Humanities Undergraduate Certificate
The Humanities are essential to understanding the human condition and experience, all while gaining skills in critical inquiry and thought. With an undergraduate certificate in the Humanities, you’ll learn to find common ground among different viewpoints, all while honing your knowledge of art, literature, philosophy, morality, and so much more.
Program Overview
The Humanities Undergraduate Certificate explores big questions about humanity, culture, and the world through art, literature, philosophy, and more.
With available courses in over eight departments including English, Theatre, Religious Studies, Classics, and more, you’ll gain knowledge that is both deep and wide in mythology, moral and ethical reasoning, and communication.
Our program stands out for equipping students with global knowledge, cultural awareness, and an understanding of thought and life that prepares them to tackle urgent challenges.
Why Study Humanities?
As part of our CoSCI hub, the Humanities Undergraduate certificate represents a unique program that encourages students to push the bounds of various fields. You’ll learn to collaborate across differences, forge unexpected connections, and develop skills that are transferrable to many fields.
A certificate in Humanities not only equips you with critical thinking and the opportunity to understand the human condition; it also prepares you to engage in critical inquiry and analysis that will prepare you any career pivot you might encounter.
Plus, our program boasts faculty that are always dedicated to mentoring and guiding you on your unique academic journey.
What Can You Do with an Undergraduate Certificate in Humanities After Graduation?
The Humanities Undergraduate Certificate prepares you to enter a wide variety of career fields. Whether you’re interested in education, social services, or even business, you’ll find career opportunities in education centers, academic support programs, public relations, humanitarian services, and even non-profits.
Our undergraduate certificate pairs especially with another area of study, equipping you with the ability to solve complex problems in a variety of fields where critical thinking and inquiry are valued.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work in law and government or advocacy spaces doing campaign management, grant writing, or even freelance writing.
Featured Courses
CLAS 223 Classical Mythology
Study of myths of ancient Greece and Rome, covering their religious and cultural significance as well as major themes, from the earliest recorded accounts through the Roman Empire.
ENGL 232 American Literature, Civil War to the Present
Introduction to select topics and texts in American literature since the Civil War.
PHIL 246 Ethics and Technology
An introduction to ethical issues that concern emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, social media, biological augmentation, and virtual reality. Topics may include the dangers of AI, whether machines can be moral, privacy, autonomous weapons, genetic engineering, and how to properly govern the development and use of technology.
ARAB 251 Whole New Worlds: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Dystopia in the Middle East
Examines themes and genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopia in literature, film, and graphic novels from Middle East, in relation to relevant political, cultural, and historical contexts. Taught in English.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Digital Humanities minor
- Interdisciplinary Programs, BA – Computational Social Science
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
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