Humanities in the Digital Age

“The humanities are a good bet because the things that are hardest to computerize or outsource are going to be all about skills that emphasize human interaction. Empathy, sociability, writing, analyzing, and reacting to people—all things more likely to come from the humanities…”

—Business Insider

In the face of rapid technological advancement, studying the humanities fortifies those skills that artificial intelligence can’t replicate—creativity, leadership, morality, humor, intuition, and emotional intelligence. AI can’t build relationships, socialize, teach others with empathy, or provide mentorship.

According to LinkedIn, the top skills for 2024 demonstrate the value of the humanities. Among them are communication, leadership, analytics, teamwork, problem-solving, and research.

Train Your Mind for a Lifetime of Careers

You’ll develop the skills that are evidence of a well-rounded education and serve you in whatever professions you choose. You’ll find the confidence to leave your own marks as a source of beauty, wonder, and inspiration for future generations.

It’s All About Storytelling

The ability to weave a compelling narrative remains a powerful and transferable skill that applies to careers as diverse as the law, social media marketing, teaching, arts and culture, and entrepreneurship.

Humanities graduates are journalists, writers, professors, and historians. They’re also filmmakers, editors, critics, curators, performers, and attorneys. And they’re in business, finance, medicine, and education. They’ve carved so many paths. So will you.

Why Purchase?

With small classes, approachable and mentoring faculty, and a curriculum designed to open you to a world of ideas and imagination while reinforcing marketable core skills, the Humanities at Purchase will test you, support you, challenge you, and prepare you for just about anything.

Choose Your Own Path

Mix it up—blend in the sciences or psychology or television studies. Add a second major, a minor or two, or even create your own personalized course of study once you get here. It’s all possible.

Get Lost in Your Thoughts, Not in the Crowd

A student to faculty ratio of 11:1 and average class size of 17 means you’ll engage in meaningful classroom dialogue. Professors know more than your name; they know you, your views, and your story. And they’re advisors for life.

A Private Liberal Arts Experience at a Public School

We combine the individualized attention from faculty and small engaging classroom experiences of private schools with the diversity and affordability of a public school. Add in experiential learning and the yearlong senior project experience for a combination not easily found elsewhere.