Idaho State University

What you'll study

This programme emphasises breadth and flexibility across the humanities and liberal arts. You will complete university general education requirements alongside a core of humanities and interdisciplinary courses. Typical areas of study include literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, languages, visual and performing arts, and introductory social science subjects.

• Foundational units: introductory composition, public speaking, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning to develop academic skills.
• Humanities core: survey and topic courses in literature, history, philosophy, religion and ethics that examine cultural, historical and textual interpretation.
• Interdisciplinary electives: thematic or regional programmes drawing on film studies, gender studies, digital humanities, or area studies to allow personalised pathways.
• Language study: elementary and intermediate coursework in a modern language to support cultural competence and communication skills.
• Upper-division seminars and capstone: advanced seminars emphasising research, writing and discussion, often culminating in a capstone project or substantial research paper.
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, community-based projects, or study abroad that put humanities skills into professional context.

Entry requirements

Admission to Idaho State University typically requires a completed secondary school credential or recognised equivalent and submission of official academic transcripts. Applicants may be considered through freshman admission, transfer pathways or as returning/adult learners. Placement testing or demonstration of college-level English and mathematics readiness may be required for course registration.

For the General Studies and Humanities major, students normally declare the major after satisfying initial university requirements and completing foundational coursework. Transfer applicants should provide collegiate transcripts; previously earned college credit may be evaluated for applicability toward major or general education requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a liberal arts and humanities background develop versatile skills—written and oral communication, critical analysis, research and cultural literacy—that are valued across sectors. Common career paths include:

• Education and training roles, including secondary education (with appropriate certification) and adult education.
• Public service and non-profit positions, such as programme coordination, community outreach and advocacy.
• Communications, publishing, marketing and public relations, where strong writing and storytelling skills are essential.
• Business and human resources, particularly in roles that require interpersonal, analytical and project management abilities.
• Further study in law, library and information science, public administration, or graduate humanities programmes.

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers a student-centred environment with small class sizes in upper-division humanities courses and accessible faculty who are active teachers and scholars. The university supports experiential learning through internship offices and study-abroad options, allowing humanities students to apply classroom learning in professional and community contexts.

Located in Pocatello, the campus provides opportunities for engagement with regional cultural institutions, community projects and public events. The flexible structure of the General Studies and Humanities pathway at Idaho State makes it well suited to students seeking a personalised curriculum, the chance to combine disciplines, and preparation for both immediate employment and continued academic study.