Is Humanities a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Humanities majors often face misconceptions about their academic rigor, with some assuming the field to be less challenging than STEM areas. However, data shows that nearly 10% of college graduates in the U.S. pursue humanities degrees, reflecting a steady interest despite concerns about workload and career prospects. This underscores the discipline's enduring relevance and complexity.

This article examines the course demands, typical workload, and essential skills required in humanities programs. It explores how factors like critical thinking, extensive reading, and writing assignments contribute to the difficulty level, helping students assess whether this major aligns with their strengths and educational goals.

Key Benefits of Humanities as a Major

Humanities develops critical thinking and communication skills, essential for career changers adapting to new fields and employers' demands.
The flexible curriculum benefits full-time workers returning to school by allowing them to balance studies with personal commitments.
Traditional undergraduates gain confidence handling complex texts and theories, fostering academic growth and strong problem-solving abilities.

Where does humanities rank among the hardest college majors?

Humanities generally ranks lower in difficulty compared to STEM, business, and health-related majors in national surveys and published analyses. These rankings often assess factors such as average GPA, study hours, workload intensity, and the level of technical or analytical skills required. Humanities majors typically involve extensive reading, critical thinking, and writing rather than heavy lab or practicum hours common in STEM fields.

For example, a 2024 study of 118 majors reported that 42.6% of students found humanities difficult, a significantly lower percentage than majors like engineering or finance, which exceed 70%. This suggests that while humanities demand considerable intellectual effort, the nature of that work differs from the technical rigor and hands-on experiences required in many STEM disciplines.

Perceptions of difficulty in humanities vary widely depending on the institution and individual student strengths. Elite schools such as Yale or Columbia may demand more from humanities students than regional colleges. Students with strong skills in reading, writing, and analysis may find humanities manageable, whereas those who struggle with abstract reasoning or independent research might find it more challenging, particularly in conceptually demanding fields like philosophy.

Compared to majors like sociology or art education, humanities is typically viewed as moderately difficult. Ultimately, difficulty is subjective, shaped by personal aptitude and academic background, and humanities can be less daunting for those who excel in open-ended inquiry than for students who prefer structured, technical coursework.

What factors make humanities a hard major?

Choosing a humanities major involves navigating various academic and skill-related challenges that many students find demanding. These challenges stem from the depth of content knowledge required as well as the workload intensity throughout the program.

Key factors contributing to the difficulty of a humanities major include:

Academic rigor in humanities courses: Courses in humanities require more than basic understanding; students must engage deeply with complex materials and demonstrate mastery beyond surface-level knowledge. Professors expect critical analysis of texts and historical contexts, reflecting a high level of intellectual rigor.
Humanities major workload and difficulty: The workload in humanities often involves extensive reading assignments and analytical writing. Students balance large volumes of primary sources, essays, and theoretical texts, demanding significant time investment outside of class to succeed.
Language requirements and technical complexity: Certain fields, such as classical studies, present unique demands like mastering ancient languages such as Latin and Greek. Progression depends on solid language skills, making these courses some of the most technically challenging within humanities departments.
Depth of analysis and critical thinking: Beyond memorization, students must interpret and explore the broader implications of texts and cultural artifacts. This analytical complexity adds to the intellectual demands of humanities majors.

Students interested in these challenges might also explore best 6 month programs that pay well as alternative pathways that balance time commitment and career value.

Who is a good fit for a humanities major?

Identifying the best personality traits for humanities students can clarify who will thrive in this major, which demands curiosity about people, culture, and ethical questions. Recognizing the skills needed to succeed in humanities helps prospective students align their strengths with the program's unique challenges.

Analytical Thinkers: These students excel at questioning and synthesizing complex information from diverse sources, a crucial skill for interpreting nuanced texts and abstract concepts within humanities coursework.
Creative Problem Solvers: Humanities students often face ambiguous questions without clear answers, so those comfortable with thinking outside the box and embracing ambiguity typically perform well.
Effective Communicators: Clarity in both written and spoken expression is vital across disciplines, helping students articulate ideas and engage in thoughtful discussion.
Collaborative Empaths: The ability to work well in teams and appreciate multiple viewpoints supports group projects and enriches class debates, fostering deeper understanding.
Adaptable Learners: A willingness to embrace new perspectives and evolving ideas helps students navigate the dynamic academic and social environments humanities present.

Students exploring this field may also benefit from reviewing guides to the easiest masters degree online to understand further educational pathways that align with their humanities background.

How can you make a humanities major easier?

Many students find a humanities major challenging due to heavy reading loads and numerous writing assignments. However, applying proven strategies can help manage these demands and create a smoother academic journey.

Establishing Structured Study Habits: Creating consistent routines for reading and note-taking, alongside active engagement like summarizing or annotating texts, boosts understanding and memory retention.
Practicing Effective Time Management: Breaking large projects into smaller tasks and planning deadlines on a semester calendar helps reduce stress and enhances productivity.
Developing Foundational Skills: Early focus on critical thinking and writing strengthens abilities that are essential for success across humanities courses.
Using Academic Resources: Taking advantage of faculty office hours, writing workshops, and peer mentoring offers valuable guidance and support throughout the program.
Joining Study Groups: Collaborative discussions improve comprehension and foster communication and teamwork skills, strengthening both academic and social engagement.

When I spoke with a graduate who majored in humanities, she reflected on her experience navigating the major. She shared how overwhelming the volume of reading felt initially, especially when juggling multiple deadlines. "I realized early on that trying to tackle everything alone wasn't working," she explained.

She gradually built habits around breaking chapters into manageable sections and sought peer study circles, which eased both the workload and isolation. Attending office hours also allowed her to clarify confusing concepts before assignments piled up. "It wasn't about being naturally good at writing or analysis," she said, "but about being organized and proactive in seeking help." Her journey highlights how intentional habits and support networks can transform the complexity of a humanities major into an achievable and rewarding experience.

Are admissions to humanities programs competitive?

Admissions to humanities programs are generally less competitive than STEM or engineering fields, primarily due to lower applicant numbers and larger program capacities. Unlike oversubscribed majors such as computer science, humanities departments typically accept a higher percentage of applicants.

Additionally, these programs rarely require extensive prerequisite courses or specific extracurricular activities, which lowers barriers for many prospective students and results in a less intense competition for spots.

Selectivity in humanities varies widely depending on the institution and specific program. GPA expectations can be high at some universities, with admitted students commonly displaying strong academic records. However, highly specialized programs like fine arts or drama may have more selective admissions, reflecting limited seats and heightened demand.

Overall, admissions tend to balance university reputation, program capacity, and student interest, creating diverse experiences across schools.

When I spoke with a humanities graduate about their path, they recalled feeling both relief and uncertainty during the application process. "It wasn't about beating dozens of thousands of applicants like I'd heard about in STEM," they shared, "but proving my passion and fit for the program mattered a lot."

Navigating the essays and interviews required self-reflection and dedication, yet the accessible prerequisites gave them a fair chance to focus on what they valued most. Their journey illustrates how humanities admissions often emphasize personal motivation over sheer competition.

Is an online humanities major harder than an on-campus program?

An online humanities major is generally neither harder nor easier than an on-campus program, though the level of challenge varies depending on several factors unique to each format. The difficulty often depends on individual learning styles and the ability to adapt to the requirements of online or in-person study.

Below is a comparison highlighting key differences between online and on-campus humanities programs that influence this experience.

Academic expectations: Both formats maintain comparable standards for reading, essay writing, and critical analysis to meet accredited curricular requirements.
Workload and pacing: Online humanities programs offer more flexibility, allowing students to set their own schedules, while on-campus students follow a fixed timetable.
Interaction and support: On-campus programs provide face-to-face engagement and immediate feedback, whereas online students rely on virtual communication, which some may find less supportive.
Learning environment: Online learners often face distractions and technical issues at home, while on-campus students benefit from structured routines and physical access to resources.
Unique challenges: Online students need strong self-motivation and time-management skills, as procrastination can be harder to overcome without regular faculty reminders.

Studies show that students enrolled in online courses typically experience slightly lower academic performance compared to their peers enrolled in on-campus programs, a trend observed in humanities and other disciplines. Those considering a humanities major should weigh these contrasting factors and reflect on their personal capacities for independent study and self-discipline, especially given the challenges known in an college majors that pay well environment. These elements are often critical when deciding between an online humanities major difficulty versus traditional on-campus humanities program challenges.

Are accelerated humanities programs harder than traditional formats?

Accelerated humanities programs are generally more difficult than traditional formats because they compress the same coursework into a shorter timeframe, leading to faster pacing and an intense workload. This condensed schedule increases the demands on students' time, requiring quicker absorption and production of material.

Comparing traditional vs accelerated humanities programs highlights key differences that affect the student experience:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs cover the same credit hours but in fewer terms, resulting in more content delivered per class session.
Workload Management: Students in accelerated humanities degree workload face tighter deadlines and simultaneous major assignments, which can be challenging for those new to self-directed study.
Academic Expectations and Skills: The accelerated format demands high levels of time management and independent learning skills compared to the more spaced-out traditional coursework.
Learning Retention and Stress Levels: Traditional programs often support deeper reflection and lower stress due to a more manageable pace; accelerated students may experience elevated stress and lower course completion rates.
Flexibility and Scheduling Structure: Accelerated courses sometimes offer online or hybrid options that aid scheduling flexibility, especially for working professionals, without reducing academic rigor.

Data indicates that students considering accelerated humanities programs should evaluate their personal learning style and organizational skills carefully before committing. Those interested in exploring fast-track education further might find value in reviewing quick college degrees that pay well to understand how accelerated options fit various career paths and workloads.

Can you manage a part-time job while majoring in humanities?

Students majoring in humanities can often juggle part-time work alongside their studies, but success varies based on several factors. The intensity of courses, weekly workload, and how flexible both work and academic schedules are play key roles.

Additionally, individual study habits and time management skills significantly impact the ability to handle both responsibilities without compromising performance.

Balancing part-time jobs with humanities coursework tends to be more feasible because these majors usually do not require fixed lab times or technical project cycles, focusing instead on reading, writing, and discussion participation. Many students find working 10 to 15 hours per week manageable when they carefully select flexible jobs like tutoring, campus roles, or freelance writing.

Maintaining a reasonable credit load and leveraging academic support resources-either on campus or online-also contribute to maintaining equilibrium. However, students facing demanding reading-intensive courses or struggling with time management may experience heightened stress from combining work and study commitments.

What jobs do humanities majors get, and are they as hard as the degree itself?

Career paths for humanities majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some jobs mirror the intellectual rigor of the degree itself, others present challenges that are practical, interpersonal, or organizational in nature.

Teacher/Educator: Humanities graduates often work as teachers at the K-12 or postsecondary level, handling lesson planning, grading, and curriculum development. This role can be as demanding as the major, especially in higher education where research and publication expectations add intellectual and emotional challenges.
Content Strategist/Writer: Many pursue careers in content creation, journalism, or technical writing that emphasize research and writing skills. The pressure here is often deadline-driven, which makes the job demanding in a different, more practical way compared to humanities coursework.
Human Resources Specialist: With strong communication and problem-solving skills, humanities majors fit well into HR roles involving recruiting, employee relations, and policy enforcement. Although stressful in terms of people management, these roles tend to be less theoretically demanding than the major.
Marketing and Communications Manager: These professionals manage messaging, campaigns, and branding in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities are strategic and logistical, with demands that differ from the academic rigor of a humanities degree but still require high accountability.
Nonprofit and Public Sector Roles: Careers in advocacy, program management, or policy analysis require analytical and organizational skills. These jobs often involve multitasking and administrative duties rather than the deep theoretical rigor of the major.

Research shows that humanities students in the United States spend about 13 hours per week on homework, with self-reported GPA slightly higher than STEM fields, indicating that a humanities degree is not necessarily easier. Considering humanities degree jobs in the United States, the level of difficulty varies significantly by occupation.

For those exploring options, checking the top online vocational schools can provide additional pathways. Additionally, assessing the humanities major salary compared to other fields helps clarify the relationship between job demands and compensation.

Do humanities graduates earn higher salaries because the major is harder?

There is no clear link between the difficulty of a humanities major and higher salaries. Data shows that humanities graduates generally earn less than those in engineering, business, or natural sciences, regardless of the effort or challenges involved in their studies.

While academic rigor can enhance skills like critical thinking and writing, salary differences are more influenced by labor market demand and the relevance of specific competencies. In other words, harder coursework in humanities does not automatically translate into better pay.

Several elements shape the earnings of humanities graduates, including the field of employment, geographic location, and experience. For instance, those working in education or nonprofit roles often have lower salaries compared to peers in technology or management. Location matters too: in the U.S., annual pay for humanities majors averages around $54,258 but can reach about $66,436 in higher-cost cities like Berkeley, CA.

Additionally, obtaining advanced degrees can significantly increase income, as seen with a 22% boost for humanities graduates in Texas. Compared to high school graduates, humanities degree holders earn 40-56% more, but their pay remains below many STEM careers.

What Graduates Say About Humanities as Their Major

Tristan: "Pursuing humanities was definitely challenging, especially when it came to critical thinking and extensive reading. However, the experience enriched my perspective and helped me develop strong communication skills that have been invaluable in my marketing career. Considering that the average annual cost was quite high, I believe the investment was worth the deep personal and professional growth."

Jesiah: "Studying humanities wasn't just about memorizing facts; it required thoughtful reflection and creativity, which I found both demanding and rewarding. Although the cost of attendance was considerable, the major gave me a unique ability to analyze cultural contexts, a skill that's proved essential in my role as a nonprofit consultant. It was a tough road but absolutely fulfilling."

Christopher: "I approached the humanities major with a professional mindset, aware that the coursework would require rigorous research and writing. The financial commitment was substantial, but the critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills I gained opened doors to positions I hadn't anticipated. In hindsight, the hardship was balanced by the significant career payoff."

Other Things You Should Know About Humanities Degrees

Is humanities considered a difficult major for students with no prior background?

Humanities can be challenging for students without prior exposure to its disciplines because it demands strong critical reading, analytical writing, and interpretation skills. However, difficulty often depends on individual strengths rather than previous experience. Students willing to engage deeply with texts and ideas typically adapt over time.

Does humanities require extensive memorization compared to other majors?

Humanities involves significant reading and understanding of historical contexts, literary works, and philosophical concepts, but it generally requires less rote memorization than science or engineering majors. The emphasis is more on critical thinking and argument development rather than memorizing facts or formulas.

Are humanities exams more subjective than objective?

Yes, exams in humanities are often essay-based and subjective, focusing on interpretation and argumentation rather than multiple-choice or quantitative problems. This format requires students to demonstrate their ability to analyze, synthesize, and present coherent viewpoints, which can be challenging but rewarding.

How important is class participation in humanities courses?

Class participation is often a significant component in humanities courses because discussion helps deepen understanding of complex texts and ideas. Active engagement allows students to develop their perspectives and improve communication skills, both of which are crucial for success in this field.