No matter your career interests, the humanities and arts at Rice University offer something for everyone. Students of all academic backgrounds are drawn to study with our inspiring, prize-winning faculty in small, dynamic classes that move in and outside of campus, allowing you to engage with the city and communities of Houston and the world beyond.

“The rapidly changing nature of work, especially with increasing use of artificial intelligence, demands adaptability, creativity and the ability to think critically,” according to Phillip Brian Harper, a program officer at the Mellon Foundation. “These are precisely the qualities and skills the humanities instill in students, which will serve them well not just in their first job out of college, but for the rest of their professional and personal lives.”

In the School of Humanities and Arts, our innovative curriculum and rich resources support meaningful research, creative expression and immersive global experiences. Whether you’re learning a new language, exploring different cultures, interpreting and comparing evidence, or critiquing and debating the crucial issues facing us today, you’ll develop durable skills to think critically, communicate effectively and lead thoughtfully.

Did you know that the top four skills employers look for when evaluating candidates — communication, critical thinking, professionalism and teamwork — are developed and honed in the humanities and arts at Rice? But don't just take our word for it.

Hear alumni describe the impact that studying the humanities and arts at Rice has had on their careers.