Top Career Options for Humanities in India 2024 [List of Colleges] & Course

Reader’s Digest: Completing a humanities course can be an excellent foundation for launching your career. Many career paths in the humanities demand creativity and innovative problem-solving skills. 

By understanding the diverse range of courses and careers in the arts, you can make well-informed decisions about your future. This article delves into some top humanities courses and career options that can lead to a fulfilling career.

Many people mistakenly believe that career options for humanities students are limited. To dispel this myth, we have compiled an extensive list of some of the most exciting and sought-after career opportunities in the humanities. Are you ready?

Let’s get started!

Table of Content

• Career Options for Humanities Students in India.

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Career Options for Humanities Students in India

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#1 Psychology

Wouldn't it be fascinating to understand how the human mind works or why people act the way they do? Allow me to introduce you to Psychology, a multifaceted discipline that covers various topics, including how the brain functions, how memory is structured, and how individuals interact within groups.

Once you have learned the fundamentals of psychology, you can choose from various specialisations, such as Clinical Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Counseling Psychology, Sports Psychology, and more.

Top universities that offer psychology

1. Delhi University
2. Jamia Millia Islamia
3. Tata Institute of Social Science
4. Christ University
5. Banaras Hindu University
6. Ambedkar University, Delhi
7. Panjab Univerity
8. University of Calcutta

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Career Option in Psychology

Since Psychology aims to study the human mind, it can be applied to diverse fields such as health, sports, organisations, media, forensics, and more.

However, graduates in this field often pursue careers as Counselors, Forensic Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Career Counselors, Human Resource Specialists, Lecturers/Professors, Life Coaches, Child Psychologists, Substance Abuse Counselors, Family Therapists, Research Analysts, and more.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#2 Law

How strong are your reasoning and problem-solving skills? A career in Law demands precisely these abilities.

That's right! Another highly in-demand career in the humanities is becoming a lawyer. This role requires understanding the legal structure of a country and advising people on various legal matters, both personal and professional. Each legal case involves extensive research, and you must be able to construct strong arguments.

As a Lawyer, you will counsel individuals, companies, NGOs, the government, and others, helping them avoid legal disputes.

Top Universities that offer Law

1. National Law University
2. National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
3. National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
4. West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
5. Gujarat National Law University
6. OP Jindal Global University
7. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi

Career Option in Law

You have various career options, such as Litigation (fighting cases in court), Corporate Counsel, or Indian Legal Services. Additionally, you can work in law firms, legal publishing, and media or become a lecturer in law schools. Many law graduates also specialise in areas like Tax Law, Intellectual Property Rights, International Human Rights, Civil Law, Criminal Law, and more.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#3 History

Do you ever wonder what life was like a hundred years ago, how people lived, interacted, and survived in their environments?

History provides answers to these questions! Historians study the past by interpreting evidence from texts, artefacts, and other historical materials. Through detailed analysis and evaluation, they develop interpretations and conclude historical events and lifestyles.

Top Universities that offer History

1. Delhi University
2. Ambedkar University, Delhi
3. Jamia Milla Islamia
4. Jawaharlal Nehru University
5. Aligarh Muslim University
6. University of Mumbai
7. University of Madras
8. University of Hyderabad

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#4 Career Options in History

Upon graduating in history, you will have diverse career paths to explore, including roles such as archivist, lecturer, analyst, or lobbyist. Historians delve into various areas such as mythology, dynasties, civilisations, politics, culture, and more in the research realm. Additionally, Historians can collaborate with publishing houses as editors or columnists.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#5 Archaeology

If you have a passion for exploring past events, you'll be captivated by what Archaeology offers! This field provides a unique opportunity to delve into ancient cultures by analysing artefacts, inscriptions, and other remnants.

Archaeologists gather this data by excavating artefacts from the ground and piecing them together to reconstruct possible sequences of historical events.

Top Universities that offer Archaeology

1. University of Pune
2. Banaras Hindu University
3. Jawaharlal Nehru University
4. University of Mumbai
5. University of Calcutta
6. Aligarh Muslim University
7. University of Madras
8. University of Delhi

Career Option in Archaeology

After completing a degree in archaeology, you can pursue various career paths, such as becoming a numismatist and studying old currency. Alternatively, you could become an Epigraphist, focusing on deciphering inscriptions or manuscripts. Another option is working as an Archivist, responsible for preserving information through meticulous documentation of evidence. You may also become a Museologist, specialising in studying museums, or contribute to preserving heritage sites and monuments.

Additionally, you can specialise in Art Conservation and Restoration, which involves preserving centuries-old artwork, sculptures, and manuscripts.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#6 Political Science & International Relations

A career in these fields might be perfect if delving into your country's affairs domestically and globally sparks your interest. Political Science is one of the most popular humanities choices, focusing on studying a country's political history and systems.

Conversely, International Relations examines the relationships between one's country and others. Both disciplines shed light on global issues such as peace, economic crises, poverty, unemployment, hunger, and malnutrition and strive to devise solutions for them.

Top Universities that offer Political Science & International Relations

1. Jamia Millia Islamia
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University
3. University of Delhi
4. Banaras Hindu University University of Calcutta
5. University of Mumbai
6. University of Hyderabad
7. Christ University

Career Option in Political Science & International Relations

After studying political science, I found diverse career paths, including roles such as Lobbyist, Research Assistant, Political Analyst, or pursuing further education in law to become a lawyer.

Similarly, obtaining a degree in International Relations can lead to opportunities such as representing your country as a Diplomat or Intelligence Specialist or working with global organisations like the World Bank, United Nations, and World Health Organization (WHO).

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#7 Hotel Management

Staying at luxurious hotels like Taj, The Lalit, Le Meridien, or The Leela is a delightful experience. However, have you ever considered the effort behind making them top-tier establishments? A career in Hotel Management involves overseeing various aspects of hotel operations, including front desk management, food services, catering, and housekeeping.

Moreover, it offers opportunities to handle administrative tasks such as hotel operations, hospitality marketing strategies, hospitality technology implementation, and financial analysis.

Top Universities offering Hotel Management

1. Institute of Hotel Management
2. Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration
3. Christ University, Bangalore
4. Amity University, Noida
5. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
6. International Institute of Hotel Management

Career option in Hotel Management

There are various employment opportunities in the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, railways, resorts, airlines, and more.

Entry-level positions for fresh graduates typically include management trainee roles, where they can work across departments such as Front Office Operations, Food and Beverage Production, Meeting and Event Operations Management, Restaurant Operations, and others. With experience, individuals can progress to managerial positions within the field.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#8 Economics

Economists analyse the allocation of societal resources, including land, labour, raw materials, and machinery, to generate a range of goods and services.

They research, gather and assess data, track economic patterns, and predict various topics, such as interest rates, energy expenditures, inflation, currency exchange rates, economic cycles, taxation, and employment rates.

Top Universities Offering Economics

1. Delhi University
2. Ambedkar Univerity, Delhi
3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
4. University of Mumbai
5. University of Hyderabad
6. Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune
7. University of Calcutta
8. Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai

Career Option in Economics

After your education in this field, you can pursue careers with banking firms, research organisations, financial consultancies, government ministries, or insurance and accountancy firms. Potential roles include Risk Advisory Associate, Analyst, Research Assistant, Policy Maker, and more.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#9 Social Service/ Social Work

This career is ideal for individuals committed to the betterment of society. Social work is a top career choice in the humanities stream for students after completing the 12th grade. It focuses on assisting the most vulnerable members of society in situations such as advocating for their rights, addressing abuse, and ensuring access to proper sanitation.

Social workers often collaborate with various individuals or families to tackle poverty, unemployment, education, etc.

Top Universities that provide Social Service/ Social Work

1. Delhi Univerity
2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences
3. Ambedkar University
4. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
5. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
6. Loyola College, Chennai
7. Christ University
8. Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), Chennai

Career Option Social Servies/ Social Work

You can work with NGOs targeting various audiences, the corporate sector in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the healthcare sector (rehabilitation centres), or the government on multiple initiatives such as raising awareness about health safety, fundamental public rights, and combating social injustice and discrimination.

Top Career Options for Humanities in India#10 Sociology

This branch of social sciences focuses on studying society, analysing and understanding the social lives of individuals, groups, and institutions. Sociologists examine and conclude various topics, including racial and gender identity, religious faith, family conflicts, crime and law, poverty, population growth and migration, war and peace, and more.

Top Universities that provide Sociology

1. University of Delhi
2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences
3. Banaras Hindu University
4. University of Calcutta
5. University of Hyderabad
6. Jamia Millia Islamia
7. Madras School of Social Work
8. Aligarh Muslim University

Career Option in Sociology

Since Sociology focuses on the study of people and society, as a Sociologist, you can pursue a career as a Guidance Counselor, particularly in family conflict resolution, or work with the government as a Policy Analyst.

Additionally, you can serve as a consultant in the HR department of private or public organisations. Other fields well-suited for Sociology majors include Market Research, Public Relations, and Media Strategy.

Conclusion

• A humanities degree offers access to many rewarding and meaningful career paths. This contradicts the misconception that humanities studies restrict one's professional opportunities.

• You have many options in psychology, law, history, design, writing, and more. Each field offers unique opportunities to explore your interests. Humanities are exciting; you can become a counsellor, lawyer, historian, or work in hotels, media, and events. There's much to uncover!

• Humanities foster understanding of people, culture, and history, making you more empathetic and aware. Follow your passion without hesitation; humanities can lead to a rewarding career. Embrace your creativity and curiosity, and you'll find endless possibilities!