So, you have been admitted to Johns Hopkins University and now you face the infamous question: “You want to be a doctor, right?”

Wrong!

Gilman Hall: recently renovated home to the Humanities

While Johns Hopkins has an exceptional reputation for its medical institution and hospital, it is also home to some of the strongest Humanities programs in the country, many of which have received national recognition and high rankings for their excellence. There is much more than medicine and the often hidden Humanities programs can actually rival any natural science program in academic reputation and prowess. Just look at the vast array of choices a Humanities student has as an undergraduate:

There are also five unique minors offered including:

But there is much to the Humanities at Hopkins than just the number of majors and minors offered. At Hopkins, the Humanities courses are taught in small, seminar-style classes by professors that also instruct graduate level courses. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to connect with their professors on a face-to-face level by attending office hours or meeting with their instructors outside of class. Baltimore offers many unique internship opportunities with the multiple publishers, museums, television studios, and concert halls around the area.

Research in the Humanities

The Humanities Department at Johns Hopkins have hosted a wide range of speakers including actor/director James Franco, Lonnie Bunch (one of the Smithsonian museum directors), as well as acclaimed authors and philosophers. Don’t think research is just for those interested in pipetting DNA in a laboratory—at Hopkins, Humanities majors can conduct any type of research they want in any field they want — all you need is a faculty advisor to oversee your studies. In fact, there are several research awards offered to Humanities students to help fund their research and exploration of their field.

Humanities students at Hopkins have had unique experiences and have developed personal connections with their studies and soon-to-be careers. Check out what just a handful of Humanities students have to say about their experiences and accomplishments in their time at Hopkins.

Tess is a sophomore from Ridgewood, New Jersey, who plans to major in History.
“The History department at Hopkins is filled with amazing and talented professors. One professor I had last semester even received honors from the Spanish government for his work as a historian! That same professor also had my entire class over for dinner with his wife. To me, this highlights two great aspects of the History department professors—their prestige and talent, as well as their care and concern for the students they teach.”

JHU_Tess

JHU_Tess

Wafa is a senior who is from Alexandria, VA, and is studying History of Science, Medicine & Technology and Neuroscience.
“I came to Hopkins with no concept of what History of Science, Medicine & Technology was. It suffices to say that my opinion of this branch of history changed quickly: I fell in love with the specialization of the topics, the small close knit major, the ability to argue politics, history and psychoanalytic theory, going to the Cage to look at books published in the 1500s, and learning about things that influence our everyday world.”

JHU_Wafa

JHU_Wafa

Lucie is a sophomore from Scarsdale, New York, majoring in Writing Seminars and minoring in Film & Media Studies.
“I came to Hopkins planning on majoring in Neuroscience and going to medical school.  My first humanities course, however, changed everything.  Today, I’m a Writing Seminars major with a profound love for television and media.  I’ve interned at various media companies around the New York City area, and the Humanities department at Hopkins has allowed me to further my interest through courses in PR, media, writing, and cinema.  Thanks, Humanities Department!”

JHU_Lucie

JHU_Lucie

Joseph, a freshman from St. Louis, Missouri, is currently studying the History of Art, Programs in Museums & Society, and French Literature.
“Hopkins is the perfect place for anyone who’s interested in the Humanities to receive a focused and highly academically-driven education. As an art history student, having the renowned museums of Baltimore (and surrounding areas) at my fingertips has only allowed me to further my studies, while the unique Program in Museums & Society, a discipline usually explored at the graduate level, has exposed to contemporary museum ideologies. Being a Humanities major at Hopkins sets you apart, but it also brings you close to a community of your peers pursuing similar fields and with similar interests.”

JHU_Joseph

JHU_Joseph

Ruthie is a freshman from Mechanicsville, Virginia studying English, Sociology, and Spanish.
“Even though Hopkins is known for its stellar math and science programs, the humanities programs are equally as high ranked and prestigious. I love that my class are small (generally around 10-20 students), and taught by actual professors because it allows you to learn the material in a personalized setting. My English professor from last semester is actually my internship mentor this semester, which really goes to show how dedicated and open the humanities faculty is here at Hopkins!”

JHU_Ruthie

JHU_Ruthie

As you can tell, the Humanities program at Hopkins are home to motivated students interested in a wide range of fields and departments. These students are given unique opportunities to further their education and love for learning through various personalized programs tailored to meet their desires. The possibilities are endless and receiving a Humanities degree from Johns Hopkins University demonstrates a well-rounded individual eager to learn, discover, and grow.

Now that we have intrigued you but exploring the opportunities to study engineering and the humanities at Hopkins, let’s add to the Why Hopkins mystique tomorrow with an exploration of our “picture-perfect” Homewood campus.