Humanities Subjects: List of 20 Subjects in Humanities for 2025

Humanities subjects in fields are wide and diverse. The question is often posed, “What is a humanities subject?” Simply put, humanities engage in investigating and interpreting human experiences, our place in our world, and how to develop skills that contribute to critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy.

Humanities subjects study human culture, society, and experiences through specific academic disciplines. Some of these disciplines are history, literature, political narratives, languages, and expressions of the arts; however, subjects like sociology, political science, and economics are also often categorized in the humanities because they focus on human behavior and social structures.

There is a humanities subject for everyone. Humanities is the stream for any individual who wants to study great literature, discover mesmerizing art, and so much more as surveys show. Be rest assured; there is also a range of arts courses available, with high-salary jobs available.

Humanities give you an understanding of the multiplicity of human thought and culture while sharing information, events, and people that shape our world today.

This article lists humanities subjects for study. Information about learning and content details for 2025 are included. There is also information about career pathways you can follow after completing a humanities subject.

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 deals with political systems, and as such, it concentrates on how governments work and how political parties function.
• In this humanities subject, students will learn about the actions of governments and political parties.
• It will teach the use of power to make decisions, and how governments function in different contexts.
• The other humanities subjects, such as sociology, law and history, help us understand the political sphere.
• Students can study India’s structured political system in depth and how political systems function in diverse circumstances.
• This subject looks at many forms of governments and the powers of the government, and the briefs of Politics

6. Philosophy

• Philosophy studies the nature of reality, existence, and knowledge.
• It is a subject in the humanities that considers the human experience.
• It considers how people reflect on and understand the world around them.
• Students will examine the work of philosophers from different eras and cultures.

7. Sociology

• Sociology is the study of society.
• The science of sociology considers not just the behaviour of people but also the behaviour of groups.
• In a sociological study of human behaviour students can examine the forces that inform and shape human interactions.
• So, there are a number of parts to sociology as a discipline, from the study of family (nuclear) to the study of hostile mobs, from the study of crime to the study of religions.
• You can study the division in society from types of discrimination such as race, gender, caste, religious, beliefs, etc.

8. Informatics

• Informatics is the study of the relationship between human beings and technology.
• Informatics is also referred to as digital humanities.
• In this discipline, students learn about the interaction of technology with human culture.
• While we live in a digital age, technology is now part of human existence.

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 a significant facet of this discipline that looks at gender’s role in society.
• For centuries, gender discrimination has existed in society, and while much has been learned along the way, we are still learning.
• For example, we are still learning about how gender is involved in many life processes, such as our family life, our work life and our cultural life.
• The text investigates what gender roles are assigned to individuals by society and how the roles people are assigned change over time.
• It discusses the gender distribution of various sections of society, including the area of occupations and economic hardship.
• In addition, there is an emphasis on other humanities disciplines, including sociology, political science, and psychology, to understand social forces relating to gender.

10. Law

• Law is a subject belonging to a humanities stream and examines how and why the government enforces rules.
• We examine the principles or ideas behind legal systems and how they function and impact society.
• Studying law in the humanities also allows us to see the conceptual relationship between legal frameworks and human behaviour.
• This assists students to consider the importance of laws in shaping and guiding society.
• Humanities disciplines like sociology, political science, and philosophy provide an alternate lens to better see the broader context in which the law is enforced.

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 a widely studied subject in variations within social science and humanities.
• The subject studies the aspects of literature, language, and culture within the English-speaking world.
• English is classified as a humanities subject, and investigates questions related to the human experience.
• It also looks at how people communicate, convey thoughts and ideas, and express themselves through language and literature.
• Students also study texts from different time periods, as well as cultures, and will study texts from novels, plays, pieces of work, etc.
• English programs also study how the English language evolved and the development of the language.

16. Physical Education

• Physical Education (PE) provides students with a way to learn about improving physical fitness to enhance their well-being.
• The subject is about physical activity and helps to promote awareness of physical activity and the importance of physical and mental health.
• PE is also part of the humanities subjects and aids in understanding the human condition, through physical engagement.
• It allows for discussing aspects of how people engage with and shape their physical environment.
• Other humanities subjects, like sociology, psychology, and health studies aid to understanding the significance that physical education has in relations to shaping behaviours in society and the individuals’ 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 explores the interface between humans and the environment.
• Environmental Studies is concerned with how human behaviours impact the natural environments and ecosystems of the earth.
• The subject examines topics such as climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development.
• The discipline supports an understanding of how societies interact with and impact the environment.
• Environmental Studies works towards the promotion of sustainable behaviours, policies and practices towards a sustainable future.

19. Cultural Studies

• Cultural Studies investigates the role of culture in shaping societies and individuals and the production, evolution and transmission of culture through art, music, systems of language, as well as traditions.
• It is a study of the social, political and economic conditions that shape cultural practice.
• Cultural Studies explores the different ways culture operates to shape identity, values and social norms, and offers insights into the making of collective identities.
• The discipline is fundamental to understanding our varied cultural worlds and their implications for the human experience.
• Cultural Studies encourages the exploration of other disciplinary approaches to place culture in interaction with social systems and human behaviours, reflecting the highly complex and situated nature of culture in everyday life, not just from formal representations of it.

20. Linguistics

• Linguistics is the study of language, and its structure, and is identified as the scientific study of language.
• Linguistics is based on the systematic analysis of sounds (phonetics), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics).
• Linguistics not only looks at the nature of language itself but also looks at the historical nature of language over time, in which it examines how languages evolve.
• Linguistics has a most intriguing subfield, sociolinguistics, or how language is related to history and social aspects of our lives such as region, social class and gender.
• Linguistics assists students in understanding the complexity of human communication, and how language is constructed part of our collective social and cultural consciousness.

Scope of Humanities

1. Diverse Career Opportunities: Roles in civil services, law, journalism, psychology, teaching, public policy, media, and global relations.
2. Valued Skill Set: Develops critical thinking skills, communication skills, empathy, analytical skills, and problem solving skills.
3. Flexible Career Paths: Suitable for either public or private sectors, local or global levels, NGOs, and worldwide organizations.
4. Strong Foundation for Higher Studies: Good basis for future study, MA, MBA, LLB, MSW, PhD etc. .
5. Creative and Cultural Roles: Useful for writing, content development, art, design, cultural studies, and heritage.
6. Global Relevance: Useful for understanding social trends, human behaviour, and challenges at the global level on the world stage and useful for international careers.

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.

Benefits of Humanities

• Enhances Critical Thinking: Highlights analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of intricate ideologies.
• Improves Communication Skills: Enhances writing and speaking ability—both important for most jobs.
• Increases Cultural Awareness: Helps build empathy and understanding of cultures, histories, and worldviews.
• Encourages Creativity: Enhances inventive thinking through exposure to literature, arts, and philosophies.
• Supports Career Flexibility: Prepares students for a variety of jobs—services to civil service, lawyers, journalists, educators, designers, etc.
• Encourages Ethical Reasoning: Promotes moral reasoning and a better awareness of our values as a society.
• Enhances Research Skills: Teaches students how to research their topic extensively and clearly present their findings.
• Foundation for Lifelong Learning: Fosters curiosity and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Conclusion

This article provides a list of humanities subjects and course details for 2025. The study of humanities subjects offers good growth opportunities. These subjects provide a deeper understanding of the human experience. Humanities subjects in 11th grade, such as Economics, History, and Psychology, provide a comprehensive understanding of human society, behavior, and culture. 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 an online platform offering one-on-one tutoring in subjects like economics and psychology. It’s a flexible way to earn from home, help students worldwide, and grow your teaching experience. Submit your resume to join Chegg’s expert team.

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