Duke University

Overview

The Master’s Program in the Humanities at Duke University offers a unique interdepartmental approach, allowing students to design a personalized curriculum that spans various disciplines within the humanities. With guidance from dedicated graduate faculty and an academic adviser, you will establish a clear intellectual and research direction tailored to your interests.

What you'll study

The program emphasizes a student-centered curriculum built with adviser support, enabling you to focus on themes, historical periods, or research problems of your choice. You will engage in interdisciplinary coursework, drawing from multiple humanities and interpretive social science departments to enrich your academic experience.

Core approach

• Adviser-guided curriculum: Propose a specific theme or research challenge and receive tailored guidance on the coursework that aligns with your goals.
• Interdisciplinary coursework: Experience a diverse selection of classes that enhance both the depth and breadth of your knowledge in the humanities.

Coursework (typical)

• Participate in graduate seminars and advanced courses focused on humanities and interpretive social sciences.
• Curate your course selection to align with your research interests, including options that emphasize methods and theory.

Culminating academic work

• Complete a significant culminating academic requirement, such as a research paper or other equivalent project, as detailed by the program.

Note: The specific courses and culminating requirements may vary based on your approved study plan and the program's guidelines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet a minimum GPA requirement, which indicates their academic performance in previous coursework. Prospective students should verify the specifics of the GPA criteria as part of their application preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s Program in the Humanities are equipped with critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued in various fields. Career opportunities may include roles in education, research, public policy, cultural institutions, and more, providing a broad range of pathways for professional development.