Franklin College of Arts and Sciences began its story in 1801, when UGA was formed on the foundation of the classics, mathematics, and chemistry. Today, Franklin integrates the fine and performing arts, the humanities, and the sciences to shape the education of every student at UGA. Regardless of their majors, all students will find the humanities infused throughout their educational journeys.

The humanities are the academic disciplines that study the richness of the human experience, culture, and history, and include literature, philosophy, history, languages, and religion, among others. They examine how people interpret the world using critical and analytical methods; help us think critically; ask meaningful questions; increase creative capacity; and understand the world and ourselves more deeply.

Why Study the Humanities? 

Students learn to think creatively and analytically, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively—in writing and in conversation. They gain cultural awareness, skills in ethical reasoning and critical thinking, and the ability to understand multiple perspectives, making them well-prepared to address challenges in any field or career.

Why Complete a Study Away in the Humanities? 

Franklin’s Study Away programs offer students numerous opportunities to integrate their education with an experiential learning experience. Students can apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, allowing them to enrich their academic experiences and acquire useful career skills through cultural immersion.

Career and Professions for Humanities Majors 

Students across disciplines benefit from the humanities, including those pursuing careers in health and medicine, scientific research, technology, business, law, education, public service, media, arts and culture. By strengthening communication, critical thinking and human-centered problem solving, the humanities help graduates make meaningful contributions wherever their professional paths lead.

Additional Areas of Study

African Studies Institute
Center for Asian Studies 
Institute of Native American Studies 
Languages at UGA
Study Away
Write@UGA