Humanities (B.S.)

As a humanities major at Illinois Tech, you'll study history, philosophy, communications, literature, art, and architectural history, or language—while also examining human problems and issues as they intersect with technology.

Rapid technological advancements affect our way of life and challenge our ethics. The benefit of studying humanities at Illinois Tech is that you will encounter fellow students in the human sciences, the natural sciences, engineering, and architecture who are thinking about technological problems in new ways. As technology changes the relationship of individuals to their world, you will need more humanistic knowledge to meet the challenges and potential disruptions this change presents, from the local to the global setting. This program will provide you with invaluable insight into the human experience that will prepare you to enter the workforce and make a difference for the future.

Program Overview

This degree offers a broad background in a number of traditional humanities subjects—history, philosophy, communications, literature, art, and architectural history—while also teaching the strong analytical and problem-solving skills needed in today's careers, as technology continues to shape the human experience.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Humanities is an interdisciplinary degree in which you will learn critical skills in reading, writing, and empirical research and analysis. You will be prepared for careers in many fields including:

  • Technical and digital communications
  • Data analysis
  • Public or government service
  • Communications and marketing
  • Writing, journalism, or social media production
  • Research and archiving

Within this major, you can choose concentrations in history, philosophy, communication, literature, or linguistics. You also have the option of earning a minor in a non-humanities area of your choosing.

View Details

Students in this program must be admitted to Illinois Tech. Students who are interested in transferring to this program should consult their academic adviser.

Brook Bell

Building Brand Awareness

Brook Bell (HUM ’16) is utilizing his writing expertise as a communications specialist with one Canada’s fastest-growing companies.

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Featured Faculty

JD Trout
John and Mae Calamos Endowed Chair in Philosophy
Margaret Power
Professor Emeritus
Elisabeth Hildt
Professor of Philosophy Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions
Warren Schmaus
Professor Emeritus
James Dabbert
Associate Teaching Professor of Applied Linguistics and Humanities
Erin Hazard
Assistant Professor
Matt Bauer
Assoc. Chair Undergrad Studies Teaching Professor Director, Speech Analysis Lab

"I’m in the 3+3 B.S./J.D. program and I’m specializing in history. I find a lot of the classes very interesting. One benefit of the program is its size. It’s small, so all my professors know my name. Also, the humanities program has a lot of room for electives, so you’re free to choose the classes that you want!"

Brandon Holifield, Humanities/Honors Law Program 2nd Year

Brandon Holifield