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What is Humanities?

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The Humanities B.A.

Focused on understanding and interpreting the human experience, humanities is the study of human culture.

The B.A. in humanities is an interdisciplinary program of liberal studies with an emphasis on philosophy, literature and history. As a study of the thoughts, actions and values of human beings, along with a background in science, mathematics and technology, the humanities major is applicable to a variety of fields and careers.

Core courses and electives options ensure breadth of knowledge, while allowing students to personalize their program to their own needs and interests.

Degree concentrations provide customizable focus within the program. Options include:

  • History
  • Literature
  • Philosophy

The humanities major prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including teaching, editing, law, government service and the military—and for graduate programs in their area of concentration.

Whether you want to study the thoughts, actions and values of human beings, use new technologies to make great works of art or pursue a graduate degree, the humanities degree develops a strong background in the liberal arts with experience in writing and technology.

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No. 6
Student Experience
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Why Choose Florida Tech for Humanities?

At Florida Tech you'll thrive in our close-knit community and enjoy a humanities curriculum that can be customized to your interests and goals. Our low student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about exploring human thought, values and creativity.

Students in the humanities program become part of a close-knit community where professors mentor them in a supportive, collaborative environment, providing advising and building lasting professional relationships. With small class sizes and hands-on learning, you'll have the opportunity to connect closely with both peers and professors.

As a technological university, Florida Tech provides a unique environment for the humanities that fosters interdisciplinary study and collaboration. Humanities students work alongside engineers, scientists and aviators, sharing state-of-the-art facilities, digital tools and research resources.

Learning in a science and technology-rich context can spark creativity and innovation, enabling you to approach traditional topics from novel angles. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop technical skills, such as data analysis and digital media creation, which can enhance your research and career.

Our faculty are experts in their fields and dedicated educators who welcome undergraduate students to participate in research studies and book projects, offering opportunities for building a portfolio of scholarly inquiry before graduation.

The humanities degree culminates in a senior year capstone project, which results in a substantial written work about a significant issue in the humanities.

This project involves original research on a topic of your choosing, working with a committee of faculty members who will guide you through the two-semester process. This experience and your final written work are an excellent highlight for your job search or graduate school applications. 

Projects have included such topics as:

  • The history of women in Florida's legal system
  • Pre-Columbian pyramids and mounds in the Americas
  • The portrayal of history in movies
  • Fantasy heroes in literature
  • The changing perception of U.S./Mexican relations

Located just across the causeway from 72 miles of amazing beaches and minutes from the incredibly biodiverse Indian River Lagoon, our Melbourne, Florida campus features a beautiful botanical garden and a beach-town atmosphere.

We’re also in the heart of the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and in a high-tech corridor. You’ll benefit from Florida Tech’s strong connections to leading technology companies and have plenty of opportunities to form valuable connections that lead to future career options.

Florida Tech students have the option to pursue international study opportunities, with Florida Tech’s renowned Oxford Study Abroad program holding special appeal for humanities majors.

This program offers the unique experience of living and studying in Oxford, a historic hub of humanities scholarship for centuries. Imagine studying the American Revolutionary War from England’s perspective, reading J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis within their old college walls or attending Shakespearean plays by the riverside.

Study abroad not only expands your world view, but also your résumé, demonstrating to employers and graduate schools your global perspective.

Music, like literature, philosophy and history, is a key field within the humanities because it explores human creativity, emotion, cultural heritage and societal influences.

Humanities students who are musicians may find that the music program is a perfect complement to their studies. It’s open to all students at the Melbourne campus, no matter the major or experience level.  Individual lessons, opportunities to join large ensembles and a minor in music are offered.

Careers in Humanities

Humanities students develop skills in analysis, writing, research, technology and foreign languages, preparing them for careers in law, government, writing, international studies and more. Humanities graduates find opportunities across industries—from writing and filmmaking to social services, nonprofits, government and business. Your degree allows you to shape a career around your interests and strengths.

Employers that have recruited Florida Tech humanities degree students for internships and careers include the American Museum of Natural History, EPCOT, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Clear Channel Communications.

Careers in humanities include:

  • Writer or editor
  • Artist
  • Sales, customer service specialist
  • Real estate broker
  • Human resources specialist or manager
  • Librarian
  • Counselor/therapist
  • Museum curator
  • Clergy
  • Counselor
  • Psychologist
  • Diplomat
  • Historian

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides job information including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for careers related to the humanities.

Advanced Degree Options

A bachelor's in humanities offers a strong foundation for diverse graduate studies. Students can pursue advanced degrees in their humanities focus area or explore fields like communication, education, law, business, library science, creative arts, interdisciplinary studies and psychology. These paths leverage their skills in critical thinking, communication and cultural awareness for various careers.

Post-graduate programs at Florida Tech that may be of interest to humanities graduates include:

Explore the Humanities, B.A., Curriculum

The Humanities, B.A., Curriculum

The humanities curriculum is multi-disciplinary and highly customizable.

You’ll take communication and humanities core courses, foreign language and courses in your area of concentration: history, literature or philosophy. 

Social sciences, mathematics, physical/life sciences and electives round out your program.

The humanities degree culminates in a senior capstone project, involving original research that will result in a substantial written work about a significant issue in the humanities. 

Courses include:

  • Introduction to the Humanities
  • Writing About Literature
  • Junior Seminar in the Humanities

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Humanities, B.A. Curriculum now!

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Degree Concentrations: Choose Your Focus

President of the Black Student Union speaks at the annual MLK Commemoration

Three concentrations are offered for the humanities B.A. Whichever you choose, you’ll take several required courses to ensure breadth of knowledge and delve into specialized topics through an array of engaging electives.

History
Explore the story of humankind, examining patterns of thought, human achievements and the evolution of humanity. Study key fields of history, learn the historian's tools and master the methodologies and interpretations necessary to fully implement the craft of history.

Literature
Analyze diverse texts, explore literary movements and study critical approaches that shape our understanding of literature and culture. You’ll build essential skills for careers in academia, writing, publishing, media and management.

Philosophy
Consider fundamental issues such as the nature of truth and how we should live. Philosophy means “love of wisdom,” and matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language are central to its exploration.

Learn more about Humanities at Florida Tech on the website.

Student Organizations Enrich Your Experience

Students at Florida Tech enjoy a rich campus life that includes student governmentintramural and collegiate sports, a variety of social activities and so much more. Choose from over 200 campus-wide student organizations and clubs to follow your interests or express your creative side.

The College Players is a student-run organization that offers opportunities for students to be directors, producers, set designers and actors in a play or musical performed on campus.

The Philosophy Club fosters continued philosophical discourse and inquiry through hosting informal, open discussions on various topics.

Kaleidoscope, our student-run literary magazine, features student prose, poetry and visual media.

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