What you'll learn studying Humanities at UW-Platteville
Studying the humanities can enrich your life and provide a well-rounded preparation for the career of your choice. At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the Department of Humanities, in the College of Liberal Arts and Education, offers an exciting range of academic programs in humanities studies.
We also work closely with interdisciplinary programs and offer humanities elective courses in a variety of areas, such as Women’s and Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies, Gay Studies, and the International Education program.
Whether you are interested in fulfilling a major, minor, or taking humanities classes, adding this focus to a business, medical, engineering, or technology degree can also add a dimension to your educational background that will make you stand out in the job market.
English
The English program allows students the flexibility to choose from three English majors and five minors according to individual preference and career choices. Students may also obtain a writing certificate and a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certificate.
World Languages
The World Language program offers a major in Spanish, along with minors in French, German, and Spanish. Students who major in world languages find career opportunities in many areas, such as international business, marketing, civil service work, diplomacy, law enforcement, and teaching.
Minor studies in French, German, and Spanish are designed for students interested in combining a minor in a world language with other areas of study for the purpose of enhancing communication skills and career opportunities. Likewise, apart from the intellectual development that results from the study of the French, German, or Spanish language, its literature and civilization, students may also find professional employment in international business, marketing, civil service, and teaching.
Students who wish to teach French, German, or Spanish must be admitted to the School of Education, meet all of the requirements for teacher certification, and also take TEACHING 4060 (credits do not count toward major or minor). All students intending to become licensed teachers must satisfy the requirements outlined in the teacher licensure section listed under the School of Education in the academic catalog.
Philosophy
The Philosophy program offers both a major and minor, encompassing the whole sweep of the history of philosophy.
It also offers important courses if you are majoring in other disciplines like, Introduction to philosophy, ethics, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of law.
As a philosophy major, you may graduate with honors in philosophy by maintaining a high grade point average and, in your senior year, completing an independent research project.
Careers in Humanities
Earning a humanities degree can be a smart decision for your future job prospects. That’s because humanities courses help students gain and fine-tune skills that translate well in a wide range of career paths. When you choose to study humanities, you can expect to improve your problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and reasoning skills. You will also hone your ability to read more critically, write more effectively, and gain empathy.
Some of the many potential career paths you could choose by earning a degree (major or minor) in humanities include the following:
- Archaeologist
- Author
- Copywriter
- Counselor
- Editor
- Event manager
- Historian
- Hospitality manager
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Pastor/religious leader
- Philosopher
- Politician
- Psychologist
- Sales representative
- Sign language interpreter
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Technical writer
- Therapist
- Travel/tourism specialist
Studying humanities is an incredibly versatile choice. Potential careers are available in nearly every industry. Whether you want to work in business, social sciences, health and medicine, engineering, the travel industry, or in education, studying the humanities at UW-Platteville can help you realize your career goals.
Discover by doing
Whether you choose to pursue a humanities major or minor, you can take advantage of a variety of hands-on learning opportunities at UW-Platteville, such as undergraduate research projects, internships, and university events, all designed to help you bridge your education to your future career.
