Jobs and Careers

The Department of Social and Critical Inquiry provides students with the education they need to achieve their professional goals and make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.

Through interdisciplinary coursework, students develop strong communication skills, the ability to collaborate with diverse communities, and the capacity to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. They also gain practical experience through their classes, internships, and community engagement activities.

Alumni of our programs are critical thinkers with versatile skills that employers value. Many of them continue their education at some of the top graduate and professional programs in the country.

What's the Value of a Humanities Degree?

What Can I Do with My Major?

Below are examples of jobs and career paths you can pursue with a major in American Studies or Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. This is not a comprehensive list, so be sure to check with your major advisor or schedule a meeting with a career consultant to explore more options.

Business

Apply your knowledge and skills to shape inclusive business practices and foster diverse, equitable workplace environments.

  • Content Writer
  • Instructional Designer
  • Internal Communications Manager
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Operations Manager

Communications and Public Relations

Convey important and complex concepts to the public and shape perceptions between organizations and their stakeholders.

  • Editor
  • Freelance Digital Producer
  • Media Specialist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Social Media Manager

Counseling, Therapy, Psychological Services

Provide personal, one-on-one mental health care informed by an understanding of intersecting identities and oppressions.

  • Child psychologist
  • Family Therapist
  • School Counselor
  • Sex Therapist
  • Trauma Counselor
  • Rehabilitation Counselor

Education, Libraries, and Archives

Educate the next generation of students and generate new knowledge in your chosen field of study.

  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Historical Archivist
  • Librarian
  • Professor
  • Researcher
  • School Teacher

Government, Policy Making and Politics

See your academic pursuits pay off by creating and promoting policies that can achieve real world change.

  • City Manager
  • Government Relations Officer
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Legislative Aide
  • Lobbyist
  • Policy Researcher
  • Representative/Elected Official
  • Voter Outreach Specialist
  • Union Organizer

Health Care

Use your skill connecting to people from diverse backgrounds and identities to provide essential care, health care education, and healing.

  • Home Health Aide
  • Medical Office Manager
  • Health Researcher
  • Nurse
  • Patient Advocate
  • Physician
  • Physical Therapist

Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Create safe and equitable workplaces and communities for people of all identities and backgrounds.

  • Benefits Administrator
  • DEI Officer
  • DEI Manager
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Training Coordinator

Law and Law Enforcement

Follow your passion for justice and equity by providing legal counsel and support to the underrepresented.

  • Criminal Justice System Reform Specialist
  • Domestic and Sexual Abuse Prosecutor
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Family Lawyer
  • Immigration Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Police Officer

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Nonprofit Organizations

Play a key role in realizing change for the causes that inspire you.

  • Community Organizer
  • Fundraising Specialist
  • Peace Corps Educator
  • Program Field Manager
  • Research Associate
  • Volunteer Coordinator

Social Work and Advocacy

Facilitate change in your community by providing support, care, and educational resources.

  • Child Welfare Worker
  • Housing Advocate
  • Mental Health Advocate
  • Sexual and Domestic Violence Hotline Worker
  • Sexual Assault and Trauma Center Worker

Plan Your Career

UConn Career Center

UConn's Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills partners with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to prepare students for success in today’s workforce. The Center offers:

  • One-on-one coaching sessions for help with career exploration, résumés, interviewing, jobs and internships, graduate school applications, and more.
  • Online tools to help you connect with alumni and discover companies and organizations looking to recruit UConn students.
  • In-person and virtual events that help students explore their career options and prepare for professional success.

 
Career Resources for CLAS Students

External Career Resources

Many professional organizations provide career resources and job boards tailored to their fields. Below are just some examples: