Humanities & Social Sciences Programs FAQ

Tulane SoPA offers three degrees in the humanities and social sciences: the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA), the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, and the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. These programs explore culture and society through an interdisciplinary lens and build a strong foundation in liberal arts education.

Graduates pursue careers in education, nonprofit leadership, public relations, human resources, social work, consulting, journalism, and more. The broad skill set developed through our Humanities and Social Science program, including communication, writing skills, and problem-solving, translates well across sectors.

Yes, all humanities and social sciences degrees are available through fully online or hybrid formats. Students can choose online courses or combine them with on-campus learning to fit their schedules.

A humanities major focuses on literature, language, philosophy, religion, and the arts, while a social science major studies human behavior through disciplines like sociology, anthropology, political science, and economics. Both degrees emphasize critical thinking, cultural understanding, and analytical skills.

Yes, students may pursue research projects or internships as part of their undergraduate or graduate studies. Many courses in the Social Sciences and Humanities programs include project-based learning, while the MLA program offers a capstone or thesis option to showcase independent work.

Bachelor’s degree students gain essential skills for advanced study, including academic writing, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary thinking. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue master's or doctoral degrees in fields like law, education, social work, public policy, or the arts and humanities.

The MLA program is a customizable, interdisciplinary graduate degree. It includes courses in literature, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, and more, giving students broad exposure to culture and society while building advanced reasoning, writing, and communication skills.

Most students complete the MLA program in 18 to 24 months. It consists of ten graduate courses (30 credit hours), including two core classes and a final capstone project, portfolio, or thesis.

Yes, students work with the MLA director to build a personalized plan of study. You can tailor your degree in liberal arts around specific interests such as art history, political theory, ethics, or cultural studies.

The MLA program helps you sharpen your critical thinking, writing skills, oral communication, research methods, and interdisciplinary analysis. These abilities are highly valued across liberal arts fields and are applicable to a wide range of careers.

Yes, the MLA program concludes with either a capstone project, a capstone portfolio, or a master’s thesis. Students work with the MLA director to choose the format that best supports their academic goals and career interests.

The BA in Humanities focuses on literature, religion, visual and performing arts, language, and philosophy. The BA in Social Sciences centers on social science disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, geography, and political science. Both degrees emphasize liberal arts education and the study of culture and society.

Yes, both bachelor’s degree programs are available part-time and online. Students can take online courses at their own pace, making the programs accessible for working adults or those balancing other responsibilities.

Admission to Tulane SoPA’s bachelor’s programs requires a high school diploma or GED. No test scores or recommendation letters are required, and students may transfer up to 60 credits toward their degree.

Coursework spans a range of liberal arts disciplines, including language, history, music, philosophy, religious studies, urban studies, and the social sciences. Students develop critical writing skills, cultural literacy, and a strong foundation in problem-solving.

Yes, both the Humanities and Social Science programs allow you to shape your degree with elective courses. You can build a personalized pathway based on interests like political science, communication, art history, or public service.

You can explore student spotlights, testimonials, and faculty interviews on the Tulane SoPA website. These stories highlight real experiences in the MLA program and undergraduate degrees.

Yes, testimonials from past MLA students and bachelor’s graduates are featured on our program pages. Alumni often share how the flexible learning environment and expert mentorship helped them advance academically and professionally.

Yes, prospective students can connect with alumni through virtual events, faculty introductions, or student services. Many graduates are open to sharing their experiences and offering advice.

Students have completed capstone seminars, independent research, digital storytelling projects, and cross-disciplinary portfolios. These showcase advanced writing, analysis, and real-world application of humanities and social science concepts.

Yes, students may be invited to present their work in online showcases, campus events, or academic forums. The MLA program and capstone courses often include opportunities to share research or creative projects.