Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities
With an annual tuition of just $17,000, our BA in Humanities delivers outstanding value.
With an annual tuition of just $17,000, our B.A. in Humanities delivers outstanding value.
Merrimack is committed to advancing academic innovation, affordability and student access. Designed by our exceptional liberal arts faculty, this new, cost-effective program reinvents traditional liberal arts education while still offering access to Merrimack’s outstanding academic amenities and student life experiences.
Humanities Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost: $17k
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Humanities Major
Humanities Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Co-op
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost: $17k
School
Accreditation
Affordable Investment. Lifelong Returns.
Our new, path-breaking Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Humanities redefines the liberal arts degree by aligning an interdisciplinary humanities curriculum with durable and enduring skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability. This program not only appeals to employers but also provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Skills You'll Learn
Courses in the B.A. in Humanities emphasize developing enduring skills applicable across diverse industries and careers, making graduates highly desirable to employers:
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Ability to Work in a Team
Written Communication
Taking Initiative
Strong Work Ethic
Technical Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Leadership Skills
Customize Your Experience
Students can personalize their experience by engaging in activities that provide extra learning and growth opportunities:
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities?
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
With an annual tuition of just $17,000 (excluding fees, room and board)—48% less than the average U.S. private institution tuition in 2024—our B.A. in Humanities delivers outstanding value.
HIGH RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Our program is designed to help you achieve your career goals or continue to graduate school after graduation.
MARKET ALIGNED
Acquire essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and adaptability, preparing you for the job markets of tomorrow.
FLEXIBLE COURSES FORMATS
Enjoy a mix of lectures, seminars and hybrid courses tailored to various learning preferences.
VARIED CONCENTRATIONS
Select from over a dozen disciplinary and skill-focused areas, such as prelaw, philosophy and leadership.
COMMUNITY AND COHORT EXPERIENCE
Advance through the program with a cohort, building peer support and forming lifelong friendships.
PERSONALIZED SUPPORT NETWORK
Benefit from a dedicated team of faculty, academic and career advisors and a supportive alumni network.
Humanities Highlights
Humanities Concentrations
Select a concentration by completing five or more courses in one of over two dozen study areas, each emphasizing essential skills. All concentrations culminate in a year-long research experience designed to refine problem-solving, data gathering and analysis and presentation skills. Additionally, all Merrimack students earn a concentration or minor as part of their core curriculum, allowing Humanities majors to add complementary concentrations in areas such as content creation, data science or interactive design.
Concentrations Include:
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Bioethics
- Communications
- Creativity and Imagination
- Culture and Society
- English
- Ethics
- Film Studies
- Historical Studies
- Law, Ethics & Society
- Leadership
- Organizational Dynamics
- Philosophy
- Pre-Law
- Pre-Medicine
- Race and Ethnic Studies
- Religious and Theological Studies
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Social Justice
- Social Policy and Social Change
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Humanities Courses You'll Take
green screen:
environmental film
eng 3745
This course examines ecological themes through the medium of film. What ideas do films communicate about the natural world? What impact do they have on audiences? What can close, critical readings of these movies reveal?
Global
Media
COM 4450
This class will look at how media flows and changes as it crosses borders, whether imported from or exported to other countries, and how this may reinforce notions of cultural imperialism, the creation of a global village, or other ways in which cultures and texts intersect and overlap.
Human Rights: Theory & Practice
PHL 3010
This course critically examines different theories of human rights and considers the development of international human rights law. We will examine the concept of human rights and the moral and political foundations of this idea.
See All Courses & Options Available to Humanities Majors
Humanities Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Humanities Major Schedule
Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.
Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Customize Your Experience
Students can personalize their experience by engaging in activities that provide extra learning and growth opportunities:
Career Outlook: Where Can a Humanities Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Humanities Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in humanties and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Content Writer/Editor
- Human Resources Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Research Analyst
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Legal Assistant
Where Merrimack Psychology Graduates Work & Intern
Boston Children's Hospital
Postdoctoral Researcher
Brookhaven Hospice
Social Worker
Harvard Business Publishing
Client Services Specialist
Fulbright Scholar Program
Fellowship, Nepal
Northeast Arc - Andover
Internship - Disabilities
St. Ann's Home - Methuen
Internship - Disabilities
Windrush Farm - Boxford
Internship - Equine Therapy
Crest Collab. - Andover
Internship - Inclusive Ed.
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
Study Abroad
With over 30 study-abroad opportunities, you can find the right international or program for you. When you study abroad as a Merrimack College student, you’ll expand your skills and gain a better understanding of yourself while enriching your academic experience.
Service Learning
Our commitment to community service is part of who we are. Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days or spend your break on an immersive SEND trip helping those in need.
See for Yourself
Humanities Faculty & Staff
Our faculty members are dedicated to student success. They bring their real-world experience into the classroom and offer personalized academic support.
Programs Related to the Humanities Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Open House
Sunday, October 20 | Sunday, November 3 | Saturday, December 7
At our Open House, you’ll get an overview of Merrimack with an introduction to your academic school. You’ll meet Merrimack faculty, students and community members and receive a limited-edition T-shirt as our thank you for coming to campus!
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
-
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
- Regional Universities North (No. 33)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
-
Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
- Best Value Schools (No. 47)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Humanities Major
What's New at Merrimack
The Student Intern Who Would Be Goalie
New Bachelor’s in Humanities Degree to Reinvent Liberal Arts Education
