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 understanding—skills that employers value across industries. If you’re ready to explore beyond traditional paths like teaching and law, here’s an extensive list of 25 unique and exciting careers for humanities students, along with the degrees and qualifications required to get started.
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 You’ll Work: Academic institutions, museums, or as consultants for global organizations.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Anthropology, Sociology, or Cultural Studies is essential. Pursuing a Master’s or Ph.D. opens up research and teaching opportunities.
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 You’ll Work: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practices.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Art Therapy or Psychology is required, along with certification from recognized therapy boards.
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 You’ll Work: Marketing agencies, media companies, or as freelance consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Journalism, English, Marketing, or Media Studies is helpful. Digital marketing certifications also enhance employability.
What They Do: Forensic linguists analyze language in legal contexts, such as interpreting contracts, identifying authorship, or examining evidence for criminal cases.
Where You’ll Work: Law enforcement agencies, legal firms, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Linguistics, followed by a Master’s or certification in Forensic Linguistics.
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 You’ll Work: Museums, government institutions, universities, or corporate archives.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Archival Studies, Library Science, or History is typically required.
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 You’ll Work: Historical sites, cultural organizations, or government heritage departments.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s or Master’s in Heritage Management, Archaeology, or History.
What They Do: Travel writers combine storytelling and exploration to document experiences, review destinations, and uncover hidden gems.
Where You’ll 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.
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 You’ll Work: Global organizations like the UN, Red Cross, or NGOs.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Social Work, International Relations, or Development Studies. Field experience is highly valued.
What They Do: UX designers create user-friendly interfaces for digital products. They analyze user behavior to enhance usability and ensure seamless experiences.
Where You’ll Work: Tech companies, startups, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: Certifications in UX/UI Design or a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Sociology, or Graphic Design.
What They Do: Ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities in systems to protect organizations from cyber threats. Their work ensures data security and integrity.
Where You’ll Work: Cybersecurity firms, IT departments, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: Certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or a degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science.
What They Do: Food critics explore restaurants, cuisines, and culinary trends, offering insights and reviews to guide food lovers.
Where You’ll 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.
What They Do: Social media analysts track trends, manage campaigns, and measure performance to improve digital outreach strategies.
Where You’ll Work: Marketing firms, media houses, or corporate brands.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Marketing, Media Studies, or Communication. Expertise in analytics tools is a plus.
What They Do: Curators design exhibitions, manage collections, and engage with artists and historians to bring cultural stories to life.
Where You’ll Work: Museums, art galleries, or cultural institutions.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Museum Studies, Art History, or Cultural Management is typically required.
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 You’ll Work: Corporate firms, environmental agencies, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies, Sociology, or Sustainability Science. Specialized certifications in sustainability practices or environmental auditing are highly beneficial.
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 You’ll Work: Event planning firms, hospitality companies, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Event Management, Interior Design, or Fine Arts. Creativity and project management skills are essential for this role.
What They Do: Political campaign managers strategize and oversee election campaigns, ensuring the candidate’s message resonates with voters. They manage teams, develop outreach plans, and shape public narratives.
Where You’ll Work: Political organizations, consultancy firms, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Political Science, Public Relations, or Communication is typically required, with advanced roles benefitting from a Master’s in Campaign Management or Political Strategy.
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 You’ll Work: Game development studios, creative writing agencies, or as independent contractors.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Creative Writing, Literature, or Game Design. Familiarity with game mechanics and scriptwriting is a plus.
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 You’ll Work: Fashion houses, retail brands, or as independent consultants.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Fashion Studies, Sociology, or Marketing. Internships and experience in fashion merchandising can boost your career.
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 You’ll Work: Tech companies, think tanks, or government agencies.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Philosophy, Ethics, or Artificial Intelligence. Experience in data analysis or programming may enhance your profile.
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 You’ll Work: Law firms, corporate HR departments, or international organizations.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or Law. Certifications in mediation can also be valuable.
What They Do: Creative technologists blend technology and art to design innovative interactive experiences, often in advertising, product development, or installations.
Where You’ll Work: Advertising agencies, tech firms, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: Certifications in Creative Technology, or a Bachelor’s in Digital Arts, Computer Science, or a related field.
What They Do: Speechwriters craft powerful and persuasive speeches for public figures, politicians, and executives. They ensure the message aligns with the speaker’s values and audience expectations.
Where You’ll Work: Political offices, corporate communication teams, or as freelancers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in English, Political Science, or Journalism. Strong rhetorical and persuasive writing skills are a must.
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 You’ll Work: Media outlets, online platforms, or as independent bloggers or YouTubers.
Degree Needed: A Bachelor’s in Film Studies, Media Studies, or Journalism. A strong portfolio of reviews will set you apart.
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 You’ll Work: Hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or private practices.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Music Therapy or Psychology. Certification from a music therapy board is essential.
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 You’ll Work: Historical societies, museums, or cultural heritage organizations.
Degree Needed: A Master’s in Public History, History, or Cultural Studies.
