Bachelor of Arts in Humanities

Our students become well-rounded critical thinkers who’ve immersed themselves in the story of what it means to be human; they enjoy careers in business, law, philanthropy, government, education, media and communications.

The study of humanities is, at its core, the story of what it means to be human. Our students gain an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to the study of the arts and culture—literature, politics, fine arts, anthropology and film—within their historical contexts. At CU Boulder, we offer the rare opportunity to develop a program of study that combines coursework within the department with two other fields in the College of Arts and Sciences.

  • Explore human expression across disciplines
  • Learn to think critically and articulate your ideas
  • Gain an interdisciplinary education from a comparative perspective

Gain marketable skills, such as critical thinking and articulation, that employers seek

Study within a community of diverse-minded and energetic students and faculty

Research alongside a full-time faculty member on a topic not covered in the regular curriculum

Be successful.

Humanities majors acquire a thorough knowledge of arts and culture while developing rigorous critical thinking, communication and analytical skills that will prepare them for a wide variety of careers.

 
$42,338

Median salary of CU Boulder humanities students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Educator, writer, editor, community services manager and social media administrator or analyst are common job opportunities for graduates

 

Work for businesses, law practices, philanthropic institutions, government organizations, or in education, media and communications

Academic Plan & Requirements

At CU Boulder, we offer the rare opportunity to develop a course of study that combines coursework within the department with two other fields in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students may choose from such areas as:

  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Women and gender studies

The humanities major requires students to complete the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as 60 credit hours specific to their major:

  • 30 credit hours within the humanities program
  • 18 credit hours in a particular discipline
  • 12 credit hours in a second field

Because the range of choice available to humanities majors entails careful advising, students are required to consult frequently with the undergraduate advisor.

Community & Involvement

Humanities majors have many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The humanities program has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Shea Johnson

(BA'11)
A producer and lead creative at Shoot to Kill NYC, a digital creative agency. Before that, she was a freelance film producer who produced 50 commercials and two feature-length films.

Emily Lozow

(BA'11)
Marketing and digital manager for the Broadway and Cabaret divisions of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Stephanie Strauss

(BA'11)
A social media producer and editor at Conde Nast publishing, where she produces, shoots and edits video content for Self and Brides magazines.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover