Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities Career Pathways

Career Prospects

Wondering what you can do with a degree in Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities? The possibilities span industries, sectors and communities. From education and cultural stewardship to communications and public service, humanities graduates bring essential skills to roles that require critical thinking, ethical reasoning and cross-cultural understanding.

What comes next depends on your interests and where you want to make your impact. Explore the career directions our graduates have pursued and discover the chance to create connections that truly matter.

Education & Cultural Stewardship

Humanities graduates are well-prepared to preserve, interpret and share knowledge across generations. Roles in this area connect your understanding of human experience with opportunities to inspire learners and safeguard cultural heritage.

Common career pathways include:

• Secondary Education Teacher
• Museum Curator or Archivist
• Academic Administrator
• Instructional Designer
• Cultural Program Coordinator
• Study Abroad Program Coordinator

Communications, Media & Marketing

Strong writing, critical analysis and cultural awareness are essential in today's communication landscape. Humanities graduates often pursue careers that involve crafting narratives, managing information and connecting organizations with audiences.

Common career pathways include:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Content Strategist or Editor
• Marketing Communications Specialist
• Grant Writer
• Social Media Manager
• Corporate Communications Coordinator

Business, Strategy & Organizational Leadership

The ability to understand perspectives, navigate complexity and communicate effectively positions humanities graduates for leadership and strategic roles across industries.

Common career pathways include:

• Human Resources Specialist
• Training and Development Specialist
• Management Consultant
• Market Research Analyst
• Organizational Development Coordinator
• Cultural Competency Specialist

Public Service, Law & Advocacy

Humanities training in ethical reasoning, research and persuasive communication prepares graduates for careers that serve communities and advance justice.

Common career pathways include:

• Paralegal or Legal Research Specialist*
• Public Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Legislative Aide
• Civil Rights or Advocacy Coordinator

*Some positions may require additional certification, specialized training or graduate study.

Emerging & Interdisciplinary Fields

As technology, media and global challenges evolve, new opportunities continue to emerge for graduates who can think critically and communicate across cultures.

Common career pathways include:

• UX Writer or Content Designer
• AI Ethics or Technology Policy Analyst
• Sustainability Communications Specialist
• Digital Humanities Specialist
• Global Development Program Coordinator
• Healthcare Humanities Specialist

Preparing You for What's Next

The Interdisciplinary and Public Humanities curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural fluency and practical experience. Graduates leave with the confidence and skills to pursue a wide range of careers, enter graduate or professional study or create independent opportunities in a globally connected world.

Career outcomes vary based on role, experience, location and additional education. The pathways listed here reflect common directions pursued by graduates and are informed by national labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and departmental experience.