Signing up for AP® courses can help you prepare for college-level work and potentially earn college credit. Choosing AP classes that align with your intended humanities major — like literature, English, or history- can strengthen your application and give you a head start in college. In this guide, we’ll explore what humanities majors involve, help you discover where your passions lie, and show how the right AP courses can set you up for success in college and beyond.
Is a Humanities Major Right for You?
If you're curious about how people think, create, and shape the world through language, culture, and history, a humanities major might be the perfect fit for you. It offers a broad foundation for students who love exploring ideas and want to develop strong communication and analytical skills.
Understanding Humanities
The humanities focus on understanding the human experience through subjects like literature, history, and the arts. These disciplines explore how people interpret the world, express ideas, and shape culture across time and place. You might study how historical events influence modern society, analyze literary works that reflect human emotions, or explore philosophical questions about ethics and existence. You'll develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication that will help you examine complex issues from multiple perspectives. Whether you're passionate about storytelling, uncovering the past, or understanding cultural identities, the humanities offer a rich, meaningful path that prepares you for a wide range of career options.
Why Choose a Humanities Degree?
A humanities degree helps you build valuable skills like critical thinking, clear writing, and thoughtful analysis. These skills apply to many different careers and prepare you to handle complex ideas and communicate effectively, both in college and beyond.
If you’ve taken AP® courses in subjects like literature or history, you’re already on the right track. Strong scores in these areas show colleges that you’re ready for challenging coursework. They can also help you earn college credit or skip introductory classes, saving you time and money.
A background in the humanities is also a solid choice if you’re considering graduate school. The skills you gain are flexible and can support different career paths. And when it’s time to apply to college, good AP scores in humanities subjects can help your application stand out by showing your academic strengths and passion for the subject.
Average SAT® and ACT® Scores for Students Interested in Humanities Majors
Standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT can offer valuable insight into your readiness for college-level work, especially if you're considering a humanities major. According to the ACT National Profile Report for the Graduating Class of 2024, the national average ACT scores were 18.6 in English, 20.1 in Reading, and 19.4 overall (composite). Historically, students interested in English and foreign languages tend to score above the national average — particularly in the English and Reading sections.
Similarly, students pursuing majors such as English, philosophy, or history tend to score higher than average on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) section of the SAT, with English majors averaging 608 on ERW and 549 on Math.
These scores not only help with college admissions and scholarship opportunities but also offer a helpful benchmark for setting academic goals and planning your path toward a career in the humanities.
Do Colleges and Universities Value AP Courses in the Humanities?
Absolutely! Colleges and universities appreciate AP courses in the humanities. These courses show that you're challenging yourself and taking on more advanced material in history, literature, and art. They demonstrate your dedication and readiness for college-level work. Plus, they can give you a head start in your chosen field. Taking AP courses in the humanities can make your college application stand out and show that you're up for the academic rigors of higher education.
Plus, the benefits go beyond admissions. High scores on AP exams can help you save money on tuition by earning college credit. Most universities allow you to skip introductory classes if you score 3 or above on your AP exams, which means fewer courses to pay for and potentially graduating early. You’ll also have more room in your schedule for advanced coursework, research, or clinical experiences, giving you a competitive edge while reducing your overall college costs.
What Skills Can Be Developed as a Student of Humanities?
Studying the humanities helps you grow into a thoughtful, articulate, well-rounded thinker. You’ll strengthen your ability to write, communicate ideas effectively, and understand different cultures and perspectives. These skills aren’t just valuable for class but in demand across careers like media, law, education, public service, and beyond.
Humanities courses also teach you to break down big ideas, think critically about complex issues, and build strong arguments. Over time, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle challenges creatively and thoughtfully, skills that can take you far, no matter your chosen path.
In-Demand Jobs for Humanities Majors (Median Salary Above $120,000)
A humanities degree can lead to high-paying careers that value communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These roles span industries like law, marketing, and education, often with room for advancement. With experience or graduate study, humanities majors can thrive in strategic and executive positions.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Director | Oversee and coordinate an organization's internal and external communications strategies and branding. | Communications, Public Relations | $229,063 |
| Content Marketing Manager | Develop and implement content strategies to drive brand awareness, lead generation, and engagement. | Communications, Marketing, English | $172,031 |
| Communications Specialist | Develop and execute communication plans and deliver key messages to various audiences. | Communications, Public Relations | $188,406 |
| Managing Editor | Supervise editorial teams, oversee content production, and ensure quality and deadlines are met. | English, Journalism, Communications | $121,865 |
| Educational Consultant | Advise schools or students on curriculum design, academic planning, and educational strategies. | English, Education, Humanities | $130,826 |
| Director of People and Culture | Lead HR, talent management, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. | Humanities, Business Admin, HR Management | $245,271 |
| Judge/Magistrate | Preside over legal proceedings, interpret laws, and make rulings in court cases. | Legal Studies, Philosophy | $218,873 |
| Marketing Manager | Plan and coordinate marketing initiatives, promotional strategies, and research activities. | English, Communications, Business Administration | $149,169 |
| PR Manager | Manage public image, media relations, and crisis communication strategies for organizations. | Communications, Public Relations, English | $153,806 |
| Attorney | Represent clients in legal proceedings and offer legal counsel across various specialties. | Legal Studies, English, Philosophy | $135,030 |
High-Potential Roles in Humanities (Median Salary: $80,000–$119,999)
Humanities graduates often develop strong writing, communication, and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in leadership, content strategy, and digital communication roles. Many offer paths to growth, leadership, and influence across tech, media, education, and marketing.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Writer | Write manuals, instructions, and guides for complex systems or technologies. | English, Communications | $92,000 |
| UX Writer / Content Strategist | Craft language and strategy for digital interfaces (apps, websites, etc.). | English, Writing, Communications | $98,000 |
| Grant Writer | Research and write proposals to secure funding for nonprofits or institutions. | English, Humanities | $86,000 |
| Corporate Trainer | Design and deliver workplace education programs. | English, Education | $90,000 |
| Copywriter (Agency or In-House) | Create persuasive content for ads, products, or branded campaigns. | English, Marketing | $89,000 |
| Editor (Publishing/Media) | Review and revise written content across print or digital formats. | English, Journalism | $85,000 |
| Museum Curator | Manage collections, research, and exhibitions in museums or cultural institutions. | Art History, English, Humanities | $81,000 |
| Brand Strategist | Align company goals with storytelling and market positioning. | Communications, English | $108,000 |
| Speechwriter | Craft speeches for executives, politicians, or public figures. | English, Rhetoric, Communications | $101,000 |
| Instructional Designer | Develop course materials and learning tools, often for online education. | Humanities, Education, English | $102,000 |
Early-Career Opportunities for Humanities Graduates (Median Salary: $50,000–$79,999)
Many humanities graduates find fulfilling and stable employment in entry-level or mid-tier roles that value storytelling, writing, education, and cultural knowledge. These positions serve as important springboards to long-term professional success, and they’re especially appealing for those pursuing mission-driven or creative industries.
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archivist | Organize and preserve historical documents and records. | History, Library Science | $63,000 |
| Publishing Assistant | Coordinate editorial, marketing, and production tasks at publishing firms. | English, Humanities | $58,000 |
| Content Creator | Develop multimedia content across social and web platforms. | Communications, English | $65,000 |
| ESL Instructor (Domestic or Abroad) | Teach English as a second language in diverse settings. | English, Linguistics, Humanities | $59,000 |
| Book Publicist | Promote new publications and manage media relations for authors. | Communications, English | $66,000 |
| Event Coordinator | Plan and execute corporate or cultural events. | Communications, English | $60,000 |
| Literary Agent Assistant | Support contract negotiation and author representation in the literary world. | English, Humanities | $54,000 |
| Museum Educator | Create learning experiences in museum settings for students and the public. | Art History, Humanities, Education | $57,000 |
| Editorial Assistant | Assist with proofreading, research, and production tasks in media or publishing. | English, Communications | $52,000 |
| Digital Content Analyst | Monitor web content performance and recommend content updates. | English, Marketing | $67,000 |
How Can AP Courses in the Humanities Benefit Future Career Prospects?
Taking AP courses in the humanities shows colleges and future employers that you can handle challenging coursework and think critically about complex topics. These classes strengthen essential skills like writing, analysis, and communication that are valuable in nearly every career field.
Whether you’re planning to enter journalism, law, education, public relations, or even business, AP humanities courses provide a strong foundation. They not only boost your college application but also prepare you for success in college-level classes and beyond by teaching you how to think deeply, argue effectively, and understand different perspectives.
Top AP Humanities Courses for High School Students
A humanities degree opens doors to writing, media, education, and more careers, built on strong communication and critical thinking skills.
AP English Language and Composition
Sharpens your ability to write persuasive arguments and analyze nonfiction texts. Perfect for future journalists, lawyers, communications specialists, or anyone aiming for a career in public speaking or writing.
AP English Literature and Composition
Helps you analyze classic and modern literary works. A great fit for aspiring writers, editors, literature professors, librarians, or anyone interested in storytelling and interpretation.
AP World History: Modern
Helps you understand how global cultures, systems, and events have shaped the world since 1200 CE. Ideal for students interested in international relations, anthropology, cultural studies, or global history careers.
Sharpens your ability to write persuasive arguments and analyze nonfiction texts. Perfect for future journalists, lawyers, communications specialists, or anyone aiming for a career in public speaking or writing.
Helps you analyze classic and modern literary works. A great fit for aspiring writers, editors, literature professors, librarians, or anyone interested in storytelling and interpretation.
Helps you understand how global cultures, systems, and events have shaped the world since 1200 CE. Ideal for students interested in international relations, anthropology, cultural studies, or global history careers.
Taking core AP classes, such as AP English Language and AP English Literature, can help you fulfill general education requirements outside your major while sharpening essential academic skills. When you align your AP courses with your planned humanities major, you save time, reduce college costs, and gain a competitive edge in admissions, especially at selective schools. Choosing complementary courses like AP U.S. History, AP World History, and AP U.S. Government helps you build transferable skills and a strong foundation for your future major. Pairing high AP scores with a solid SAT score (and subscore) can significantly boost your chances of getting into your chosen field. Need help getting started? Check out UWorld’s AP Exam Study Guide to prep with confidence.
References
- Salary.com. (2021, April 1). https://www.salary.com/
- Field of degree: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, September 6). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/home.htm
- National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Fast Facts: Most popular majors (37). https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=37
- COE - Undergraduate Degree Fields. (2021). https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cta
- AP score distributions 2022 – AP Students | College Board. (2023). https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions/2022
- SAT Suite of Assessments Annual Report. (2022). College Board. Retrieved August 20, 2023. https://reports.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/2022-total-group-sat-suite-of-assessments-annual-report.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
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