The arts and humanities major at Michigan State University is designed for students who want to explore big questions about culture, identity, history, ethics, and creativity. It’s a flexible, interdisciplinary program that helps you develop strong skills in writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving — all while studying how the arts and human experience shape the world we live in. You’ll connect what you learn in the classroom to real-world issues through community engagement, global learning, and creative projects. Whether you're interested in social justice, storytelling, public policy, or performance, this major encourages you to chart your own path while preparing for a wide range of careers or graduate study.
Study in a close-knit arts community
Students in the arts and humanities major are part of a living-learning community, offering the opportunity to build a creative network together in Snyder-Phillips Hall (North Neighborhood on campus). In this historic building, you'll find classrooms and creative learning spaces like the Student Center, RCAH Poetry Center, LookOut! Art Gallery, RCAH Theatre, RCAH Art Studio, and the Language and Media Center with a music recording studio.
ALUMNI PURSUITS
Arts and humanities graduates perfect the skills sought by employers and graduate schools: thinking critically, communicating clearly, solving problems and collaborating.
Alumni work at:
- Chicago Public Schools
- Fiat Chrysler
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources
- National Public Radio
- New York City Mayor’s Office
- Nike, Inc.
- Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
- Skywalker Sound
- Smithsonian Institution
Alumni work as:
- Advocates
- Communications managers
- Community leaders
- Engineers
- Finance associates
- Legislative directors
- Multimedia artists and communicators
- Policy collaborators
- Social workers
- Youth organizers
Next steps
More resources
- Visit the College of Arts and Letters
- More information on Arts and Humanities
- View Arts and Humanities courses