20 Powerful Humanities Subjects and Course Details for 2025: Opportunities and Challenges

Humanity is a broad field. It covers a wide range of disciplines and subject areas. People tend to wonder, “What is humanities subject?” Humanities is about understanding the world and the place of humans in it. It also helps us in developing skills, cultural literacy, and empathy.

Humanities subjects offer something for everyone. If you’re interested in exploring great literature and art, this stream is a perfect choice. There are also various high-salary arts courses available. Humanities help you understand the complexities of human thought and culture while teaching about the events and people who have shaped our world.

This article provides a list of humanities subjects. Course details for 2025 are also covered. Information about career paths you can choose after studying humanities subjects is included.

Related Read: Arts vs Science

List of Humanities Subjects 2025

The following are some humanity stream subjects you can choose from in 2025.

1. Economics

• Economics can be considered a part of social science.
• One can learn how the distribution of goods and services works.
• Students learn how entities use resources and how these choices impact price.
• Economics is one of the most important subjects in humanities.
• It imparts knowledge about the macro and micro economic factors.
• Economics is a vast field.
• It discusses the production and distribution of goods and services.

2. Psychology

• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.
• It studies how people think, feel, and behave.
• Although a part of natural science, psychology is also a subject in the humanities stream.
• Psychology deals with human conditions.
• It studies how people develop and change over time.
• It also talks about how people perceive and interpret the world around them.

3. History

• For some, history can be boring as a subject; for others, it can be most interesting.
• History shows how humans and society evolved to reach where we are today.
• It is one of CBSE 11th arts subjects.
• History shows the evolution of mankind, which includes the creation and destruction of empires.
• It is a humanities subject because it deals with the human experience.
• This subject teaches about the forces that have shaped societies over time.

4. Geography

• Geography teaches us about the earth’s surface.
• Through this, students can learn about natural resources and how they affect the earth’s well-being.
• It is a broad field that includes physical and human geography.
• Geography is an interesting humanities subject that deals with questions about the human condition.
• Through this, students can learn how people adapt and use resources.

5. Political Science

• Political Science is the study of political systems, focusing on how governments and political parties function.
• Through this humanities subject, students learn about the behaviour of governments and political parties.
• It teaches how power is used to make decisions and how governments operate at various levels.
• Humanities subjects like sociology, law, and history offer further understanding of the political landscape.
• Students can explore India’s deep and structured political system and how different political structures function.
• The subject delves into various forms of government, the powers of the government, and the pillars of politics.

6. Philosophy

• Philosophy is the study of reality, existence, and knowledge.
• It is a humanities subject that investigates the human experience.
• It talks about how people think and understand this world. 
• Students can explore the works of philosophers from different cultures and periods.

7. Sociology

• In sociology, students learn about society.
• The field studies the behaviour of individuals and groups.
• Students can learn about forces that shape human interactions through this humanities subject. 
• Thus, sociology involves the study of society as a whole.
• This includes nuclear families to hostile mobs, from crimes to religions.
• It also includes division and discrimination across race, gender, caste, religion, beliefs, etc.

8. Informatics

• Informatics studies the relationship between humans and technology.
• It is also known as digital humanities.
• Here, students learn how technology and human culture interact with each other.
• As we live in the digital era, technology has become integral to human life.

9. Human Rights and Gender Studies

• It is the study of basic human rights along with other cultural and political aspects.
• It deals with the following.
  • Questions about the human experience.
  • How people’s rights are protected and promoted. 
• Human rights studies may include the following.
  • Human rights law.
  • Social justice.
  • Gender equality.
  • Social change.
• Gender Studies is an important aspect of this subject, examining the role of gender in society.
• Gender discrimination has been prevalent in society for ages, and while progress is being made, there is still much to learn.
• This includes understanding how gender plays an important role in various aspects of life, such as family, work, and culture.
• The subject explores what gender roles are assigned by society and how these roles change over time.
• It also looks at issues like gender distribution across different sections of society, including employment and economic challenges.
• Other humanities subjects like sociology, political science, and psychology contribute to understanding gender dynamics and the social factors that shape them.

10. Law

• Law is a humanities stream subject that explores how and why the government enforces rules.
• It focuses on the principles that guide legal systems and their impact on society.
• Studying law within the humanities subjects provides insights into the relationship between legal frameworks and human behaviour.
• It helps students understand the significance of laws in shaping societal norms and values.
• Other humanities subjects like sociology, political science, and philosophy contribute to understanding the broader context of law enforcement.

11. Media Studies

• Students learn about how media is produced and distributed through this humanities subject.
• It also teaches how people consume different forms of media through different lessons.

12. Entrepreneurship

• This is one of the most interesting humanity stream subjects.
• The world is witnessing a wave of entrepreneurship.
• Today is the best time for anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur.
• It is a field of study that teaches the principles and practices of entrepreneurship.
• The study deals with questions about the human experience.
• Students learn about how people create and innovate in their environments. 

13. Fine Arts

• Fine art is a go-to field for students who have that creative instinct.
• It studies different art forms, which include:
  • Painting.
  • Sculpture.
  • Architecture.
  • Theatre.
  • Literature.
• It is one of the arts subjects in 11th grade.
• Fine art deals with questions about the human experience.
• It studies how people create and interpret art. 
• The course is gaining acceptance at international levels.
• People with an interest in fine arts can become great artists.
• They can also become painters and interior designers or take on similar roles.

14. Fashion Studies

• This a great opportunity for students with a good understanding of fashion and the latest trends.
• It allows students to deeply understand the fashion industry, media, and bodily practices.
• Fashion studies is a humanities subject because it deals with questions about the human experience.
• The study covers how fashion shapes and is shaped by the following.
  • Culture.
  • Society.
  • History.
• It investigates the values and beliefs that guide fashion choices.
• The subject seeks to understand how fashion reflects and shapes societal norms and values.

15. English

• English is one of the most popular subjects in humanities.
• The subject studies literature, language, and culture in the English-speaking world.
• It is a humanities subject that deals with questions about the human experience.
• How people communicate and express themselves through language and literature is also explored.
• Students explore texts from different periods and cultures, including texts from novels, plays, etc.
• They will also study the history and development of the English language.

16. Physical Education

• Physical Education (PE) allows students to learn ways to improve physical fitness and promote well-being.
• The subject deals with physical activities and emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental health.
• PE is also part of the humanities subjects, contributing to understanding the human experience through physical engagement.
• It addresses questions about how people interact with and shape their physical environments.
• Other humanities subjects like sociology, psychology, and health studies enhance the understanding of the role physical education plays in shaping societal behaviours and individual well-being.

17. Home Science

• Home science is also known as home economics or family and consumer sciences.
• It studies the principles and practices of managing and maintaining a household.
• This includes the following.
  • Managing resources.
  • Preparing food.
  • Caring for children and the elderly. 
• Home science is a subject in the humanities stream as it deals with questions about the human experience.
• Students learn about how people shape and are shaped by their domestic environments.

18. Environmental Studies

• Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that examines the relationship between humans and the environment.
• Focuses on how human actions impact the earth’s ecosystems and natural resources.
• Topics include climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
• Helps understand how societies interact with and affect the natural world.
• Promotes eco-friendly policies and practices for a sustainable future.

19. Cultural Studies

• Cultural Studies explores how culture shapes societies and individuals, examining the creation, development, and transmission of culture through art, music, language, and traditions.
• It studies the social, political, and economic factors that influence cultural practices.
• Cultural Studies analyzes how culture impacts identity, values, and societal norms, offering insights into the formation of collective identities.
• This subject is key to understanding diverse cultural landscapes and their influence on the human experience.
• Other humanities subjects like anthropology, sociology, history, and political science provide additional perspectives on how culture interacts with social systems and human behaviours.

20. Linguistics

• Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure.
• Involves analyzing language sounds (phonetics), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics).
• Explores language change over time and how languages evolve.
• Delves into sociolinguistics, examining the relationship between language and social factors like region, class, and gender.
• Helps students understand the complexity of human communication and the role of language in shaping society and culture.

Careers After Studying Humanities Subjects

Humanity stream subjects open a lot of career options for candidates. Here are a few career options students can select.

1. Professor

• Professors are educators who teach and conduct research in a particular subject area.
• Professors typically hold a doctoral degree in their field and work at colleges or universities.
• They can teach in universities or on online platforms like Chegg
• They are currently hiring experts in economics and psychology.
• According to Glassdoor, the median annual wage for professors is Rs. 12,20,796.

2. Writer

• Writers create written works that include the following
  • Novels.
  • Short stories.
  • Articles.
  • Scripts.
• They can work as freelance writers or be employed by publishing companies, news organizations, or advertising agencies.
  • According to Glassdoor, the median annual wage for writers and authors is Rs. 4,98,723.

3. Museum Curator

• The demand for museum curators has increased in recent years.
• They are responsible for managing collections of artefacts.
• They can work at museums or other cultural institutions.
• Museum curators specialise in subjects like art, history, and natural science.
• According to SalaryExpert, the median annual wage for museum curators is Rs. 5,20,000.

4. Public Relations Specialist

• They are responsible for maintaining the public image of their clients.
• People with this role are open to working in the public and private sectors.
• They specialise in media studies and learn about crisis management and corporate communications.
• According to Payscale, the median annual wage for public relations specialists is Rs. ₹6,16,736.

5. Social Worker

• A social worker is responsible for helping someone unable to cope with their condition.
• They are trained to solve daily life problems faced by other humans.
• They may work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and government agencies.
• Social workers may specialize in the following.
  • Child and family welfare.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Gerontology.
• According to Payscale, the average salary for social workers is Rs 2,47,500 per annum.

6. Archivist

• A person who masters this role learns how to preserve important records.
• They work in places like museums and libraries.
• An archivist is responsible for keeping records safe and highly valuable to government bodies.
• According to Payscale, the median annual wage for archivists is Rs. 5,54,000.

7. Lawyer

• Lawyers represent clients in legal matters and advise and counsel on legal issues.
• They may work in private practice, for a law firm, or the government.
• According to reports, the median annual wage for lawyers in India is Rs. 3,74,244.

8. Art Therapist

• Art Therapists use art as a therapeutic tool to help individuals, aiding in mental and emotional healing.
• It is especially beneficial for people facing mental or emotional difficulties, allowing them to explore their feelings and emotions through creative expression.
• People with this expertise work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and private practices.
• Humanities subjects like psychology, sociology, and health studies contribute to the understanding of how art therapy can support mental well-being.
• Art therapists typically complete master’s degrees in art therapy, combining their knowledge of psychological principles with artistic techniques to facilitate healing.
• Per a report by Payscale, the annual salary for Art therapists is Rs. 6,39,288.

9. Fashion Designer

• One thing that never goes out of fashion is fashion itself.
• There are always new and emerging trends in the fashion industry.
• Completing fashion studies opens a great pool of opportunities to enter the fashion industry.
• Candidates can learn the ropes of the following.
  • Production.
  • Design.
  • Creativity.
  • Trend forecasting.
  • Visual culture.
• One can develop creative concepts for big brands and help prepare for fashion shows.
• The fashion industry is one of the highest-paying industries.
• According to a study by Payscale, an average fashion designer earns Rs. 4,30,000 per annum.

In a Nutshell

This article provides a list of humanities subjects and course details for 2023. The study of humanities subjects offers good growth opportunities. These subjects provide a deeper understanding of the human experience. Humanities also teach us how culture, society, and history work to shape our world.
Humanities is also helpful for people looking to start a career as an instructor. They can teach in universities, colleges, or online platforms like Chegg.

Chegg is a renowned online platform that offers one-on-one tutoring services to students across various subjects, including humanities subjects such as economics and psychology. It provides a valuable opportunity for qualified experts in these fields to share their knowledge and make a meaningful impact on students’ academic journeys. By joining the Chegg Expert team, you can leverage your expertise in economics or psychology to guide students through challenging concepts and help them achieve their academic goals. Whether you have a background in social sciences, arts, or other humanities subjects, Chegg offers a flexible and rewarding way to support students while enhancing your teaching experience.

If you’re an expert in humanities subjects like economics or psychology, and you’re passionate about education, Chegg is the perfect platform to earn extra income while making a difference. By submitting your resume and a brief statement outlining your qualifications in humanities subjects, you can become a part of Chegg’s team of experts. This platform not only offers a convenient way to work from home but also allows you to build a network with students from around the world. With Chegg’s user-friendly interface, you can easily manage tutoring sessions and provide personalized academic support in humanities subjects, all while gaining valuable experience in teaching and mentoring.

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