X-Guide College of Arts & Sciences (Arts & Humanities)
Develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world and God by pursuing answers to questions in our programs for arts and humanities.
Follow your signs
You're creative. You’re a thinker. Writing is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life. Maybe foreign languages have always intrigued you or perhaps your favorite adventure is one that involves traveling through history.
These are usually signs that a major in the arts and humanities is calling. As you’re choosing a path for college, explore exactly where these signs could be leading you.
What to think about when picking your major
While researching potential majors within the arts and humanities, it may be helpful to keep these questions in mind:
- Why are you interested in arts and humanities? Is there a specific reason you’re looking into this field? Sometimes outside influences such as family members, past school courses, and personal experiences can influence how we choose our career path.
- What field of study within the arts and humanities would you want to pursue? The world of arts and humanities provides numerous paths, allowing you to explore a variety of programs including Political Science, Philosophy, Communication Studies and much more.
- What career path do you want to take? There are many options when it comes to careers in the arts and humanities. If you don’t have an ideal career path in mind yet, then consider what characteristics your perfect position would have and compare those to jobs within your field.
- What do you want out of your career and what do you value? Do you want to travel? Are you looking for an office environment or more hands-on work? Would you prefer working directly with people or behind the scenes? These are a few questions to ask yourself when you’re mapping out your career choices to make sure your path leads you toward a job that fits your values.
The College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Top Majors
Some of the most popular arts and humanities majors in Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences include:
- Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
- Political Science
- Communication Studies
- Digital Innovation, Film, and TV
- English
- History
- Theatre
- Art
Honors Programs
Xavier’s Honors programs in the College of Arts and Sciences challenge students to reach their fullest potential by allowing students to refine their academic focus, expand their interests, and unlock new research and career possibilities. Students in these programs take advantage of distinct faculty support from top-notch professors and the opportunity for interdisciplinary coursework with highly motivated peers.
- Philosophy, Politics, and the Public
This program explores the effect of political science and philosophy on people and society. Students meet with policy makers in Washington, D.C. and volunteer for a political campaign of their choosing. They also spend a summer studying in Rome, London, or Paris. - University Scholars
Students in the University Scholars program study any major, but take their core courses in small, specialized classes that promote deeper exploration and close faculty support.
Xavier's Professional Connections
The faculty in Xavier’s College of Arts and Sciences have cultivated community partners – many with whom they match students for internships that fit their skills and interests. Some programs in this college also host networking events throughout the year for students to meet alumni in similar fields. No matter which major you choose, Xavier will connect you with community partners and professional mentors.
Experiential Learning and Internships
87% of Xavier students gain real-world experience through an internship. Recent students have interned at the Ohio State House, Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center. Other opportunities for experiential learning include a class based project for a community organization, faculty-directed undergraduate research, or a short-term or semester-long international study abroad
Points of Pride
- Xavier's Language majors have the opportunity for regular lunch conversations with native speakers
- Xavier's Political Science majors have the opportunity to intern in the Ohio State Capital
- Xavier's Art majors have the opportunity to exhibit their work locally and regionally
- Xavier’s Theatre majors can participate in Xavier’s play development collaboration with NYC’s Fault Line Theatre
- Xavier’s Communication Studies majors complete consulting work for a local organization to build their resumes and help our community
Study Abroad
Xavier students in the College of Arts and Sciences have the chance to step outside of their comfort zone and apply what they learn in the classroom on a larger scale. There are several study abroad experiences for students to gain a new perspective of the world.
Language majors can immerse themselves in the culture and language of other countries with both short and long-term study abroad options. Philosophy majors can bring their classroom studies to life by studying in cities like Rome, Paris, or Jerusalem. Classical Humanities majors can travel to Greece to take for-credit courses in theology, social sciences, and fine arts.
Student Outcomes
The College of Arts and Sciences provides engaging coursework, integrative learning opportunities, and sets students on a path toward success as they head into the real world. 99% of Xavier students are employed full-time, enrolled in graduate school, or working in a volunteer position within 6 months of graduation.
Graduates go on to achieve rewarding careers such as:
- Social media marketing coordinator
- Medical sales
- Musician
- Communications specialist
- Professor
Some of the top employers of Xavier graduates include:
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Public Communications Inc
- St. Joseph Worker Program West
- GE Aviation
- News America Marketing
- Boy Scouts of America
- Cincinnati Public Schools
- the Christ Hospital
- PNC Bank
- Imagination Stage
- Loyalty 360
- TriHealth
Xavier and the Queen City
One of the best parts of being a Musketeer is learning in the growing and thriving city of Cincinnati. Cincinnati is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies and nationally recognized hospitals where many students find employment and internship opportunities It is also known for its love of the arts and appreciation of creative expression. The Queen City provides unique learning opportunities that guarantee Xavier students graduate with strong professional relationships and relevant skills.
While Cincinnati is bustling with professional opportunity, it’s also the center of a social scene like no other. The Queen City has multiple activities such as BLINK, ice skating in Fountain Square, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, major sports events, museums, Riverbend Music Center, and so many others.
There’s no shortage of chances for fun and excitement with Xavier located in the heart of such an energetic city.
Next Steps
Imagine yourself as a Xavier Musketeer? Plan a visit to campus at xavier.edu/visit
If you want to connect with your Admission Counselor, please contact xuadmit@xavier.edu or at 513-745-3301.
Get to know a little more about Xavier by clicking the links below:
Check out our admission process
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Office of Admission
513-745-3301
XUadmit@xavier.edu
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-513