CSUNS’s MA in Humanities program is designed for curious, creative thinkers from any background who want to grow as problem-solvers and leaders in their workplaces and communities. An online program ideal for those from business and education to the arts, it’s a flexible degree path to deeper meaning, innovation, and lifelong learning.

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At a glance
  • Fall 2026 Application: Now Accepting Applications
  • Priority Deadline: March 17, 2026
  • Program mode: 100% online | Cohort format
  • Program duration: 2 years
  • Total units: 33 units
  • Financial Aid available
  • No GRE Required
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Create a career from critical thinking and collaboration

In today’s ever-evolving workplaces, employers seek professionals who can think broadly and adapt to new challenges. CSUN’s MA in Humanities program helps students build the intellectual flexibility and curiosity needed to navigate leadership roles and become lifelong learners.

You'll learn how to:

  • Think more logically
  • Communicate clearly and effectively
  • Analyze and synthesize problems, and
  • Respond appropriately to challenges of any kind.

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Why you'll love us.

  • NO TEMPLATES, EVER.

    At CSUN, we don't fill courses. We build them, entirely from scratch, each and every time we launch a program. This leads to a unique education, with real and lasting outcomes in your career.

  • EXPERT INSTRUCTION AND DESIGN.

    Our world-class faculty design and teach all courses, helping you gain today's most in-demand skills – and bringing the industry directly to you.

  • GROUP-POWERED LEARNING.

    When you enroll, we place you in a small, interactive group of peers from diverse organizations and industries. And from day one to graduation, you'll learn and grow together.

  • VIP SUPPORT.

    As you earn your education, we'll stay with you every step of the way, offering close, personal support when and where you need it.

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Overview

Through this 20-month, fully online program, you’ll discover how critical thinking, discussion and reflection on humankind’s “big ideas” can prepare you for a more holistic and fulfilling life in virtually any profession, societal role, or area of interest.

You’ll learn to identify the thought processes and values that not only underlie historical and cultural events but also influence decision-making and behaviors in a wide range of contemporary contexts, from personal and societal to global and commercial.

Through guided, analytical discussions, you – along with a cohort of your peers – will learn how to frame conversations and present ideas clearly, succinctly and persuasively.

When you finish, you’ll be attractive to today’s employers who increasingly value team members who know how to think creatively, understand different points of view, and synthesize information in ways that lead to solutions that are both innovative and highly effective.

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Career outlook

No matter what you do, this program can help you do it better. From day one, you’ll gain valuable insight into the human condition, teaching you how to best manage teams and interact with people from all walks of life.

Most importantly, you’ll develop the habits of mind to adapt and thrive in any professional environment. This knowledge is invaluable in today’s ever-changing workplace, where employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can think outside the box and bring fresh perspectives to their teams.

78% of employers believe that critical thinking and problem-solving ranks higher thatn their degree
60% of American CEOs are humanities graduates

Ready To Learn More?

Watch what our student say about this program.

“People who engage in a profound way with a broad range of disciplines, are preparing to engage the challenges of life.” — William D. Adams
Former Chair
National Endowment for the Humanities
“Many of the best jobs of tomorrow don't even exist today, so the successful colleges of the future will be those that graduate students who have the imagination to figure things out.” — Jeffrey Selingo
Author and former editor
The Chronicle of Higher Education
“The goal should be that everybody gets a change to read great books and participate in the richness that humanities bring us.”— Bill Gates
Founder, Former Chief Executive and Chairman
Microsoft
“Are there universal human values? How would we recognize them? How would we test their claim to universality? Why would we want to know?”— Sheena Malhotra, Ph.D.
Identity, Meaning and Culture (HUMA 600)
“Studying different cultures and norms; about the mind; about the soul; about the sacred; one actually changes.” — Michael Cieplik
Head Board Specialist
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors,
Alumni
Education serves democracy best when it prepares us for just the kinds of questions we face now: questions about the wider world, about our own values, and about difficult choices we must make as both human beings and citizens.— AAC&U Board of Directors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How many hours a week should I plan to dedicate to classes?

Answer: Credit-bearing programs conform to Carnegie hours (i.e., one credit equals one hour of class time, plus two hours of homework). This program has six to seven credits per term. Seven credits equal 21 hours a week dedicated to classes.

Question: What do I need to be successful in the program?

Answer: A student should have good communication and writing skills. Also, the student should be willing to participate and add to the course discussion.

Question: Who takes this program?

Answer: The age range of the M.A. of Humanities ranges widely, from 20s to 70s. Undergraduate majors vary as well, and we see many students have degrees in English, theater, journalism, communications, psychology and many others. Many of our students are interested in career advancement, including wanting to teach at a community college. Students are also often pursuing a Ph.D. in a related field.

Question: What can I do with this degree?

Answer: One can teach in a community college; work in marketing/sales or any profession requiring creative/critical skills; writing; as a pathway to a Ph.D.; and political settings.

Question: What distinguishes this program?

Answer: This graduate-degree program is for college graduates of any age, area of expertise, or stage in their careers who want to become innovative problem-solvers and leaders in their communities and workplaces. It is designed for those with wide-ranging interests (e.g., business, education, art and lifelong learning). It is an excellent choice for those who want to make their lives meaningful. The program is in a cohort format, with students moving through the program together.

Question: Are there live sessions in this online program?

Answer: Yes, there are weekly virtual sessions one night per week, per class, where students connect with the professor and one another.

Question: What is the culminating project?

Answer: The culminating project is a comprehensive exam consisting of answering two questions.

For additional questions and answers, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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