Unique to Saint Mary’s, the Humanistic Studies major combines the disciplines of history, literature, philosophy, theology, and art in an effort to better understand Western culture as a whole. You will work closely with professors in small classes that stress reading, discussion, and critical and creative thinking. Courses feature "great books" and pay special attention to the role played by Christianity, women, and non-Western cultures in the making of Western civilization.

A true liberal arts major, Humanistic Studies imparts skills that are highly valued in the world of work—thinking for oneself, asking important questions, seeing connections among disparate ideas, reading and analyzing texts intelligently, and writing and speaking with clarity and confidence.

"Humanistic Studies taught me the importance of looking at the big picture, and it also taught me to approach problems and assess them in as unbiased a way as possible. I loved being able to see subjects intertwined and I loved being encouraged to approach traditional subjects in non-traditional ways." —Meghan Harrass '03

As a Saint Mary’s Humanistic Studies graduate, you will be well prepared for a broad range of careers and for graduate studies at the best universities in the country. Visit the HUST department page for more information on this program.

Writing in the Major
You may fulfill your advanced writing requirement in Humanistic Studies, even when you fulfill your comprehensive requirement in another department, by submitting a portfolio of your written work early in your last semester in the program.

Senior Comprehensive Examination
The senior comprehensive exam in humanistic studies is a long essay, written in a senior’s spring semester, exploring the interrelation between the history and literature of selected eras of Western culture. This essay is used to assess the college’s Advanced Writing Proficiency requirement.

Careers
A degree in Humanistic Studies prepares you for a broad range of careers. Our graduates work in such fields as banking, business, education, government, journalism, law, and medicine.

A number of our majors have earned graduate degrees at some of the best universities in the country, including Yale, Chicago, and Notre Dame. Many students have also enjoyed rewarding experiences in service or volunteer programs after graduation. Visit the Center for Career Opportunities website to explore many great career opportunities for Saint Mary’s graduates.