Arts and
Humanities
Foundational. Transferable. Enduring. Students interested in Arts and Humanities have the opportunity to explore multidisciplinary resources on campus to learn and explore different career paths.
We want students to not only explore technologies across the arts and humanities, but also how these new technologies transform traditional ways of knowing and representing the world in which we live.
– Dean Cristina Della Coletta (Division of Arts & Humanities)
Explore Professions
History Department
History enables us to see and understand changes and variety in society over time and place; it thus prepares us to create change thoughtfully. History requires reading widely, closely, and critically, expressing complex thoughts in writing, and open-minded, civil discussion of opinions founded in fact.
Transferable skills for History majors are:
- Communicate both orally and in writing
- Think critically and analytically, as well as with empathy
- Do research in a variety of types of sources
Industries that hire History majors: Public Administration, Public Policy, Library Services, Museums, Research, Lobbying, Grant Writing, Human Resources, Law, Business Management. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the History Department for more specific information on the major.
Literature
Literature majors develop skills and perspectives that prepare them for careers in Writing, Law, Business, Education and numerous other professions. The writing, analytical, and cultural breadth of the major makes students attractive to professional schools as well as advanced graduate studies.
Transferable skills for Literature majors are:
- Oral and written communication,
- Think critically and analytically, ability to look at a situation from multiple perspectives
- Data gathering, summarizing information and presenting it concisely
Industries that hire Literature majors: Writing/Editing, Publishing, Journalism, Technical Communication, Advertising, Public Relations, Law, and Business. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the Literature Department for more specific information on the major.
Philosophy
Philosophy majors learn an interdisciplinary approach to viewing and interacting in society. Critical thinking and problem solving are just a few of the skills that will make them attractive to professional as well as advanced graduate studies. In addition, their analytical skills will give them great value in multiple industries.
Transferable skills for Philosophy majors are:
- Critical thinking and problem solving, ability to look at a situation from multiple perspectives
- Data gathering, strong written and verbal skills
- Analytical, able to process and organize information efficiently
Industries that hire Philosophy majors: Education, Ethics, Law, Business, Religious Organizations, Community Organizations, and Government. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the Philosophy Department for more specific information on the major.
Theatre and Dance
Theatre and Dance careers are endless and never dull in this ever-changing field of ideas and art in motion. It’s more than just performing on stage on Broadway, that’s one aspect but not the only. This is a large and growing industry that can be found in every city from New York to Los Angeles, Maine to Portland there are many opportunities in Theatre and Dance.
Transferable skills for Theatre and Dance majors are:
- Discipline, consistent, and mastery in accomplishing goals as a team or individual
- Empathetic and inclusive of diverse perspectives
- Multitasker, able to take direction and creative in problem solving
Industries that hire Theatre and Dance Majors: Performance, Education, Administration, Therapy, Media, Business and Stage Management. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the Theatre and Dance Department for more specific information on the major.
Music
Music students experience an interdisciplinary approach in their major. Students can study performance, theory, technology, literature and composition. The music industry has a vast amount of fields that cross many different industries. Students have many opportunities to stay connected to music. They can take the tradition route and focus on gaining admission into a Masters in Fine Arts program. However, they can also pursue graduate degrees in other fields or begin to prepare themselves to enter the workforce within or outside the music industry.
Transferable skills for Music majors are:
- Discipline, consistent, and mastery in accomplishing goals as a team or individual
- Empathetic and inclusive of diverse perspectives
- Multitasker, able to take direction and creative in problem solving
Industries that hire Music majors: Business, Broadcasting, Journalism, Therapy, Advertising, Public Relations, Law, Music Technology and Education. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the Music Department for more specific information on the major.
Visual Arts
Just as Visual Arts provides disciplinary knowledge and skills in specific artistic and scholarly pursuits within the department, it also provides transferable knowledge and skills that prepare students to be intellectually and creatively agile, in whatever discipline they may pursue. Visual Art is both critical and creative, cultivating hybrid forms of cultural practice and analysis that enrich students' ability to intervene in the conditions of knowledge production, generate new methods and creative processes, in whatever professional field they may pursue.
Transferable skills for Visual Arts majors are:
- Multifaceted in their communication, creative problem solving
- Think critically and analytically, ability to look at a situation from multiple perspectives
- Knowledgeable of multiple computer technologies
Industries that hire Visual Arts majors: Graphic Design, Publishing, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Business, Interactive Media, Video Game Design, and Education. More Options can be found on “What Can I do with this Major”.
Please check out the Visual Arts Department for more specific information on the major.
Gain Experience
Gain experience through on campus jobs or paid internships by signing on to Handshake.
Consider the Academic Internship Program and Center for Student Involvement for service-learning and community engagement
Utilize the REAL Portal (Research Experience and Applied Learning Portal) to find opportunities
Join a Student Organization or Professional Association
Consider taking a Gap Year to build more skills and serve in a community organization
Prep for Graduate School
Career Center
The Career Education and Advising team can assist you in graduate school preparation which includes professional and graduate school advising. Students can make advising appointments through Handshake.
Academic Departments
Students interested in pursuing degrees in a specific department or field can utilize academic advisors and faculty as guidance
- Faculty Mentor Program: Juniors and seniors with a GPA of 2.7 or higher can work with faculty mentors on an individual basis.
- McNair Program: Low-income, first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities can apply for this year-long preparation for doctoral studies.
- UC LEADS: This program offers support for upper-division undergraduates majoring in science, engineering, or mathematics who want to pursue a Ph.D.
Test Preparation
Test preparation courses can be costly. There are free and cost effective resources available to students.
UC San Diego Extended Studies offers UC San Diego students vouchers that can be used towards their test preparation courses. Test preparation courses are offered for the GMAT, GRE, and LSAT.
Get the Job
- Sign on to Handshake and view postings for interested positions.
- Visit the Career Center for a Resume and Cover Letter Review, Interview Preparation and help with Networking Skills.
- Walk-in hours are available from Monday to Friday, 10am-3pm. Career Coaches are also available by appointment.
- Attend Career Fairs and Networking Opportunities (For more information about upcoming fairs and other opportunities, check out our Events webpage)
- Connect with The Basement and learn how to create your own opportunities as an Entrepreneur.