Florida State University

What you'll study

This degree emphasises interdisciplinary study in the humanities and related liberal arts disciplines. Students typically design a programme that draws on courses across departments such as English, History, Philosophy, Classics, Religious Studies, Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. Coursework commonly covers subjects like literary and cultural theory, comparative literature, historical methods, ethics and intellectual history, digital humanities methods, and research skills.

Programme structure is flexible: students follow a combination of core seminar-style courses and elective modules to create a coherent concentration. Options frequently include a capstone research project or thesis, practicum-style courses that link scholarship with public engagement, and directed readings under faculty supervision. Training in research design, critical writing and presentation is an integral part of the curriculum.

• Interdisciplinary seminars in theory and methods
• Advanced courses in literature, history, philosophy and cultural studies
• Electives that allow cross-college study (e.g. film, digital humanities, museum studies)
• Research practicum or supervised thesis option
• Professional skills workshops: grant writing, public scholarship, pedagogy

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in any field with a record of satisfactory academic performance. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining academic interests and proposed focus areas, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. Some applicants submit a writing sample illustrating their research and analytical abilities; programmes may specify length or type if a sample is required.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with university policy. Additional considerations for admission include relevant professional experience, prior coursework in humanities disciplines, and fit with available faculty supervision given the programme's emphasis on customised study plans.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a broad range of careers where strong analytical, research and communication skills are valued. Common paths include education (secondary teaching, academic support roles), public humanities and cultural institutions (museums, libraries, archives), publishing, communications and public relations, nonprofit and advocacy organisations, and government or policy roles. The degree also provides preparation for further doctoral study in humanities disciplines or interdisciplinary fields.

Because the curriculum emphasises writing, critical thinking and project design, alumni are well placed for roles that require synthesis across disciplines and public-facing scholarship, including digital humanities projects, community engagement initiatives and editorial work.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers this interdisciplinary humanities degree within a large, research-active College of Arts and Sciences while retaining opportunities for close mentorship from faculty across departments. The university’s libraries and special collections, including subject-specialist librarians, support advanced research in literature, history and cultural studies. Tallahassee provides access to cultural institutions, state archives and public-sector organisations that support internships and applied research collaborations.

Students benefit from a flexible programme structure that allows tailored concentrations and cross-departmental coursework, plus opportunities to engage in public scholarship and digital projects. The university’s graduate community and professional development resources provide guidance on teaching, grantwriting and career planning for both academic and non-academic trajectories.