Choosing the right career can be a difficult task for both, students as well as their parents. Arts or humanities is one of three streams that students choose after class 10 the other two being science and commerce. The stream is a combination of powerful and fruitful subjects including history, geography, philosophy, drawing and languages. It is a large stream that offers various options in terms of courses.
No wonder, even today STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are the career options students crave because of the pool of opportunities it offers in terms of jobs and remuneration. But gone are the days when jobs after humanities degree used to carry little or no scope. If you are planning to kick start your career in humanities, then now is the best time to go ahead with your decision. Here, let us discuss the numerous career options after 12th humanities.
Humanities are academic disciplines that involve the study of different traits of human society and culture. These traits include anthropology, archaeology, classics, human history, ancient and modern linguistics, and languages, law, politics, literature, philosophy, religion, performing, and visual arts.
Education in humanities or liberal arts offers several career options after 12th as you will be well equipped with the latest skills that are most in-demand by the recruiters. As a humanities or liberal arts graduate, you will learn the skills such as communication skills (both oral and written), creativity and critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning.
Students who choose the Humanities stream have tremendous career options too as they learn human philosophy, fine arts, literature, and liberal arts like History, Geography, political science, and mathematics through this stream.
Bachelors of Humanities and Social Sciences (BA) is an Undergraduate program covered over 3 years.
B.A English, Foreign Languages such as French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other, Indian Languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Kannada, Maithili, Urdu, Sanskrit, Bhojpuri, Kashmiri, Konkani, and others, B.A History, B.A Political science, B.A Geography, B.A Anthropology, B.A Philosophy, B.A Economics, B.A Archaeology, B.A Sociology, B.A Psychology, B.A Criminology, B.A Mass Communication and Journalism, Bachelor of Fine Arts, B.A Hospitality and Tourism, B.Sc Fashion Designing, B.A.L.L.B are the courses available in this stream.
B.A English
This course inculcates a powerful background in the study of English. The main aim of this course is to teach students the art of writing and understanding literature. The program also stresses literary analysis, diversity, and oral communication skills through a strict curriculum of literature, linguistics, composition, and communication studies. To be eligible for this course, a student should clear 12th in any stream with 50%-60% marks from a recognized board. The course duration is 3 years. With this degree, one can pursue a career as an editor, author, interpreter and translator, freelance writer, proofreader, and many others.
Colleges: Hindu College (Delhi), Government College for Girls Sector-14 (Gurgaon), BJB Autonomous College (Bhubaneswar), Maharajas College (Ernakulam)
B.A Political Science
This course is the study of theory and practice of politics and description and analysis on the political system and political behavior. It involves studying politics at a national as well as an international standard. The course concentrates on the study of historical and modern political systems, public administration, governmental policies and procedures, international relations, and public affairs. To be eligible for this course, one has to clear 12th in any stream from a recognized board. The course duration is 3 years. One can become a legislative analyst, policy analyst, social worker, international diplomat, campaign organizer, international research specialist, and ambassador as well.
Colleges: JNU Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi), IGNOU Indira Gandhi National Open University (Delhi), Pondicherry University (Pondicherry), Maharaja’s College University (Mysore), Calicut University (Calicut)
B.A Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human behavior. It covers the study of human evolution and also the socio-cultural development of humans. B.A Anthropology has 4 branches: sociocultural, biological, linguistics, and archaeological. It has been used to study how societies have developed over time. The knowledge attained by the student in this field offers an opportunity to work and relate with many groups and cultures and interact with them. To be qualified for this course the students need to clear their 12th in any stream from a recognized board. The course runs for 3 years. With this degree, one can pursue a career as a diversity officer, language interpreter, research scholar, culture resource manager, curator, archivist, and genetic counselor.
Colleges: St. Xavier’s College (Mumbai), Vidyasagar University (Midnapore), National Post Graduate College (Lucknow), University of Hyderabad (Hyderabad), Manipur University (Imphal), University of Madras (Chennai), Kannur University (Kannur), Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam)
B.A Philosophy
When we think of the word of philosophy, we understand it as a theory or an attitude of a person that influences his/her behavior. Philosophy is a discipline that studies the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. B.A Philosophy equips a student to develop critical thinking skills, linguistic ability, and one’s ability to defend his/her reasoning. The course explores the study of ethics, logic, medical, socio-political, and religious beliefs. The course is for 3 years and a student is eligible for this course when one clears 12th from any stream from a recognized board. This degree has helped people to find a job as a lecturer, non-fiction writer, mediator, and humanitarian etc.
Colleges: Madras Christian College (Chennai), Christ University (Bangalore), Nizam College (Hyderabad), Hansraj College (Delhi), Fergusson College (Pune), Sree Kerala Varma College (Thrissur), University College (Thiruvananthapuram)
B.A Economics
Economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services through the transfer of wealth. Economics is one of the major disciplines in the industry segments of medicine, business, engineering, and technology. This field helps us to learn how the marketplace works and how a commodity is prioritized in an individual’s life. B.A Economics is generally for 3 years and a student is eligible to apply for this course if they have completed their 12th in any stream from a recognized board. The curriculum is designed in a way such that students will understand different topics like nature, scope, concepts, structures, theories, markets, and trade. After completion, one can go for a Master’s degree or take up a job as an economist, market research analyst, economic consultant, actuary, policy analyst, and compensation and benefits manager.
Colleges: Shree Ram College Of Commerce (New Delhi), Lady Shree Ram (New Delhi), Christ University (Bangalore), St. Xavier’s (Kolkatta), etc.
B.A Archaeology
Archaeology, the branch of humanities and social sciences deal with the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological evidence consists of artefacts, manuscripts, architecture, tools, etc. The program harnesses the strengths of Archaeology and Ancient History to understand the past. The candidate applying for this course has a pedagogy that includes lectures, tutorials, laboratory practical’s, projects, presentations, field visits, fieldwork, and independent research. The course runs for 3 academic years. Aspiring students after passing 12th in any stream from a recognized board are eligible for it. After completing the course, candidates can make a living as a history teacher, tour guide, numismatist, archaeologist, conservator, museum curator, archivist, and heritage manager.
Colleges: Mahatma Gandhi University (Kottayam), UC College (Aluva), University of Calcutta (Kolkata), University of Mysore (Mysore), Panjab University (Chandigarh), Nava Nalanda Mahavira (Deemed University) Bihar.
B.A Sociology
Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. The curriculum covers the study of specialized fields namely applied sociology, comparative sociology, cultural sociology, collective behavior, crime and delinquency, community, and behavior. It is a 3-year duration course. Aspiring students after passing 12th in any stream from a recognized board are eligible for it. With this degree, one can look for a career as a sociologist, social critic, rehabilitation counselor, HR representative, guidance counselor, and social worker, etc.
Colleges: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Vadodara), Integral University (Lucknow), Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar University (Delhi), Farook College (Kozhikode), Loyola College of Social sciences (Thiruvananthapuram)
B.A Psychology
Our behavior under certain circumstances is due to the psychology of an individual. Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. The five main goals of this field are to describe, explain, predict, control, and improve. It is further diversified into behavioral, cognitive, developmental, personality, social, biological, and psychosocial psychology. The course teaches mind processes, motives, reactions, feelings, conflict resolution, crisis management, groupthink, motivation, and the nature of mind. The course is generally for 3 years and a student is capable to apply for this course if they have completed their 12th in any stream from a recognized board. With this degree, one can pursue a career as an employment specialist, counseling psychologist, forensic psychologist, clinical psychologist, and high-intensity therapist.
Colleges for Psychology: Lady Shree Ram College (New Delhi), Gargi College (New Delhi), Christ University (Bangalore), Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College (New Delhi), etc.
B.A Mass Communication and Journalism
The existence of media and journalism can be traced to the times of the industrial revolution. The printing of newspapers given rise to news of various inventions as well as the changes that were happening in society. Journalism has always shed light on various issues like scams, inequality against women, heinous crimes, development, and many others. A lot of educators encouraged people to voice their concerns which started in the introduction of this course. Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism is a designed course that provided students with the basic journalistic skills in various mass media. The mass communication part of the course includes film studies, radio and television production, computer applications, required software and hardware in print, client servicing, ad-film making, etc. It is a 3-year duration course. Aspiring students after passing 12th in any stream from a recognized board are eligible for it with English as a compulsory subject. You can find a career as a TV correspondent, editor, journalist, director, producer, news analyst, photojournalist, radio jockey and columnist with this degree.
Colleges: IP College For Women (New Delhi), Delhi College Of Arts & Commerce (New Delhi), St. Xavier’s (Mumbai), Christ University (Bangalore), etc.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine arts is the study and creation of visual works of art. It includes painting, sculpting, dance, theatre, photography, etc. Candidates who are natural at drawing, sketching and visualization are perfectly suited to pursue this course. The degree is focused on architecture, cartooning, calligraphy, dance, graphic designing, illustration, music, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpting, theatre. This is a 3-year course. Aspiring students after passing 12th in any stream from a recognized board are eligible for it however some universities do take an aptitude test.
Colleges: Government College of Fine Arts (Thrissur), College of Fine Arts (Thiruvananthapuram), Mumbai University (Mumbai), Delhi University (Delhi), Amity University (Noida)
B.B.A Hospitality and Tourism
Globalization has made the world a global village. This has made it simpler for people to travel from someplace to another. With the inrush of tourists increasing in India, we see a need for the management of these tourists. This can be done with the help of a degree in B.B.A in hospitality and tourism. Hospitality and tourism involve planning, managing, and providing lodging, food, recreation, conventions, and travel sciences. This course is ideal for candidates who have an interest in customer services. The course curriculum revolves around business communication, fundamentals of the hospitality and tourism industry, foreign language, transport and accommodation, and planning. The duration of the course is for 3 years and aspirants should pass 12th in any stream from a recognized board to be eligible. A student can pursue a career as a travel consultant, entrepreneur, hotel manager, tour guide, etc.
Colleges: IP College For Women (New Delhi), Delhi College Of Arts & Commerce (New Delhi), St. Xavier’s (Mumbai), Christ University (Bangalore), etc.
B.Sc Fashion Designing
An individual with a good sense of style and passion for designing can pursue a degree in fashion designing. Bachelor of Science (Fashion Designing) is a 3 years course that covers the study of creating original designs in apparel, footwear, jewelry, etc. The course also includes altering market trends and the history of fashion that has evolved over the years. A candidate having this degree can make a career as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, jewellery designer, footwear designer, personal stylist, costume designer, and many others. One can also opt-in for a Bachelor of Arts (Fashion Merchandising) course. It is a 3-year course that focuses on the relationship between unique designs and contemporary technology concepts. The core subjects in this course include apparel production, supply chain management, textiles, apparel merchandising, and computer applications.
Colleges: National Institute of Fashion Technology (New Delhi), Indian School Of Design And Innovation (Mumbai), Indian Institute Of Management (Ahmedabad), etc.
B.A LLB
Being able to voice your interests and fight for your rights is very important. The systems that achieve justice should not be corrupt. Aspirants who wish to study legal structures and make the judicial system stronger can pursue B.A -LLB. It is a 5-year integrated degree course. The curriculum focuses on the study of various specialized fields of law such as administrative law, international law, labor law, corporate law, civil law, criminal law, patent law, etc. The pedagogy involves case studies, mock drills, etc. to give a more practical approach to the study. The basic eligibility criterion is to clear 12th in any stream with 50% marks in the aggregate from a recognized board. Also, clearing the All India Law Entrance Test (AILET) is an advantage to get admissions in top colleges across the country. A law degree can help you get ahead in your career as a lawyer, solicitor, notary, public prosecutor, trustee, legal advisor, oath commissioner, district and sessions judge, etc.
Colleges: Nalsar University of Law (Hyderabad), National Law University (Delhi), National Law School of India University, Bangalore, etc.
B.A Criminology
BA Criminology is a three-year undergraduate degree program that involves the practice and application of principles linked to crime to investigate and solve it. This undergraduate course is interdisciplinary and may be a challenging one. The subjects that students get to study while pursuing this course include Fundamentals of Criminology, Criminal Psychology, Police Science and Forensic Science, Laws of Crime and Minor Acts, Police Administration and Procedural Law, and Forensic Medicine. To be able to apply to this course, students must have passed Class 12 or equivalent in a relevant discipline from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
Colleges: Indira Gandhi National Open University (Delhi), Savitribai Phule University (Pune), Manipal University (Jaipur), Bangalore University (Bangalore), Tamil Nadu Open University (Chennai)
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
This course is for anyone out there who would want to work in the field of a sustainable increase in the well-being of communities in India and across the globe. The course has a mix of topics ranging from social development to law to economics to psychology and even public health. This course is also good for those who want to have a broad scope of practice. Social Workers are employed both in the public and private sector as Educators, Counsellors, Researchers, Public Policy Consultants, Labor Welfare Specialists, NGO C-suite members and more. The broad spectrum of subjects covered in this course gives graduates of a BSW program a large buffet of careers to choose from.
Colleges: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai), University of Delhi (Delhi), Jamia Milia Islamia (Delhi), National Institute of Social Work and Social Sciences (Bhubaneswar), etc.
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) is a program that typically runs for 3 years, and is a likely choice for those looking to work in business environments with a healthy understanding of finance, accounting, and economics along with marketing.
Colleges: Indian Institute of Management IIM (Indore), Christ University (Bangalore), Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (Delhi), Institute of Management, Nirma University (Ahmedabad)
B.Sc. Home Science
B.Sc. Home Science brings about the opportunity for aspirants to get a deeper insight into the workings and management of houses and communities. This is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course that deals with the management and economics of maintaining a home and surrounding. Eligibility to which is qualifying 10+2 examination with a minimum aggregate or any intermediate examination with equivalent marks and above. Home Science integrates the aspects of home management which is otherwise considered trivial and lays light on the opportunities, opening job scopes for candidates in the future. The program aids candidate’s aesthetic and creative skills, helping them polish their communication skills as well as lends a practical approach to the work taken up. Candidates having a generic idea of managing the household, those having a creatively inclined mind that dwells with artistic visualization can perform better in this program. Aspirants are required to be aware of topics like health, lifestyle, and diet which can further help them in taking up jobs in nutrition and health care as counselors.
Colleges: Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi), Aligarh Muslim University (Aligarh), Integral University (Lucknow), University of Delhi (Delhi).
There is no end to career options after 12th humanities as students with an education in humanities and liberal arts are all-rounders, they acquire ample knowledge of the world and are better equipped with the top skills that employers want. With holistic know-how of the world and skills of the 21st-century, students in the humanities stream are bound to be successful in the future of the workplace.
Even though people say it is hard to find a job after a humanities degree and that the humanities are inferior to the sciences, the rest are convinced that there are plenty of career options after the 12th humanities.
Whether it is based on the skills you have acquired or on what you majored in- there is a pool of opportunities awaiting you. Whatever subject you studied will open doors to you in regions where you are interested.
– Compiled by Swetha Sukumar