When Worlds Collide: Can Humanities Bring You into Technology?

A humanities degree can be amazingly flexible, providing degree holders with a chance at jobs as varied as advertising and the law. But can it really be so flexible that a humanities major can enter one of the coveted technology fields? History suggests that the liberal arts are integral to technology, and here are a few ways they fit together.

Art in Computers
Steve Jobs was apparently inspired in the design for the fonts on the Mac by a calligraphy class. At least, that is what he claimed in his 2005 commencement address to Stanford University. However accurate his memory is, it is definitely true that computer companies hire artists. Big computer companies hire whole crews of artists to design their games, automaton tools, and content. Almost every company nowadays would like to hire a technical artist, or someone with a Bachelor of fine arts, and 6 years of experience as an artist. Computer gaming companies hire character artists with similar qualifications. Yes, a student would need to know digital art processes, but fundamentally, they need artists.

English and Technology Design
It is something of a stereotype that scientists can't write. There are many counter-examples (Kathy Reichs, for instance), but most technology-driven companies do tend to hire writers specifically to create written content, and descriptions for their products. They need clearly written instructions for your average layperson, so their products can be used, as anyone who has struggled to understand instructions that came with a game or program can attest. Company executives have had that struggle, too, so they are very anxious to hire good writers to the team.

Psychology, Innovation, and Design
The human personality holds many mysteries, and people are always looking for ways to explore them in technology. Research companies desiring to develop technologies to help people with their behavioral disturbances are looking for people with Ph. D's in psychology, or an applied behavior analysis certification online to help both the research, and their clients.

People who have a masters in psychology have also gotten into the field of User Experience designer, making sure the consumer has a good experience with a product, and won’t want to throw the game console across the room. It is something that would call for a dual major, one in computing, and one in psychology. It is also something of a luxury for most companies, but it would be a definite plus if your interests lean this way.

Technology needs people from the Humanities field because ultimately, technology needs to fit the needs of people, and the Humanities are about understanding people, and how they fit with different things. For this reason, it is certain that a degree in a humanities field can get you a job in a technology field.