Discover 25 unconventional career options for humanities students. Learn about exciting roles like UX designer, Art Therapist, along with the degrees you need to pursue them.
Choosing a career as a humanities student can feel overwhelming, especially with misconceptions about limited career options. However, humanities students are highly adaptable and equipped with skills like critical thinking, communication, creativity, and cultural understandingβskills that employers value across industries. If youβre ready to explore beyond traditional paths like teaching and law, hereβs an extensive list of 25 unique and exciting careers for humanities students, along with the degrees and qualifications required to get started.
1. Cultural Anthropologist
What They Do: Cultural anthropologists study human societies, traditions, and behaviors to understand how culture shapes communities. They work in museums, research institutions, and NGOs, often contributing to cross-cultural communication and public policy.
Where Youβll Work: Academic institutions, museums, or as consultants for global organizations.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Anthropology, Sociology, or Cultural Studies is essential. Pursuing a Masterβs or Ph.D. opens up research and teaching opportunities.
2. Art Therapist
What They Do: Art therapists use creative expression to support mental health. They help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem through guided art activities.
Where Youβll Work: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practices.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Art Therapy or Psychology is required, along with certification from recognized therapy boards.
3. Content Strategist
What They Do: Content strategists craft and organize content across platforms like websites, blogs, and social media to engage audiences. They use storytelling and data-driven insights to shape communication strategies.
Where Youβll Work: Marketing agencies, media companies, or as freelance consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Journalism, English, Marketing, or Media Studies is helpful. Digital marketing certifications also enhance employability.
4. Forensic Linguist
What They Do: Forensic linguists analyze language in legal contexts, such as interpreting contracts, identifying authorship, or examining evidence for criminal cases.
Where Youβll Work: Law enforcement agencies, legal firms, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Linguistics, followed by a Masterβs or certification in Forensic Linguistics.
5. Archivist
What They Do: Archivists manage historical documents, photographs, and records, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Their role is critical in museums, libraries, and research institutions.
Where Youβll Work: Museums, government institutions, universities, or corporate archives.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Archival Studies, Library Science, or History is typically required.
6. Heritage Manager
What They Do: Heritage managers oversee the protection and promotion of cultural sites, monuments, and museums. They often work on conservation projects, educational outreach, and tourism initiatives.
Where Youβll Work: Historical sites, cultural organizations, or government heritage departments.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs or Masterβs in Heritage Management, Archaeology, or History.
7. Travel Writer
What They Do: Travel writers combine storytelling and exploration to document experiences, review destinations, and uncover hidden gems.
Where Youβll Work: Magazines, travel websites, guidebook publishers, or as independent bloggers.
Degree Needed: A degree in English, Journalism, or Creative Writing helps, but passion and experience are key to breaking into this field.
8. Humanitarian Aid Worker
What They Do: Humanitarian aid workers provide essential support in crisis-affected areas. From disaster relief to community development, their work focuses on helping vulnerable populations.
Where Youβll Work: Global organizations like the UN, Red Cross, or NGOs.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Social Work, International Relations, or Development Studies. Field experience is highly valued.
9. UX (User Experience) Designer
What They Do: UX designers create user-friendly interfaces for digital products. They analyze user behavior to enhance usability and ensure seamless experiences.
Where Youβll Work: Tech companies, startups, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: Certifications in UX/UI Design or a Bachelorβs in Psychology, Sociology, or Graphic Design.
10. Ethical Hacker
What They Do: Ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities in systems to protect organizations from cyber threats. Their work ensures data security and integrity.
Where Youβll Work: Cybersecurity firms, IT departments, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: Certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or a degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science.
11. Food Critic
What They Do: Food critics explore restaurants, cuisines, and culinary trends, offering insights and reviews to guide food lovers.
Where Youβll Work: Magazines, blogs, TV shows, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: A degree in Journalism, English, or Culinary Arts. Writing skills and a discerning palate are essential.
12. Social Media Analyst
What They Do: Social media analysts track trends, manage campaigns, and measure performance to improve digital outreach strategies.
Where Youβll Work: Marketing firms, media houses, or corporate brands.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Marketing, Media Studies, or Communication. Expertise in analytics tools is a plus.
13. Museum Curator
What They Do: Curators design exhibitions, manage collections, and engage with artists and historians to bring cultural stories to life.
Where Youβll Work: Museums, art galleries, or cultural institutions.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Museum Studies, Art History, or Cultural Management is typically required.
14. Sustainability Consultant
What They Do: Sustainability consultants help organizations and businesses adopt environmentally friendly practices. They evaluate environmental impact, suggest sustainable solutions, and ensure compliance with eco-friendly regulations.
Where Youβll Work: Corporate firms, environmental agencies, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Environmental Studies, Sociology, or Sustainability Science. Specialized certifications in sustainability practices or environmental auditing are highly beneficial.
15. Event Designer
What They Do: Event designers focus on the visual and experiential aspects of events. They craft unique themes, layouts, and experiences for weddings, corporate events, and festivals, ensuring every detail is memorable.
Where Youβll Work: Event planning firms, hospitality companies, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Event Management, Interior Design, or Fine Arts. Creativity and project management skills are essential for this role.
16. Political Campaign Manager
What They Do: Political campaign managers strategize and oversee election campaigns, ensuring the candidateβs message resonates with voters. They manage teams, develop outreach plans, and shape public narratives.
Where Youβll Work: Political organizations, consultancy firms, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Political Science, Public Relations, or Communication is typically required, with advanced roles benefitting from a Masterβs in Campaign Management or Political Strategy.
17. Game Narrator
What They Do: Game narrators create compelling storylines, characters, and dialogues for video games. Their role is to immerse players in a rich narrative experience.
Where Youβll Work: Game development studios, creative writing agencies, or as independent contractors.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Creative Writing, Literature, or Game Design. Familiarity with game mechanics and scriptwriting is a plus.
18. Fashion Forecaster
What They Do: Fashion forecasters predict future trends in style, fabric, and consumer preferences. Their insights help fashion brands design collections that resonate with upcoming market demands.
Where Youβll Work: Fashion houses, retail brands, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Fashion Studies, Sociology, or Marketing. Internships and experience in fashion merchandising can boost your career.
19. AI Ethicist
What They Do: AI ethicists ensure artificial intelligence systems align with ethical principles, safeguarding human rights, privacy, and societal values. They address biases and potential risks in AI technologies.
Where Youβll Work: Tech companies, think tanks, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Philosophy, Ethics, or Artificial Intelligence. Experience in data analysis or programming may enhance your profile.
20. Conflict Resolution Specialist
What They Do: Conflict resolution specialists mediate disputes in corporate, legal, or international contexts. They use negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and maintain harmonious relationships.
Where Youβll Work: Law firms, corporate HR departments, or international organizations.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or Law. Certifications in mediation can also be valuable.
21. Creative Technologist
What They Do: Creative technologists blend technology and art to design innovative interactive experiences, often in advertising, product development, or installations.
Where Youβll Work: Advertising agencies, tech firms, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: Certifications in Creative Technology, or a Bachelorβs in Digital Arts, Computer Science, or a related field.
22. Speechwriter
What They Do: Speechwriters craft powerful and persuasive speeches for public figures, politicians, and executives. They ensure the message aligns with the speakerβs values and audience expectations.
Where Youβll Work: Political offices, corporate communication teams, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in English, Political Science, or Journalism. Strong rhetorical and persuasive writing skills are a must.
23. Film Critic
What They Do: Film critics analyze and review movies, offering insights into cinematography, performances, and storytelling. Their reviews guide audiences and shape public perception of films.
Where Youβll Work: Media outlets, online platforms, or as independent bloggers or YouTubers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelorβs in Film Studies, Media Studies, or Journalism. A strong portfolio of reviews will set you apart.
24. Music Therapist
What They Do: Music therapists use music to promote mental health, aid recovery, and improve emotional well-being. They work with diverse groups, from children with special needs to elderly patients with dementia.
Where Youβll Work: Hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or private practices.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Music Therapy or Psychology. Certification from a music therapy board is essential.
25. Public Historian
What They Do: Public historians make history accessible to a wider audience by working in museums, cultural organizations, or public spaces. They design exhibits, lead tours, and conduct outreach programs.
Where Youβll Work: Historical societies, museums, or cultural heritage organizations.
Degree Needed: A Masterβs in Public History, History, or Cultural Studies.