School for the Humanities and Global Cultures

Explore stories, ideas and words. Grapple with ethical questions. Find meaning in all aspects of life. Navigate the nuances of history and language. Travel abroad. Become a critical thinker and an exceptional writer. Ohio Northern University’s School for the Humanities and Global Cultures offers rigorous academics in the liberal arts tradition, hands-on experiences and a world of possibility.

I’ve experienced self discovery. My future goals and dreams are going to become reality thanks to the guidance of my professors."

Madison Carpenter, political science and philosophy major

Choose your Field of Study

The School for the Humanities and Global Cultures in the Getty College of Arts & Sciences offers several majors.

student creates a written piece in class.

Deep dive into knowledge

We teach you to question the present and learn from the past by closely examining historical, linguistic, philosophical and religious traditions. You’ll be expected to dive deep into print and digital texts, grappling with the issues you encounter in histories, films, newspapers, novels, philosophical ideas and scriptures. In addition, you’ll learn to think critically and creatively, to read with insight and to write with purpose.

Do more. The opportunities are waiting for you.

The only way to prepare for the reality of your future career is to experience it. That’s why we provide high-impact learning through internships, service learning, community programs, study abroad, competitions, research and more. Through these real-world experiences, you’ll encounter diverse peoples, cultures and ideas, and you’ll put the theories you learn in class into practice while building an outstanding résumé.

professor works with students in a computer lab during a creative writing exercise.

students working outside during a field study experience.

student working on the Polaris magazine.

Students in the School for the Humanities and Global Cultures can study abroad for a semester or for the summer and still graduate on time.
If law school is your ultimate goal, our 3+3 program enables you to complete your bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate degree in just six years instead of seven. You not only save on tuition costs, but you also enter the workforce earlier. These majors in the School for the Humanities and Global Cultures can participate in this program: history; literature; religion; and philosophy. Learn more
Collaborate with your professors on research projects and creative endeavors. You could also co-author a paper or present your findings at a professional conference. Most students don’t have these types of research opportunities until graduate school.

We even help with funding for students to travel to and attend professional conferences.
Grapple with the ethical issues of the day by joining the Philosophy and Ethics Club and participating in the Ethics Bowl. Learn about publishing through a paid position with Polaris, ONU’s highly regarded literary magazine. Join our award-winning Mock Trial team. Study and work at the center of power – Washington, D.C. – through our collaboration with the Washington Center. These are just a few of our incredible outside-the-classroom experiences!
We offer on-campus and off-campus opportunities to expand your knowledge. Through our Reading Series, for example, you can interact on campus with professional guest writers in a variety of genres, including poetry, fiction, science fiction, screenwriting and more. In addition, many classes incorporate trips to places like the Metzger Nature Center, the Ohio Renaissance Fair, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the Blackfriars Playhouse (Virginia), the Stratford Shakespeare Festival (Ontario) and others.
ICAPP gives ONU students and faculty a voice in the national conversation. Non-partisan and education-based, it promotes good citizenship through education and information. ICAPP is concerned with any issue impacting citizens in the Midwest. Through activities like opinion polling, public policy papers and more, ICAPP promotes civic literacy and an informed understanding of public policy. Learn more.

Follow Your Passion

The world needs people who can make connections and share deep insights and knowledge. Our graduates are accomplishing amazing things, and so will you.

The senior director of philanthropy for the Humane Society of Sarasota County in Sarasota, Fla., Autumn raises lifesaving funds to support the care of more than 1,800 cats and dogs each year.

“I love connecting donors to programs they’re passionate about, crafting stories that show the impact of our work, and knowing we are changing both animals’ and peoples’ lives in our community.”
Autumn runs the award-winning travel blog “A Dangerous Business” and travels the globe sharing her experiences with a worldwide audience.

“I love that I’ve found a way to meld my two favorite things [travel and writing] in a way that can help and inspire other people to see the world.”
An interpretive and education ranger at Yellowstone National Park, Margo provides programming for public and school groups and roves the park interacting with guests.

“I love connecting people from around the world with the natural world, and I especially love being able to see incredible wildlife, thermal features and mountainous views along the way!”
Rikki is the youth services director at Shelby County Libraries in Sidney, Ohio, overseeing a department that provides services for children and young adults at six library locations.

“I love that I get to be in the library every day and call it work, sharing my love for books and reading and making connections with children, parents and community partners.”
Adam is the assistant principal at Lima Senior High School where he taught social studies before moving into administration. He is also an adjunct professor at Ohio Northern.

“I love that every day is new and interesting. I get to help people (teachers and students) get better. I’m happy to go to work in the mornings and almost always go home feeling good about what I did that day.”
Anna is a senior pastor at Linworth United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio, and is finishing her doctor of ministry degree, both researching and living the realities facing women in vocational ministry.

“I love participating in communities in which every person is welcomed and valued for who they are.”
Alice is a doctoral student at Virginia Tech in the Science, Technology and Society department, where she is exploring the sociotechnical ecology of harm and violence against persons, technologies and environments.

“I enjoy becoming – with technology, nature and others – to challenge the fortunes of the future.”
Maria is working as an English language assistant in Madrid, Spain, assisting students with their conversational, grammar and reading skills, and teaching them about the cultures of the United States and Puerto Rico.

“I enjoy exposing my students to diversity and teaching them that language doesn’t have boundaries and that it’s always a fun experience to learn something new.”