Humanities

Start your standout story.

Humanities

Your interests are as diverse as our major options—so why limit yourself to one specific field of study? Northwestern’s humanities major allows you to explore a variety of subjects, including art, biblical + theological studies, English teaching, history, music, philosophy, Spanish and theatre.

Major requirements

Humanities
Why NWC?

Why NWC?

As a humanities major at Northwestern, you’ll craft a course schedule suited to your passions by selecting a primary and secondary focus of study from these disciplines. You’ll also be equipped with a versatile skill set in writing, speaking and critical thinking—preparing you for on-the-job success no matter what your next steps are.

CONTACT
Dr. John Vonder Bruegge
Dr. John Vonder Bruegge
Dean of Arts + Humanities

Outcomes

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. Former Walt Disney Company CEO Michael Eisner. Award-winning author J.K. Rowling. What do each of these individuals have in common? A degree in the humanities. In 2019, approximately 90% of U.S. humanities graduates reported a high degree of life satisfaction, according to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Join our standout alumni at:

KSQ Design
Tulsa, OK
North Park Covenant Church–ECC
Chicago, IL
Springbrook
Oneonta, NY
Zovio
Chandler, AZ

Experience

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Study abroad

Study abroad

Study abroad opportunities will introduce you to another country’s art, history and culture. Recent students have studied at the University of Oxford, taken courses in fashion in Italy, and analyzed theatre productions on London’s West End.

Mission + service opportunities

Mission + service opportunities

If you enjoyed participating in high school mission trips, you’ll have even more opportunities to engage in service at Northwestern.

  • Participate in Romania Semester and work with New Horizons Foundation, an organization that uses adventure education to empower local teens.
  • Join the Justice + Service team to advocate for causes you care about, or participate in short-term missions during our 10-day Spring Service Partnerships or a 10-week Summer of Service.
  • Apply to the worship leadership team to gain experience planning and leading music for chapel services, or help lead weekly Bible studies in your dorm.
  • Serve as a peer mentor for the Northwestern NEXT program, a college experience for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

Compass Center for Career & Calling

The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences, whether you stick close to home or find opportunities further afield. The center also offers help writing resumes and cover letters, practice interview sessions, job shadowing and more.

Study abroad

Study abroad opportunities will introduce you to another country’s art, history and culture. Recent students have studied at the University of Oxford, taken courses in fashion in Italy, and analyzed theatre productions on London’s West End.

Mission + service opportunities

If you enjoyed participating in high school mission trips, you’ll have even more opportunities to engage in service at Northwestern.

  • Participate in Romania Semester and work with New Horizons Foundation, an organization that uses adventure education to empower local teens.
  • Join the Justice + Service team to advocate for causes you care about, or participate in short-term missions during our 10-day Spring Service Partnerships or a 10-week Summer of Service.
  • Apply to the worship leadership team to gain experience planning and leading music for chapel services, or help lead weekly Bible studies in your dorm.
  • Serve as a peer mentor for the Northwestern NEXT program, a college experience for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.