Welcome to Washington College’s Academic Division of Humanities and Fine Arts.
Jump and explore the division’s majors:
Communication and Media Studies
Humanities, Arts & Creative Fields: Turning Your Major Into Career Readiness
Your major is more than a collection of courses. Through projects, performances, research, presentations, creative work, leadership experiences, and collaboration with faculty and peers, you are developing the skills employers seek in internships and full-time positions. As you build your résumé, review the NACE Career Competencies and identify experiences from your academic work, campus involvement, employment, and community engagement that demonstrate these skills to employers.
Art & Art History
Students in Art & Art History develop creative problem-solving, visual communication, critical analysis, project management, and professional presentation skills through studio practice, art history coursework, exhibitions, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. The department encourages interdisciplinary connections and prepares students for careers in the arts, museums, education, business, public service, and beyond. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Creativity and Innovation
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Career & Self-Development
English
English majors strengthen written and verbal communication, critical reading, information literacy, research, storytelling, and persuasive writing skills. Through coursework, campus publications, internships, and literary opportunities supported by the Sophie Kerr legacy, students gain experiences that translate well to careers in publishing, communications, marketing, law, education, nonprofit work, and many other fields. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Career & Self-Development
- Professionalism
Communication & Media Studies
Communication and Media Studies students become skilled writers, confident speakers, critical thinkers, and creative storytellers. Coursework develops competencies in public speaking, project management, research, media literacy, strategic communication, leadership, and multimedia production that are valued across industries. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Technology
Music
Music students engage in coursework, performances, private lessons, internships, research, production, recording, and collaborative projects. These experiences foster discipline, teamwork, creativity, adaptability, and performance under pressure while developing both artistic and professional skills. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Leadership
- Career & Self-Development
Philosophy & Religion
Philosophy and Religion students learn to analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, construct logical arguments, and communicate ideas effectively. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, clear writing, and thoughtful inquiry that prepare graduates for success in a wide range of professions. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Equity & Inclusion
Theatre & Dance
Theatre & Dance students gain hands-on experience through productions, workshops, performance opportunities, design, stagecraft, directing, choreography, and arts management. These collaborative experiences help students develop creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork skills. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism
World Languages & Cultures
Students in World Languages & Cultures develop language proficiency, cultural competency, global awareness, and intercultural communication skills. Through language study, cultural immersion, global learning experiences, and study abroad opportunities, students prepare to work effectively in diverse and international environments. [washcoll.edu]
Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:
- Equity & Inclusion
- Communication
- Global & Intercultural Fluency
- Career & Self-Development
- Critical Thinking
Reflection Questions
As you review your experiences, ask yourself:
- What projects, performances, presentations, research, or leadership experiences demonstrate these competencies?
- When have you collaborated with others to achieve a goal?
- What evidence can you provide to show impact, results, or growth?
- How have your academic experiences prepared you to contribute in a professional setting?
Employers are interested not only in what you studied, but also in the skills you developed while earning your degree. Use the NACE Career Competencies to translate your Washington College experience into a compelling résumé and professional story.
