PhD in Humanities Education and Career Information

Humanities is a discipline where you can acquire intellectual skills and general knowledge as opposed to professional or occupational skills. You will study the human condition, using mostly analytic, speculative, and critical methods. A PhD in humanities is generally pursued when you wish to become a scholar and this degree will allow you to teach the subject.

Prerequisite Requirements

To be admitted into a doctoral program in humanities, you must have already successfully completed a Master's degree in humanities or equivalent coursework on the graduate level. The schools you apply to will also often look at your GRE score and your GPA. Some colleges and universities will also require you to submit a personal statement and/or letters of recommendation to show your potential for success.

Educational Requirements of a PhD in Humanities

As you progress through your PhD in humanities you will examine how literature, philosophy, art, and music affect the world we live in. Course you may take include: humanistic studies, modern ethics, philosophy in the digital age, interdisciplinary theory of the arts and humanities, social impact of aesthetics and art, religion and culture, modern literature and society, and conditions of society and culture.

Your curriculum will also often include student-teacher positions and advanced research techniques. All of this will end with a defense of a thesis. The purpose of this is to demonstrate how you will be able to contribute to the field.

PhD in Humanities Career Outlook and Salary

Most students are concerned with finding a viable career after completing their degree. This degree can help you find success in a targeted career. You may find employment opportunities in social welfare and health, marketing, teaching, media, sales, and human resources. A humanities degree, especially at the PhD level, is rather broad giving you a broad range of employment and career choices.

A large amount of people who hold a PhD in humanities go on to become humanities' professors at colleges and universities. Between now and 2016, there is an expected 23 percent growth in available jobs for college professors across the United States. This projected growth is a lot faster than average. On average, those possessing a PhD in this field earn $40,000 to $80,000 per year. Salary is often increased when a college professor contributes to publications, research, or teaching. Of course, additional employment can also increase annual salary.

Resources

The University of Texas at Dallas: PhD in Humanities