Humanities (B.A.) | Majors & Degrees

Humanities Introduction

Courses comprising the major develop students’ ability to recognize, understand, interpret, evaluate, and internalize complex texts; articulate their thinking and feeling; make sound judgments, and solve problems. Humanities majors pursue interests in writing, language, literature, philosophy, history, music, art, architecture, film, photography, and theater—among other fields. Endorsing the study of the humanities, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, it “… gives an aspect of living that is essential. You need technology. You need the professions. You need all of those things, but we need the heart also, and the humanities speak to the heart, men’s aspirations for the good and the beautiful” (LDS Church News, 19 March 2005).

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Humanities, start with one of the following major-specific courses

Greek and Roman Art (ART302)

This course surveys the ancient Greek and Roman worlds.

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Global Humanities (HUM340R)

Class iterations include Asian Humanities, Polynesian Humanities, and Brith Imperialism: Africa and Australia.

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Junior Seminar in the Humanities (HUM350R)

Class iterations include European Romanticism, Mythology of the West and Westerns, Civil War and Civil Rights, and more.

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Medieval Art (ART303)

This course surveys western art from the time of Constantine the Great to the beginning of the Renaissance.

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Modern Philosophy (PHIL202)

This course consists of an examination through leading texts of the historical development of western philosophy from the Renaissance to the present.

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4-Year Plan

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Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Humanities have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

Common Career Paths

Graduates from this major pursue a variety of career paths that offer them the opportunity to become leaders in their fields. A representative selection includes Education (secondary, college/university), Law (paralegal, law clerk, attorney), Library Science (librarian, archivist, museum curator), Medicine (physician, nurse practitioner, social worker/therapist, occupational therapist), Travel (tour guide, hospitality and tourism, travel agent), Writing and Publishing (editing, academic publishing, web content authoring, creative writing).

Preparation for Graduate School

This major provides a premier foundation for preparing students to pursue advanced degrees in fields like law, healthcare/mental health, public policy, and library science at top-tier institutions. Graduates develop the rigorous writing, analytical, and investigative skills needed to excel in professions and in specialized master’s and doctoral programs that demand high-level academic inquiry.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

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AI in the Humanities

Our curriculum equips Humanities students to use AI thoughtfully in both the classroom and their future careers. You’ll learn to leverage tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and translation programs to spark ideas, support research, and create study materials—while developing the critical judgment and ethical awareness needed to interpret meaning and evaluate sources. These tools are intended to enhance learning and professional preparation, but not to replace original thinking or serve as substitutes for course writing assignments.

Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness

AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.