Humanities majors provide rich training in critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and perspective taking–all vital skills for careers in education. Education professionals work both in the classroom and behind the scenes. Some paths within education that humanities training can help you pursue are:
Classroom Instruction
Classroom instructors may teach in many kinds of environments, including K-12, community college, public or private university, or professional school.
Necessary training: Depends on kind of instruction; generally, Bachelor’s degree and advanced degree or credential, such as state teaching credential or Master of Education (K-12), disciplinary Master’s (community college), PhD (public or private university), or other advanced degree (e.g. JD for law school)
Early career roles: For K-12: Assistant Teacher, Teacher’s Aide (advanced degree not required), Teacher; For postsecondary: Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer, Assistant Professor
Education Administration
Administrative roles exist in all kinds of educational institutions and can involve overseeing and supporting instruction and curriculum, operations, faculty and/or staff, and other elements of the education environment.
Necessary training: Master’s degree often required, e.g. in education administration or leadership; PhD required for some higher education leadership positions (e.g. provosts, deans)
Early career roles: Principal roles and some higher education leadership roles need prior teaching experience; see Classroom Instruction section
Keith Curry
President of Compton College
BA American Studies
Education and Instructional Technology
Education or instructional technology specialists help teachers and administrators find the right digital tools, combining technology use and educational theory to facilitate learning.
Necessary training: Master’s degree in educational field; some U.S. states have additional certification and/or testing requirements
Early career roles: Instructional Technologist, Multimedia Specialist, Technology Coach
Learning & Development
Many employers hire training and development specialists to administer employee training programs. These roles may involve designing, conducting, and assessing employee training.
Necessary training: Bachelor’s degree generally required; certification, such as through the Association for Talent Development (ATD), desired for some positions
Early career roles: Some roles may require prior experience in a related industry or with delivering training; look for opportunities to train coworkers in any kind of job
Key Skills
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Equity & inclusion
- Teamwork & collaboration
- Organization
- Project management
Learn More
O*NET OnLine: Educational Instruction and Library
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
O*NET OnLine: Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary and Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals and Postsecondary Education Administrators
O*NET OnLine: Training and Development Specialists
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Training and Development Specialists