Sarah Mei Lyana, a student majoring in political studies at Vancouver Island University (VIU), is uncertain about her post-graduation plans. Despite enjoying her studies and gaining valuable skills like communication, she faces pressure to secure a good job in a competitive market for general undergraduate degrees. Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and the demand for stable, well-paying jobs have led to declining enrollment in arts and humanities programs.
Recently, York University halted admissions to 18 degree programs, mainly in humanities and language majors such as classics, religious studies, and Spanish. While arts and humanities enrollment has decreased by about 70,000 students per year between the early 1990s and the 2022-2023 school year, some believe that the issue lies in the delivery of these programs rather than the content itself.
Faculty members, like Lisa Young from the University of Calgary, emphasize the importance of making arts and humanities programs more practical for the job market. Despite the decline, skills acquired through these degrees, such as critical thinking, communication, and ethical application, remain valuable in addressing complex societal issues like political polarization and technological advancements.
Ira Wells, a literature professor at the University of Toronto, highlights the soft skills taught in humanities programs, including cultural awareness and collaboration, which are valued by business leaders. While STEM graduates may initially earn more, humanities degree holders catch up in the long run. To bridge the gap between academia and the job market, educators suggest incorporating internships, fellowships, and career preparation courses into arts and humanities curricula.
By emphasizing the real-world applications of classroom skills and providing practical experiences, universities can better prepare students for post-graduation success. Faculty members advocate for rethinking the teaching methods in arts and humanities programs to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate a rapidly changing job market.