This interdisciplinary humanities program brings together history, sociology, political science, and culture to give you a comprehensive understanding of the region—from Russia and the Czech Republic to Estonia and Uzbekistan.
You’ll explore the intricacies of this diverse area, gaining insights that are crucial in today’s global landscape. Graduates are prepared to pursue impactful careers or advanced education in academia, government, and NGOs, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Slavic Studies
Slavic Studies lets you immerse yourself in the rich languages, literature, and cultures of the Slavic world. Whether you focus on Czech, Polish, Russian, South Slavic, or Ukrainian studies, you’ll gain deep cultural literacy and communication skills that open doors to diverse career paths.
Graduates are equipped for law or business school, graduate programs, or careers in NGOs, government, teaching, research, and journalism.
Spanish
Studying Spanish opens the door to rich cultures, literature, and linguistics, empowering you to develop expertise and explore diverse interests. Many students pair their Spanish major with other humanities disciplines, and there’s also an option for those interested in teaching.
Graduates of Spanish go on to exciting careers in education, the Peace Corps, translation, healthcare, business, public service, and more.
Humanities majors FAQs
What skills will I learn in the humanities?
Humanities disciplines emphasize ethical reasoning, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills—all valuable skills that employers are actively looking for. Collaborative projects hone interpersonal skills, making you an effective team member and leader. A humanities degree also builds strong research skills to gather and synthesize information from various sources. Learn more about the skills you'll gain as a humanities major.
What can I do with a humanities major?
Nearly anything! A humanities major opens doors to a variety of career opportunities. Since the humanities focus on and teach both adaptability and creativity, graduates are strong candidates for leadership positions in many sectors. Read about University of Illinois humanities alumni careers.
Are there certifications that can enhance job prospects for humanities majors?
Humanities majors can expand their career opportunities by earning College of LAS certifications in interest areas from environmental writing to intercultural competence. Language proficiency certificates can lead to roles in translation or international business, while professional writing or data analysis certifications make you competitive in publishing, marketing, and research. Many humanities majors also offer secondary education paths for those who may be interested in teaching at the high school level.
What are the humanities majors that lead to the highest-paying jobs?
There is no one single humanities majors that makes the most money—rather, students will find success (and jobs!) regardless of which program they choose. Some humanities majors access high-paying careers in such positions as communications director, proposal manager, and senior technical writer; English graduates often fill these roles because of their strong writing and analytical abilities. Fields like content marketing, public relations, and corporate training also actively seek humanities graduates due to their strong language skills and ability to craft compelling messages and strategies.
Do I need to attend graduate school after undergrad?
You do not have to continue on to get your master's degree after graduation, though it may be helpful for some programs and your ultimate career goals. If graduate school is something you are interested in attending, however, you can visit the Graduate College's website for information on humanities graduate programs at Illinois.