Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme emphasises interdisciplinary study across the humanities and related liberal arts disciplines. You will complete a core curriculum that develops skills in academic writing, critical analysis, quantitative reasoning and information literacy, alongside focused coursework in humanities subjects.

• Core skills and methods: academic writing and rhetoric, research methods in the humanities, critical theory, and courses that address ethical reasoning and quantitative literacy.
• Humanities concentration options: literature (including British, American and world literatures), history, philosophy, religious studies, visual and material culture, and language studies (e.g. Spanish, French, or other modern languages offered by the university).
• Interdisciplinary electives: you can pair humanities study with courses in anthropology, sociology, political science, theatre, media studies, digital humanities and arts practice to create a customised programme of study.
• Capstone and experiential learning: many students complete a senior capstone or honours project involving independent research, a long-form essay or a creative portfolio. Opportunities for internships, community-based projects and study abroad are integrated into the curriculum to support practical experience.
• Typical modules and seminar topics: modern and contemporary literary studies, historical methods, ethics and public life, cultural theory, translation studies, digital humanities methods, museum studies, and courses in rhetoric and public communication.

Entry requirements

Admission to Case Western Reserve University is selective. Applicants should present a strong secondary-school academic record with coursework that demonstrates readiness for college-level reading, writing and analysis. Typical application materials include a completed application form, secondary-school transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and one or more academic references.

• Academic background: successful applicants usually have substantial preparation in English and humanities-related subjects; advanced or honours-level coursework where available is advantageous.
• Standardised testing and supplements: applicants should consult the university’s admissions guidance for current policies on standardised tests and optional materials; portfolios or writing samples can strengthen an application for humanities-focused study.
• Transfer applicants: transfer candidates are considered with evaluation of college transcripts, course descriptions and a statement of purpose explaining academic goals and how prior credits will apply.

Career prospects

Graduates with a liberal arts and humanities degree from Case Western are prepared for diverse career paths that value communication, critical thinking and creativity. The degree provides a foundation for both direct entry into the workforce and for further graduate or professional study.

• Direct career routes: roles in communications, publishing and editing, public relations, marketing, cultural organisations, museums and archives, non-profit programme coordination, and arts administration.
• Professional and graduate study: many alumni progress to graduate study in fields such as English, history, cultural studies, library and information science, education, public policy, business and law.
• Transferable skills: employers value graduates’ abilities in written and oral communication, research and analysis, project management and interdisciplinary problem solving—skills applicable across business, technology, healthcare administration and public service sectors.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve offers a liberal-arts education within a research-intensive university, combining personalised instruction with access to substantial research resources. The university’s small seminar-style classes in the humanities foster close mentorship between students and faculty and support individual research projects.

• Research and mentorship: students can work with faculty on humanities research and benefit from advising that helps tailor an interdisciplinary programme to personal and career goals.
• Location and partnerships: situated in Cleveland, the university provides access to rich cultural institutions, museums, theatres and community organisations, and established internship pathways with regional partners such as hospitals, cultural institutions and civic organisations.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, community-engaged projects and study abroad complement classroom learning and help build professional experience and networks.