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Because humanists deal analytically with
the most complex problems and issues affecting people, and  because
they are especially adept at analyzing language and texts, students
majoring in the humanities are particularly well prepared for careers
in all fields in which analysis, judgment, and argument are important.
A Humanities education develops in students
the fundamental skills upon which all professions rest: analytical
thinking, critical reasoning, logic, clarity of expression, and
lucid writing. Foreign language study, with its emphasis on communication
skills, prepares students for many interesting careers. Employers
are increasingly looking for graduates who are interested in other
cultures, who are flexible and open to change, and who are tolerant
of diversity. Humanities graduates enjoy careers in such diverse
fields as advertising, banking, foreign service, journalism, law,
public administration, publishing, and teaching. The study of Humanities
encourages personal growth, social awareness, and ongoing self-fulfillment,
and as such, its greatest virtues come from its cultural, humanizing
effects.
African American
Studies
African American Studies graduates enhance their chances of success
in the job market and in the highly competitive arena of graduate
and professional school admissions, especially in the fields of
medicine and other health professions, law, and business. Employers
and admissions officers understand that many of their employees
and graduates will one day work in communities with significant
African American populations, and for this reason they give due
consideration to applicants who have in-depth knowledge of African
American culture.
Asian American Studies
Many career opportunities exist for Asian American Studies majors,
such as service with national and international organizations which
seek knowledge of American multicultural society in general, and
of Asian American peoples and cultures in particular; positions
as area specialists with state and federal government agencies;
private sector careers with corporations or private organizations
which have a significant portion of their activities in the U.S.
and the Pacific Rim; and positions of service and leadership within
Asian American communities.
Art History
The study of art history leads students to develop a critical awareness
of both visual and verbal forms of expression, while learning a
great deal about history as well as art. A Bachelor's degree in
art history is excellent preparation for pursuing a career as an
art historian, art conservatory or museum curator, or professional
study in an entirely different discipline. Undergraduate art history
majors have gone on to graduate and professional school to pursue
advanced training in art history, archaeology, architecture, law,
library and information science, business (often with a special
focus in the fine arts), and education.
Classics
The Classics major aims to help students, through courses in the
department, to appreciate the high achievements of Greek and Roman
culture and their pervasive influence on our own civilization. Graduate
and professional schools in medicine, law, management, and other
fields welcome students with training in the Classics. So do many
business corporations, who are aware that students with a strong
background in a respected and challenging major such as Classics
are disciplined thinkers who can express themselves in clear, coherent,
and cogent language, capabilities that are considered valuable in
future physicians, lawyers, and managers. Classics is also excellent
preparation for advanced study in other academic disciplines such
as archaeology, history, comparative literature, philosophy, and
linguistics, as well as for theological studies and for work in
a wide range of the humanities and social sciences.
Comparative Literature
The study of comparative literature involves attention to the ways ideas are
expressed in different cultures, in different languages, and in different kinds
of texts. In the process, a student learns the importance of combining
rigorous analytic thinking with a creative, cross-cultural perspective. In
an increasingly global job market, Comparative Literature majors are uniquely
well prepared for careers that combine critical thinking with an international
perspective, such as journalism, education, domestic and international law,
international business, advertising and marketing, and cultural work. Some
Comparative Literature majors have gone onto successful careers as writers,
screenwriters, and literary and film critics. .A comparative literature degree
is also an excellent marker of a student’s readiness to pursue graduate
school or a career in education.
English
The study of literature helps students to express their ideas clearly,
do independent research, and think analytically and imaginatively.
These capabilities will help qualify majors for careers in education,
law, technical writing, communications, journalism, public relations,
business, and management. The undergraduate major in English
is especially good preparation for
graduate study.
European
Studies
Students in this major will be well prepared for law, education,
politics, public policy, academia, journalism. European Studies
graduates will be especially qualified for careers in law, the
foreign service, and international business, and in any career
in which analysis, judgment, and argument are important.
Film and Media Studies
The study of film and the visual media helps students to think analytically
and imaginatively about visual culture. The training and discipline
offered an undergraduate film major prepares students to go on to
graduate school in film, history, law, business, and education.
It also prepares students to seek work in the commercial or independent
sector of the entertainment industry.
French
The great majority of students who major in French pursue careers
in various sectors of the world of business, education, law, and
journalism, where they can take advantage not only of their competency
in communicating in French but also of what they have learned from
the study of French literature and culture. The study of literature
teaches students to think critically and develops analytical skills;
it also helps them to express their own ideas clearly and persuasively.
In practical terms, these skills will allow them to operate efficiently
in marketing, publicity, public relations, and management, where
sophistication has become essential.
German
The ability to speak German can broaden your career opportunities
both in the United States and abroad. German is spoken by over 120
million people in Europe, and Eastern Europe communicates and does
business primarily in German. Over a thousand German companies have
subsidiaries in the United States, and many American high-tech companies
name German as the foreign language they would prefer job applicants
to know. German can be combined successfully with work in the natural
sciences, business and management, and the computer sciences, and
is invaluable for advanced work in the humanities and the fine arts.
It can open up opportunities in communications, foreign trade and
banking, transportation, government, science and technology, tourism,
library services, and teaching. Recent graduates have begun careers
in international law, business, the foreign service, the airlines
industry, professional translating, journalism, and all levels of
education, including university teaching.
History
The training and discipline derived from historical studies provide
a valuable experience for all educated persons seeking to understand
themselves and their world. Many students who complete undergraduate
degrees in History go on to graduate school in a variety of fields,
including history, law, business, international relations, and teacher
education. The strong academic and professional orientation acquired
by history majors is necessary to pursue successful careers in such
diverse fields as advertising, banking, journalism, management,
public relations, publishing, and government service.
Philosophy
The study of argument and the prevision and clarity of thought and
writing required of philosophy majors are excellent preparation
for a variety of careers. Many undergraduates trained in philosophy
go on to professional schools in medicine, business, or law. The
analytical skills developed in philosophy courses are especially
useful in legal education; indeed, many UCI Philosophy graduates
have established fine records at top law schools. Former philosophy
students have also used their skills to advantage in careers in
government, business, teaching, law enforcement, and computer programming.
Spanish
Spanish is particularly useful in international business or trade,
community or social service, and in the foreign service. Spanish
majors interested in writing may look to publishing, writing, or
editing positions. Majoring in Spanish is also excellent preparation
for graduate and professional study in law, medicine, social welfare,
library science, business or public administration, education, international
relations, journalism, or advanced study in Spanish. Bilingualism
and ESL are very useful preliminary emphases for many of the fields
described above.
Women's Studies
Women's Studies prepares graduates for the expanding opportunities
in graduate programs and careers in both the public and private
sectors. As more women work, businesses need increased knowledge
about women, and the growth of women's organizations and agencies
at the local, national, and global levels is creating new opportunities
for graduates. They bring unique skills and knowledge to the professions
of law, medicine, social work, teaching, counseling, and to government
service, all of which increasingly require expertise on issues concerning
women and gender. The major develops critical and analytical skills
that prove valuable in the full range of life choices.
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