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Humanities for Public Service Major

Public Relations

Prepare for careers in public service through our major that allows you to tailor your coursework. You will study approaches to serving communities across the world while questioning value, meaning, conflict, and change. Humanities courses will help you shape your understanding of people and experiences.

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ONLY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD

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DISCIPLINES COVERED BY OUR FACULTY

22
AVERAGE UPPER-LEVEL CLASS SIZE

36
TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS FOR THE MAJOR

Total Credit Hours: 120

Humanities for Public Service
(45 hours)

General Education (45 hours)

Free Electives (30 hours)

What You'll Study

Requirements for the humanities for public service major include: 

120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture, including Virginia Tech's Pathways

36 humanities for public service courses, including: 

  • Intro to Appalachian Studies
  • Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
  • Religion in the Modern World
  • The Creative Process
  • Race and Gender in Religion & Culture
  • Multicultural Communication
  • Theories of Popular Culture
  • Internship or Service-Learning 

Through these courses, you’ll learn the key concepts behind – and the practical aspects of – public service. In other words, the major explores the meaning of Ut Prosim as it relates to other human beings both locally and globally.

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What Is a Major in Humanities for Public Service?

The major puts the Virginia Tech motto Ut Prosim (“That I may serve”) into action. It reflects the many ways students and alumni pursue careers in service to communities and the world. The courses provide knowledge to approach the religious and cultural issues confronting modern society while also allowing the flexibility to work with faculty on specialized topics from environmental issues in Appalachia to the impact of artificial intelligence on humans. The major also includes an internship to give you experience that will benefit your future career.

Why Study Humanities for Public Service Here?

Virginia Tech is the only university in the world with a major in Humanities for Public Service. And that makes sense, with a student body and faculty dedicated to the motto Ut Prosim (“That I may serve”) and a commitment to its land-grant mission. The major combines the best of both worlds – rigorous academics and real-world experience through an internship or service-learning experience.

Beyond the Classroom

Theta Alpha Kappa, a national honor society, is housed within our department. This prestigious opportunity provides access to scholarships, publications, and networking.

 

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In a competitive job market, experience is valuable. Internships provide you with practical skills and real-world perspective regarding your chosen career field while giving you the opportunity to explore the possibilities for the future.

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Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to connect with a different culture, experience new ways of thinking, and explore new places, all while gaining unique understanding and perspectives. Check out programs by visiting the study abroad page below or by searching the Global Education Office's programs.

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What Our Students Are Saying

Careers and Further Study

What do I do with a humanities for public service major?

·       Tech/ Software Development
·       Nonprofit Management
·       Public Planning and Policy 
·       Law
·       Medicine
·       Sustainable development 
·       Diplomacy/ Foreign Service 
·       Education/ Teaching
·       Journalism
·       Military
·       Law/ Politics
·       Public Relations