Many high school students in the U.S. prepare extensively for a slot at the Ivy League or other prestigious American universities. Even though some famous and successful entrepreneurs and company CEOs didn’t necessarily have a college diploma that helped them achieve success, a university degree in the U.S. is almost always a ticket to a stable, well-paying job.
Although many people nowadays pursue degrees that will help them land lucrative jobs in the future, courses in humanities and liberal arts still make it to the well-known degree programs in the USA. These programs are best for those who want to pursue a career in research or academia.
Education in the U.S. is relatively expensive, so people might think that a degree in the humanities may not be the best path if they want to pay off their student loans sooner rather than later.
On the contrary, the discipline provides massive opportunities for graduates competent and adventurous enough to take on various careers, such as journalists, historians, art curators, language coaches, and more. That’s why let’s take a look at the best humanities schools in the United States!
Top Schools Offering Humanities Programs in the USA
1. Harvard University
Harvard University is a prestigious private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, widely regarded as one as the leading academic institutions in the world. Its humanities division is celebrated for its deep intellectual traditions, fostering a rigorous and flexible academic environment. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of disciplines before specializing, with a curriculum designed to develop critical thinking, sophisticated analysis, and effective communication. The university’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and groundbreaking research provides a rich foundation for students pursuing an education in the humanities.
The university’s flexible curriculum allows students to discover their true academic passions. For instance, Eunice Chon, a student of History of Science and Philosophy, shared that after exploring other fields, she felt she had “found where I belonged” when she took her first History of Science class. This experience highlights how Harvard’s environment is built to help students connect with their authentic interests and pursue a course of study that is a perfect fit. Her interdisciplinary focus also demonstrates the university’s commitment to supporting students who want to explore complex topics from multiple perspectives.
Eunice’s academic journey reflects the profound and human-centered work that is central to the humanities at Harvard. Describing her studies, she explained, “I study life and death. I humanize knowledge, care, and suffering.” This quote encapsulates the deep intellectual and ethical inquiry that the university’s programs facilitate. By providing the freedom to be “nuanced, sensitive, and critical,” Harvard empowers students like Eunice to challenge existing narratives and contribute new truths to their fields, making their work both intellectually rigorous and personally meaningful.
2. Stanford University
The idea of constructing Stanford University started in 1885 in memory of the late Leland Stanford Jr., who passed away due to typhoid fever the year before. The university was primarily established because his parents wanted to help other children. It officially opened in 1891 as an unorthodox university that, from the get-go, valued personal success and equal opportunities for people, regardless of religion or gender.
National and global rankings put Stanford among the best universities worldwide. Today, it is one of the best universities in the humanities field in the USA. It is home to some of the most outstanding students who were admitted through its highly selective admission process. Its population consists of over 17,000 students and roughly 2,300 teaching staff—19 of whom are Nobel Laureates.
Stanford’s School of Humanities and Sciences offers numerous and diverse undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, including art, history, philosophy, religious studies, linguistics, music, etc. Stanford graduates are highly valued and usually have good career prospects upon graduation.
3. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California–Berkeley is a top public university established in 1868. It currently holds the top spot among public universities worldwide and is also an excellent institution for humanities in the USA. This outstanding institution has hosted 32 Nobel Prizes and four Pulitzer Prize winners among its faculty members. At present, nine Nobel Prize awardees are active members of the UC faculty.
The university’s Arts and Humanities Department offers 30 majors, with prospective students being able to select from a list of majors, minors, and other undergraduate programs. The department’s graduates can benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the programs and find career opportunities in many areas, such as business, education, law, media, and more.
Meanwhile, almost half of the graduates in the humanities major program proceeded to postgraduate school. UC Berkeley also offers students the opportunity and assistance they need to pursue a postgraduate program at the university.
4. Princeton University
Princeton University is another Ivy League school that exudes excellence just by its name. It was established in 1746, making it one of the oldest learning institutions in the USA. It has since produced numerous alumni who went on to win the prestigious Nobel Prize or take active roles in politics or private and public industries locally and abroad.
Today, Princeton University is one of the best schools for humanities in the USA. It has carefully selected and accommodated a little over 8,000 students enrolled in more than a hundred programs. This number makes it suitable for the university to maintain an efficient 5:1 student-teacher ratio. In addition, more than half of the student population.
The Humanities Department offers many degree programs, including philosophy, history, architecture, music, and more. Most of the courses offer undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degree offerings, allowing students to gain a more structured and higher level of education.
5. Yale University
Yale University’s long history dates back to the mid-17th century. It opened as a collegiate school in 1701 and adopted its current name in 1718. Yale University is a member of the Ivy League and is among the most prestigious universities in the country, with a 7% acceptance rate. A fifth of its carefully selected student population comes from over 120 countries.
The university’s humanities department delivers an exceptional humanities program in the USA. Its undergraduate and postgraduate programs utilize traditional and generation-appropriate approaches to providing basic or in-depth understanding and analysis of humanities fields such as arts, music, literature, and philosophy. The department covers areas ranging from Asian to Western and periods from ancient to contemporary.
Prospective students may select from a long list of humanities programs offered by Yale. The university also offers students the opportunity to spend a summer in Rome, a city rich in history and culture, an ideal destination for any student majoring in Humanities.
When you choose to study humanities at U.S. universities as an international student, you’ll get a diverse and interactive academic experience that encourages cultural understanding and critical thinking. Because of their high-quality education system, they can provide you with an environment that can explore the meaning and complexities of humanities.
We hope that this article on the best universities to study humanities in the USA was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Open Courses for International Students and Guide to Studying in the USA Page to learn more about studying in the United States!
