In a world that often emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), it’s easy to overlook the immense value of the arts and humanities. These fields—which include subjects like literature, history, philosophy, and fine arts—are the keepers of our culture and the explorers of the human experience. They teach us how to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the world from different perspectives. A career in these areas might not seem as direct as one in engineering, but it can be just as rewarding and impactful. Whether you dream of becoming a novelist, a museum curator, a journalist, or a policy advisor, the foundation you build in college is crucial. Choosing the right school can provide you with the mentorship, resources, and intellectual environment to turn your passion for culture and ideas into a meaningful career.

What Makes a Great Arts and Humanities School?

Unlike professional programs where the path is very structured, a great arts and humanities education is about more than just job training. It’s about intellectual exploration. When looking for a top school, you should consider a few key things. First, look at the faculty. Are the professors passionate teachers and also respected scholars or artists in their own right? Learning from someone who is actively contributing to their field is incredibly inspiring.

Second, consider the school's resources. Does it have an amazing library, a world-class art museum on campus, or special collections of rare manuscripts? These resources are your playground for discovery. Finally, think about the culture of the institution. A great humanities school fosters a vibrant intellectual community where students are encouraged to debate big ideas, challenge assumptions, and pursue their curiosity wherever it leads.

University of Iowa

If you dream of writing the next great American novel, there is one place that stands above all others: the University of Iowa. While many schools have excellent English departments, Iowa is legendary for its creative writing programs. The Iowa Writers' Workshop is arguably the most prestigious graduate writing program in the world, and its reputation permeates the entire university.

Undergraduates at Iowa have the unique opportunity to study in this "writing-obsessed" environment. The English and Creative Writing major allows students to take workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction taught by graduates of the famous workshop. The university is a hub for literary activity, hosting readings by famous authors and fostering a community where writing is taken seriously as both an art form and a profession. An education from Iowa doesn't just teach you how to write; it immerses you in a culture that lives and breathes literature, providing a powerful launchpad for a career as a writer, editor, or publisher.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most intellectually intense and rigorous universities in the country. For students who love to grapple with big questions, dive deep into texts, and engage in spirited debate, UChicago is a paradise. Its approach to education is grounded in what it calls the "Core Curriculum," a series of required courses that exposes all students to the foundational texts and ideas of Western civilization.

This environment makes it an exceptional place to study subjects like history, philosophy, and political science. The history department is renowned for its scholarly influence, pushing students to think like historians by analyzing primary sources and developing complex arguments. The philosophy department is equally famous for its analytical rigor. A UChicago education is not for the faint of heart; it will challenge you at every turn. But it will also train your mind to think with a level of clarity, depth, and precision that is invaluable for careers in law, academia, journalism, and public policy.

Yale University

While specialized art schools offer fantastic training, for the artist who also wants a world-class liberal arts education, Yale University is a top choice. The Yale School of Art is a legendary graduate program, and its influence shapes the undergraduate art major into one of the most respected in the nation.

Art majors at Yale are not isolated from the rest of the university. They take a full range of academic courses alongside their studio work, allowing them to draw inspiration from history, science, and literature. The program is known for its rigorous critiques and its emphasis on developing a strong conceptual foundation for your artwork. Students have access to incredible facilities and the renowned Yale University Art Gallery for inspiration. A degree from Yale signals that you are not only a talented artist but also a critical thinker, opening doors to careers as a professional artist, a curator, a critic, or a leader in the art world.

Brown University

Brown University is famous for its unique Open Curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study without any general education requirements. This freedom and flexibility make it an ideal place for students whose interests don't fit neatly into a single box. For an arts and humanities student, this means you can craft a truly personalized education.

Want to study the history of medicine and also take classes in medical illustration? You can do that. Interested in how digital technology is changing literature? You can combine courses from computer science and English. This interdisciplinary approach is perfect for the modern world, where the most interesting work often happens at the intersection of different fields. Brown's culture encourages creativity, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking. It’s the perfect place for a self-motivated student who wants to explore the connections between art, culture, and society on their own terms, preparing them for emerging careers that haven't even been invented yet.

Williams College and Amherst College

For students who thrive in a small, tight-knit academic community focused purely on undergraduate education, top liberal arts colleges like Williams and Amherst offer an unparalleled experience in the arts and humanities. These schools are dedicated to teaching, with small class sizes and close relationships between students and professors.