University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme is delivered through the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) and is organised around a core liberal arts curriculum plus concentrations or elective pathways in humanities disciplines. Students take foundational courses in writing and critical thinking, distribution requirements across arts, social sciences and natural sciences, and a sequence of upper-level humanities seminars. Typical subject areas include literature, history, philosophy, classics, religious studies, comparative cultural studies, film and media studies, languages and translation, and digital humanities.

Common course types and modules you can expect:

• Writing and Rhetoric: first-year writing seminars and advanced composition focused on argument, research and public-facing writing.
• Foundations in Humanities: surveys in world literature, intellectual history, ethics and aesthetic theory.
• Area and Language Study: intermediate to advanced language courses and regionally focused literature/culture modules.
• Methods and Theory: courses in literary theory, historiography, critical theory and qualitative research methods.
• Interdisciplinary Seminars and Capstone: small-group seminars culminating in a research project or capstone paper that integrates multiple humanities approaches.
• Electives and Minors: opportunity to combine humanities study with minors or electives in fields such as digital studies, public policy, education, or entrepreneurship.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities with faculty, study abroad options to deepen language and area expertise, and experiential learning through internships and community partnerships.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary school completion recognised by the University of Michigan and a competitive academic record demonstrating strength in humanities and general liberal arts subjects. Typical preparation includes coursework in English/literature, history or social studies, mathematics and at least two years of a foreign language.

The admissions process reviews the whole application: academic transcript, personal statement, and other supporting materials. Standardised tests may be optional at times; applicants should check current admissions guidance. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or equivalent qualification. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and any programme-specific materials requested by LSA.

Career prospects

A liberal arts and humanities degree from the University of Michigan develops strong analytical thinking, communication, research and cultural literacy—skills valued across many sectors. Graduates commonly move into roles such as:

• Publishing, journalism and content creation
• Education and academic support roles
• Public policy, government and non-profit programme work
• Marketing, public relations and communications
• Law, graduate study and professional schools
• Business, consulting and human-centred design roles where interpretation and writing are important

Many students combine the degree with internships, campus career programmes and alumni networks to transition into entry-level professional roles or to prepare for postgraduate study in humanities, social sciences, law or professional disciplines.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers the resources of a large research university alongside small seminar-style teaching in the humanities. Students benefit from access to extensive library collections and archives, active faculty research programmes, and interdisciplinary centres that support cultural and area studies. LSA provides advising, undergraduate research funding, and career support tailored to liberal arts students.

Located in Ann Arbor, the university provides a vibrant academic and cultural environment with numerous student organisations, arts venues, and internship connections to regional and national employers. The programme’s flexibility allows students to tailor study to personal interests while building the transferable skills employers and graduate schools seek.