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Humanities teacher education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a humanities teacher. Humanities teachers usually study english, elementary education, or history. 64% of humanities teachers hold a bachelor's degree, and 29% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 537 real humanities teacher resumes to see exactly what humanities teacher education sections show.

The most common colleges for humanities teachers are the New York University and the New York University.

There are also many online humanities teacher courses to help get the education required to be a humanities teacher.

There are certain humanities teacher certifications that you should consider. These humanities teacher certifications include Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Certified Secondary Culinary Educator (CSCE).

What education do you need to become a humanities teacher?

What degree do you need to be a humanities teacher?

The most common degree for humanities teachers is bachelor's degree, with 64% of humanities teachers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 29% and master's degree degree at 3%.
  • Bachelor's, 64%
  • Master's, 29%
  • Doctorate, 3%
  • Associate, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 2%

What should I major in to become a humanities teacher?

You should major in english to become a humanities teacher. 17% of humanities teachers major in english. Other common majors for a humanities teacher include elementary education and history.

Most common colleges for humanities teachers

Humanities teachers often get their degrees at New York University, Teachers College of Columbia University, and Washington State University. Here are the most common colleges for humanities teachers in the US based on their resumes.
Humanities teacher common collegePercentages
New York University7.50%
Teachers College of Columbia University7.50%
Washington State University6.25%
University of San Francisco6.25%
University of California, Santa Barbara6.25%

Best majors for humanities teachers

Best colleges for humanities teachers

The best colleges for humanities teachers are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A humanities teacher with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for humanities teachers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become humanities teachers.

1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

5. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

6. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$14,184

Enrollment

30,845

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

8. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

9. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

10. University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$13,226

Enrollment

31,568

20 best online courses for humanities teachers

Advertising disclosure

1. Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics

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Everywhere, every day, everybody uses language. There is no human society, no matter how small or how isolated, which does not employ a language that is rich and diverse. This course introduces you to linguistics, featuring interviews with well-known linguists and with speakers of many different languages. Join us to explore the miracles of human language! The Miracles of Human Language introduces you to the many-faceted study of languages, which has amazed humans since the beginning of history...

2. Music Education for Teachers

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In the Music Education for Teachers specialization, you will explore ways of integrating popular music into your teaching. You'll begin by learning from two highly experienced teachers, Krystal Banfield, the Vice President of Educational Outreach for Berklee College of Music, and David Alexis a Berklee Professor and long-time instructor for the Berklee City Music Program. They will take you through their process of incorporating popular music, improvisation, arranging, and music technology into...

3. HR,HR Analytics, Human Resource Management, Black Friday Ed

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4.6
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HR Analytics ,HR Courses, human resource management, ,HR certification, HRM, hr payroll, people management, 2022...

4. Master Course in Human Resources 2.0

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4.3
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Strategic human resource management, strategic planning, recruiting, training, HR management,Labour welfare...

5. Transforming Business: Valuing social and human capital

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The aim of this course is to introduce business employees to social and human capital within the context of the Capitals Approach and human rights. It will provide guidance on how to get started in making positive impacts for people, planet, and society within the business decision-making context. This course is an introductory course; no prior knowledge is needed. It is of particular relevance to those working in the domains of strategy, risk, finance, procurement, accountancy, auditing, human...

6. HRCI Human Resource Associate

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Human Resource professionals have a significant impact on an organization’s success. They play a vital role in hiring the right people, developing employee policies, and creating a positive work culture. By pursuing a career in Human Resources, you can contribute to the overall achievement of an organization.\n\nThis program is uniquely designed to prepare aspiring Human Resource professionals. Through engaging videos, interactive activities, assessments, and peer-reviewed projects, you can...

7. Certification Course in Human Resource Management

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Curriculum commensurate to Top B School's Management Program : with downloadable resources, quiz, assessments & exercise...

8. Effective Human Resource Administration

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Effective Human Resource Administration...

9. Introduction to Learning and Development

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Become a confident people development practitioner and knowledgeable in Human Resource Development...

10. Prep to Pass the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)® Exam

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The Complete Preparation Course for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)® Exam 2022-2023...

11. Implementing Positive Behaviour Management in the Classroom

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Practical Strategies to Address Behaviour Issues in any Classroom...

12. Introduction to Human Resource Concepts

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Introduction to Human Resource Concepts...

13. The Human Resources Certification Program (HRCI - PHR/SPHR)

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4.2
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An Exam Preparation Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge...

14. Learn HR Fundamentals for a Career in Human Resources

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4.5
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Human Resource Management is key to developing any business or organization. Learn core HR roles and responsibilities...

15. Ultimate HR Generalist and Human Resource Management Course

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Hands-on HR Certification: All HRM topics. Master Employee Life Cycle, Payroll, Recruitment, Engagement, EXDesign and AI...

16. Human Resources For Beginners

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A guide to learning the fundamentals of human resource management...

17. Strategic Planning Basics for Human Resources

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Learn to collaborate with your organizational leaders on the development and implementation of a strategic plan...

18. Introduction to Human Resource Management

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HRM is an important function of any organization. It includes managing people in a structured and thorough manner...

19. Human Resources 101: Learning HR fundamentals today

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Learn the basics in Human Resources Management through HR involvement in different stages in the employee lifecycle...

20. Educational Psychology & Special Education (Certificate)

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4.4
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Informational content for educators and parents to learn about teaching and understanding exceptional children...

Top 10 most affordable universities for humanities teachers

The most affordable schools for humanities teachers are Hunter College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for humanities teachers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for humanities teachers.

1. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

5. Queens College of the City University of New York

Queens, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,338

Cost of attendance

14,281

6. Lehman College of the City University of New York

Bronx, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,210

Cost of attendance

14,359

7. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. City College of New York of the City University of New York, The

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,140

Cost of attendance

14,430

10. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for humanities teachers

The hardest universities for humanities teachers to get into are Harvard University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for humanities teachers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for humanities teachers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

6. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

7. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

8. University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN • Private

Admissions rate

18%

SAT average

1,502

9. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

10. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for humanities teachers

The easiest schools for humanities teachers to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, barry university, and san francisco state university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a humanities teacher without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for humanities teachers.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

4. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

5. College of New Rochelle, The

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

982

6. Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, TX • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,035

7. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,053

8. California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,007

9. The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,046

10. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana, PA • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

1,019

Average humanities teacher salary by education level

Humanities teachers with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $59,948 annually. With a Master's degree, humanities teachers earn a median annual income of $59,335 compared to $50,369 for humanities teachers with an Bachelor's degree.
Humanities teacher education levelHumanities teacher salary
Master's Degree$59,335
Bachelor's Degree$50,369
Doctorate Degree$59,948

Humanities teacher education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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