Ramapo College of New Jersey

What you'll study

This programme emphasises interdisciplinary study across the humanities and general liberal arts. Students follow a core general education curriculum that builds critical reading, academic writing, quantitative reasoning and information literacy, then choose humanities-focused courses and electives to shape a coherent course of study.

• Core skills and methods: academic writing, research methods, digital literacy, critical thinking and introductory statistics for social inquiry.
• Humanities disciplines: literature and literary analysis, cultural studies, philosophy, history, religious studies and world languages.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses in film and media studies, gender studies, public humanities, digital humanities and cultural geography to connect humanities perspectives with contemporary issues.
• Applied learning: opportunities for internships, community-engaged projects, independent study and a capstone project or senior seminar that integrates the student’s chosen fields.
• Electives and concentrations: students may design thematic pathways—such as human rights, creative writing, museum studies or communication—by selecting electives across departments.

The programme encourages small seminars, faculty mentorship and the option to pursue study abroad or transfer credit to expand disciplinary breadth. Students complete a culminating experience demonstrating interdisciplinary synthesis and professional readiness.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Ramapo College reviews applications holistically, considering academic transcripts, course selection, letters of recommendation and a personal statement or essay that explains the applicant’s interests and goals in the liberal arts.

• High school diploma or equivalent with a record of college-preparatory coursework, particularly in writing and humanities subjects.
• Submission of official transcripts; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and syllabi for prior coursework if available.
• Personal statement or essay describing academic interests and how the programme fits the applicant’s goals.
• Letters of recommendation are valued but not always mandatory; applicants should check Ramapo College’s admissions guidance for current requirements.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by accepted tests or approved alternative evidence.

Standardised test policies and other admissions criteria may change; prospective students should consult Ramapo College admissions for the latest guidance and any programme-specific recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a General Studies and Humanities degree develop strong communication, analysis and problem-solving skills sought by employers across sectors. The programme prepares students for a variety of career paths and further study.

• Common career areas: publishing, journalism, marketing and communications, public relations, non-profit and community organisations, cultural institutions and museums.
• Professional pathways: human resources, policy work, administration, programme coordination and roles in public service or advocacy groups.
• Further study: law school, graduate programmes in humanities and social sciences, library and information science, or professional training in education (note: teacher certification has separate requirements).
• Employability skills: research and writing proficiency, project management, critical analysis, digital literacy and the ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences.

Internships, career services, and the college’s connections with employers in northern New Jersey and New York City help students gain practical experience and job-ready skills.

Why study at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College combines a liberal arts ethos with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Small class sizes and accessible faculty mean students receive personalised mentoring and close supervision on research and capstone projects.

• Faculty engagement: faculty are active teachers and advisors who support independent study, undergraduate research and community-based learning.
• Location and connections: the college’s proximity to New York City provides internship and cultural opportunities while maintaining a residential campus environment.
• Support services: robust academic support, career services, internship placement assistance and study-abroad advising help students translate classroom learning into career and civic outcomes.
• Flexible, student-centred design: the General Studies and Humanities pathway is suited to students seeking a customised curriculum that aligns liberal arts learning with professional objectives.

Overall, the programme is a strong choice for students who want an interdisciplinary humanities education combined with practical experience and close faculty mentorship at a liberal arts college.