University of Vermont

What you'll study

This programme offers a broad foundation across the humanities and liberal arts, emphasising critical thinking, effective communication and interdisciplinary enquiry. Core study typically includes academic writing and rhetoric, introduction to humanities disciplines, historical methods, and courses in philosophical reasoning and cultural analysis.

• Literature and literary analysis (survey courses and specialised topics)
• History, including regional and thematic approaches
• Philosophy, ethics and critical theory
• Modern languages and translation studies
• Introduction to the social sciences (sociology, anthropology, political science)
• Quantitative reasoning and information literacy for humanities students
• Elective seminars in areas such as digital humanities, media studies, art history and cultural studies
• Capstone project, senior seminar or independent research project synthesising interdisciplinary learning
• Opportunities for internships, community-based learning and study abroad to apply classroom learning in practical settings

The degree structure is intentionally flexible: students follow general education requirements while building a personalised course plan with an academic adviser, allowing concentrations or joint study across departments.

Entry requirements

Entry is at undergraduate level and intended for students completing secondary education or for transfer and non-traditional applicants. Applicants should present a strong secondary school record or the equivalent; the university considers academic preparation in relevant subjects such as English, history, languages and mathematics.

• Domestic applicants generally apply through the standard undergraduate admissions process; standardised tests may be optional or considered according to current admissions policies.
• International applicants should demonstrate completion of an appropriate secondary qualification and proficiency in English; recognised qualifications (for example, A‑levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent) are accepted.
• Transfer students submit college transcripts and may receive credit for prior study; experiential learning and professional experience can also be discussed with an adviser.
• Applicants are encouraged to provide a personal statement and, where relevant, writing samples or a portfolio to demonstrate readiness for humanities coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates with a General Studies and Humanities background from the University of Vermont move into a wide range of careers that value critical analysis, communication and problem-solving. The degree provides flexible preparation rather than training for a single occupation.

• Careers in education, publishing, journalism and communications
• Roles in public service, non-profit organisations and community advocacy
• Positions in cultural institutions, museums and libraries
• Entry-level roles in marketing, human resources and project coordination
• Routes into professional programmes such as law, library science, public policy and graduate study in the humanities and social sciences
• Opportunities for entrepreneurship and creative industries, often supported by internships and experiential learning undertaken during the degree

Why study at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont offers a liberal arts education embedded in a research-active university with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Small seminar sizes and accessible faculty allow for close mentoring and opportunities for undergraduate research and community engagement.

• Interdisciplinary culture that encourages cross-department collaboration and personalised study plans
• Access to internships in Burlington and the wider region, connecting students with public, cultural and private sector partners
• Robust study abroad programmes and field-learning options to broaden cultural and academic perspectives
• Support services including academic advising, career services and writing centres to help shape career pathways and graduate school preparation
• A campus environment that combines liberal arts traditions with practical, civic-oriented learning in a vibrant community setting