As surely as empires rise and fall, so too do “in-demand skills” wax and wane as society evolves. The “must-have skills” of fifty years ago would now be comical to list on a modern résumé.
To remain “in-demand” simply by skill is a never-ending, shallow pursuit that leaves a person with little sense of meaning. With the challenges posed by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, mere technical upskilling won’t suffice. What is needed instead is formation in something more enduring: a clear and rooted understanding of what it means to be human—one so fundamental it is inscribed in our very nature.
To study the humanities, particularly at the graduate level, is to pursue that formation.
What Are the Humanities, And Why Do They Matter Today?
The humanities encompass the study of history, philosophy, religion, modern and ancient languages and literatures, fine and performing arts, and related fields. Together, these disciplines provide a framework for interpreting humanity and society, facilitating an encounter with life’s most fundamental questions. Humanities graduates stand out for their ability to think deeply, discern carefully, and communicate well.
The skills gained through the humanities are real, but they are secondary. Professional advancement and earning a living are important goods. Yet the reason those who study the humanities often become excellent employees is not that they are the most technically skilled—it is because they are, first and foremost, in pursuit of higher goods: wisdom, virtue, and truth.
The humanities form well-reasoned, well-grounded individuals who understand work in its proper order and within the larger context of a meaningful human life.
Learn about the MA in Humanities program from the University of Dallas.
What Are Humanities Skills?
The qualities formed through studying the humanities yield habits of mind that transcend any single profession or industry.
Humanities graduate students develop widely valued abilities not by pursuing technical competencies directly, but by examining what it means to be human and how those answers shape our lives and societies.
For this reason, “humanities skills” are not utilitarian in the narrow sense. They do not merely provide an advantage on the corporate ladder—they cultivate character that remains valuable in every sphere of life. Below are some of those enduring qualities:
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Problem-solving skills |
Whether studying historical events, engaging in philosophical debates, or exploring literary themes, the humanities sharpen students’ ability to evaluate information critically and propose creative solutions. |
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Communication skills |
In the study of the humanities, students learn to write well and to debate thoughtfully and persuasively—developing, above all, the ability to express ideas. |
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Foreign language competency |
Many students of the humanities devote time to learning classical languages such as Greek or Latin. Studying great texts in their original language allows students to encounter the thought of the past more directly. |
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Creative thinking |
The humanities invite students into the Great Conversation—one that has stretched across centuries and civilizations. By engaging seriously with the ideas of the past, students gradually develop the ability to form their own considered judgments. |
Discover the Master's in Humanities Program at the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts offers a Master of Arts in Humanities that cultivates these timeless qualities—educating the mind and, above all, enriching the soul. The master’s in humanities program includes a variety of concentrations, allowing you to customize your degree to align with your interests:
Download our viewbook to learn more about how the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts equips students with the skills to not only make a living, but to live well.
If you have questions about the MA in Humanities program, please request more information or schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor.
