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Humanities

What's it like to study humanities at Case Western Reserve University?

At Case Western Reserve University's College of Arts and Sciences, you will discover a vibrant community where your passion for the humanities is supported by outstanding faculty and exceptional resources.

Learn from a faculty that includes MacArthur Genius Grant honorees, bestselling authors and scholars of the highest caliber who are committed to your growth. Here, your education extends beyond the classroom. With access to world-class museums, libraries and cultural institutions just steps from campus, you’ll gain hands-on experiences that bring your studies to life.

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100%
of recent humanities grads participated in experiential learning
3 in 4
humanities classes have fewer than 20 students
69%
of humanities students studied abroad
50+
museums and cultural institutions adjacent to campus
25
first-year students invited into the prestigious Baker-Nord Scholars program annually
$4K
in funding available for an unpaid internship

Humanities Degree Programs

At Case Western Reserve University, humanities programs challenge students to ask big questions, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop the writing and reasoning skills that set them apart in any profession. As part of the fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities, humanities students benefit from a vibrant intellectual community and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines.

Majors and Minors

  • Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian Studies
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Bioethics and Medical Humanities
  • Chinese
  • Classics
  • Communication for Health Professionals
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • French
  • French and Francophone Studies
  • German
  • History
  • History and Philosophy of Science
  • Humanity and Technology
  • International Studies
  • Italian
  • Japanese Studies
  • Music Education
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish
  • World Literature

Minor Only

  • African and African American Studies
  • Art Studio
  • Creative Writing
  • Environmental Nutrition
  • Ethics
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Film
  • Japanese
  • Judaic Studies
  • Photography
  • Pre-Architecture
  • Russian
  • Visual Design

See Degree Requirements for Humanities Majors

Explore the Human Side of Technology

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are changing how we work, communicate and understand the world. At Case Western Reserve University, you can explore those changes through the study of ethics, history, language, culture and society—while taking advantage of the resources of a leading research university.

Combine your interests across disciplines, use digital tools to ask new questions about the human experience, and examine the complex challenges created by rapidly evolving technologies with the Humanity and Technology major.

Whether you want to study the ethical implications of AI or use mixed reality to reconstruct ancient worlds, you’ll gain the perspective and skills to help shape what comes next.

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Top Employers and Graduate Schools for CWRU Humanities Graduates

Humanities graduates go on to careers in education, media, law, public service, nonprofits, and beyond—bringing critical thinking and communication skills that every field values.

Many pursue advanced degrees at top graduate programs across the country. With a strong record of post-graduation success, a CWRU humanities degree opens more doors than you might expect: 91% of recent humanities grads are employed, in grad school or pursuing their goals within six months of graduation.

Companies That Hired CWRU Alumni

  • AmeriCorps
  • City Year
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Cleveland Institute of Art
  • Epic
  • EY
  • Fulbright Program
  • Teach for America

Graduate School Acceptances

  • Case Western Reserve University
  • George Washington University
  • New York University
  • The Ohio State University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Virginia
  • Yale University

Our Culture-Packed Neighborhood

At Case Western Reserve, your education extends beyond the classroom and into the beating heart of the Cleveland community. Our campus sits at the center of University Circle—one of the nation’s most vibrant arts and culture districts—where world-class museums and renowned performance venues are in your own neighborhood. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore, connect and create.

Take a look around our University Circle neighborhood.

Research and Internships

Hundreds of students receive funding to pursue internships and research projects every year. Learn about a few of them. 

  • Margaux Johnstone, an international studies and anthropology major, received a Critical Language Scholarship to study Urdu in Lucknow, India, where she researched global health dynamics and cross-cultural interventions.
  • Sabrina Soto, a political science and psychology major, was awarded a Feldman Internship Grant, which allowed her to spend a summer working in Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s district office, focusing on constituent services and legislative research.
  • Malachi Levy, a theater major, received a Feldman Internship Grant to support his work at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio, focusing on the intersection of theatrical production and community engagement in the local Cleveland arts scene.
  • Kintan Silvany, an international studies major, received Humanities@Work funding through the Baker-Nord Institute for the Humanities to intern with Teach for America and the Office of Immigrant Affairs of the Mayor's Office in Philadelphia.
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Humanities Clubs and Organizations

Explore a variety of student clubs and organizations that allow you to take both your academic and personal interests to new depths. Whether you want to dive into literature, connect with cultural communities or create art, there’s a group for you. A few to check out:

  • Atlantis (classics club)
  • African American Society
  • Anthropology Student Association
  • Art Forward (monthly art projects with youth at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center)
  • Café Français (French conversation and culture)
  • Case Reserve Review (literary magazine)
  • Ceramic Art Club
  • Cracking the Case Mystery Book Club
  • Der Deutsche Verein/German Society
  • Global Ethical Leaders Society
  • International Club
  • La Alianza (Hispanic/Latinx cultural club)
  • La Dolce Vita (Italian club)
  • Model United Nations
  • Sustained Dialogue (diverse groups discuss campus, local and national issues of concern)
  • The Film Society
  • Writers Writing Words (creative writing workshops)

Events for Humanities Students

Case Western Reserve University students can engage in a rich cultural and intellectual community through signature events held throughout the year. Think Forum brings renowned writers, scholars, and thought leaders to the Maltz Performing Arts Center for inspiring lectures, while the 30-hour Sci-Fi Marathon offers a beloved student tradition of nonstop films, snacks, and fun. In spring, the Cleveland Humanities Festival, led by the Baker-Nord Institute for the Humanities, explores timely social and cultural topics through community-wide events across Cleveland.

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Baker-Nord Institute for the Humanities

The Baker-Nord Institute is the hub of humanities activities at CWRU—connecting you with thought-provoking lectures, hands-on internships and creative collaborations. Here, you’ll find a dynamic community that celebrates curiosity, fosters innovation and empowers you to make your mark in the world of the humanities.

Learn about the Baker-Nord Institute.
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Find your future at CWRU.

Ready to move forward? Start your application today.

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