Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The General Studies and Humanities pathway emphasises breadth and integration across disciplines. Students complete the university's general education core to build foundations in writing, quantitative reasoning, natural sciences and social sciences, then choose clusters of courses in the humanities and related fields to form a coherent plan of study.

• Foundations: Academic writing, critical thinking, information literacy and quantitative reasoning drawn from the NAU general education curriculum.
• Humanities core: Courses in literature, philosophy, history, languages, cultural studies and the arts that explore human creativity, ethics and cultural expression.
• Interdisciplinary electives: Options to combine theatre, media studies, religious studies, gender studies, rhetoric, classics, and foreign language to customise your programme.
• Skills development: Emphasis on research methods, oral communication, digital literacy, and project-based work suitable for a wide range of professions.
• Capstone or integrative experience: A senior project, research paper or practicum that synthesises learning across chosen areas; many students pursue community-based projects, internships or study abroad as part of this experience.

Entry requirements

Admission to Northern Arizona University typically requires a completed secondary school certificate or equivalent. NAU considers academic performance in college-preparatory coursework; a competitive high-school GPA and a curriculum that includes English and mathematics are important. Standardised tests may be optional for many applicants, but submitting scores can be helpful in some cases.

• High school diploma or equivalent: Completion of secondary education with records of coursework and grades.
• College-preparatory coursework: Strong performance in core subjects such as English, social studies and mathematics.
• Transfer applicants: Transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions are accepted; applicants should provide college transcripts. NAU recognises prior college coursework and military experience in the admission review.
• Supporting materials: Personal statements or essays, and optional letters of recommendation, can strengthen an application, especially for applicants seeking a particular concentration or experiential placement.

Career prospects

A general studies and humanities degree prepares graduates for a broad spectrum of career paths by emphasising communication, critical analysis and problem solving. Graduates often enter roles that value flexible thinking and strong interpersonal skills.

• Public and non-profit sectors: Community outreach, program coordination, advocacy and cultural organisations.
• Education and training: Classroom teaching (with additional certification where required), adult education, curriculum support and educational administration.
• Communications and media: Content creation, editing, public relations, social media management and marketing.
• Business and management: Human resources, customer relations, project coordination and roles that prioritise writing and analysis.
• Further study: Preparation for graduate or professional programmes such as law, library science, public policy, cultural studies or advanced humanities degrees.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a student-centred environment with opportunities for small-class interaction, faculty mentoring and a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university's liberal arts offerings are designed to be flexible, allowing students to combine interests across departments and to participate in internships, undergraduate research, service learning and study abroad programmes.

• Interdisciplinary advising: Academic advisors help students design coherent, personalised concentrations that align coursework with career or graduate-study goals.
• Experiential opportunities: Access to internships, community partnerships and research projects that apply humanities perspectives to real-world challenges.
• Campus resources: Writing centres, career services, and language labs support academic development and professional readiness.
• Flexible pathways: Options to transfer credits, pursue minors or certificates, and combine the degree with practical credentials to enhance employability.