- 04 Mar, 2024
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Why Study Arts & Humanities in USA? Exploring Opportunities
Arts & Humanities encompass a broad spectrum of subjects including music, visual arts, literature, religion, philosophy, and history. Studying these disciplines in the USA offers access to over 4,000 accredited institutions renowned for their programs.
World-class universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and UC Berkeley excel in offering robust curricula in these fields. The application process typically involves standardized tests (SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS), transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and occasionally portfolios or auditions for arts programs.
Costs for study in USA vary widely, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, with opportunities for scholarships like Fulbright and university-specific awards to alleviate expenses. Graduates of Arts & Humanities programs pursue diverse career paths in education, cultural management, writing, public relations, and academia, making studying Arts & Humanities in the USA a gateway to a globalized career landscape.
Why Choose the USA for Arts & Humanities Studies?
Before you dive deeper, you should look more into studying arts & humanities in the USA. The United States is a premier destination for arts and humanities studies due to several compelling reasons:
- Education Excellence: Renowned for its world-class education, the US boasts a flexible and technologically advanced education system.
- Diverse Programs: With a plethora of programs, including liberal arts, fine arts, and various Master’s degrees, students can choose from a rich array of academic options.
- Multicultural Environment: The US provides a multicultural environment, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural diversity within its student populations.
- Robust Support Systems: Recognising the importance of international students, the US offers excellent support services, ensuring optimized classroom experiences and facilitating a smooth transition for learners from different backgrounds.
- Global Reputation: Degrees obtained in the US carry an outstanding international reputation, adding significant value to the academic credentials of graduates.
- Abundant Opportunities: The US opens up numerous job opportunities in diverse fields such as psychology, political science, education, sociology, international relations, fine arts, history, and design.
- Rich Resources: Universities in the US have access to vast resources, enhancing the overall academic experience for students pursuing arts and humanities studies.
Specialisations for Arts & Humanities in USA
Now that we are starting specialisations and majors concerning Arts & Humanities in the USA, let’s take a look at the below.
- Anthropology
- Art
- Film
- Music
- History
- Linguistics
- Political Science
Universities for Arts & Humanities in USA
Now that you learnt the topmost courses in USA for international students for Arts & Humanities, you should also look at the world-class universities for the same. So, head over to the leading universities for Arts & Humanities in USA according to QS ranking.
| Universities Name | QS World University Rankings by Arts and Humanities 2023 |
| Harvard University | 1 |
| Stanford University | 4 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 5 |
| Yale University | 6 |
| Columbia University | 7 |
| New York University (NYU) | 7 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 9 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 12 |
| Princeton University | 13 |
| University of Chicago | 14 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 22 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 24 |
| Cornell University | 29 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 39 |
| Duke University | 44 |
Application Process for Arts & Humanities in USA
The application process for the universities in USA is entirely conducted online. All required documents must be submitted electronically via the online application form, as colleges and universities no longer accept paper documents over there.
Arts & humanities programs typically necessitate the following materials:
- 15-20 page writing sample (excluding some arts programs)
- Statement of purpose (excluding visual arts)
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts for all degrees
- Optional GRE test scores
- Application fee
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students
However, you must submit materials early, in PDF format, to meet deadlines. Late applications may be considered, but financial aid is limited.
Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
Pursuing study in USA universities can be pricey but offers world-class education. You can consider course fees from $7,000 to $55,000 along with accommodation, travel, and living costs. You should plan finances wisely and explore available financial aid, scholarships, and loans from Indian and American organizations.
| Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Average Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
| Undergraduate (UG) | $8,000 – $40,000 | INR 6,49,436 – INR 32,47,182 |
| Associate | $3,800 | INR 3,08,674 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | $10,000 – $60,000 | INR 8,11,796 – INR 48,70,773 |
| Doctoral | $28,000 – $55,000 | INR 22,73,027 – INR 44,67,435 |
| English Language Studies | $700 – $2,000 (monthly) | INR 56,805 – INR 1,62,274 |
| Engineering | $30,000 – $75,000 | INR 24,34,112 – INR 60,85,279 |
| MBA | $50,000 – $60,000 | INR 40,56,853 – INR 48,70,773 |
| Diploma | $500 – $20,000 | INR 40,569 – INR 16,22,741 |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in USA varies depending on location, housing options, and lifestyle. The average cost of an academic year ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, with higher costs in cities like New York and San Francisco. But there are some states such as Texas, Kansas, and Ohio offer affordable options. Let’s check the table below for information on the cost of living in the United States.
| Living Expenses | Average Yearly Cost (USD) |
| Apartment housing including utilities | $17,200 – $21,710 |
| Food | $6,500 |
| Dormitory housing | $7,588 – $11,914 |
| Transportation | $2,180 |
| Books and study materials | $500 – $1,000 |
| Travelling | $500 – $1,200 |
| Clothes and footwear | $500 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $6,700 |
Visa and Immigration
Obtaining a student visa is a critical step toward pursuing study in USA. After receiving an offer letter from a reputable US university, you can apply for a student visa and register with SEVIS. A US student visa costs range from $160 to $265, depending on the type required. The F1 student visa carries two fees:
- SEVIS fee: Prior to applying for a visa, you must pay $350 for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
- Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): The F1 visa, which international students commonly use, has an application fee of $160. There is an additional visa issuance fee, but Indian students are exempt from paying it once their visa is approved.
Scholarships for Arts & Humanities in USA
Now that you have complete information on how you study in USA and live over there, you should also look into the ways to save your money. So, take a look at the table below for detailed information on the scholarships for arts & humanities in USA.
| Scholarship Program | Eligibility | Benefits |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Graduate students, artists, young professionals | Cultural diplomacy, intercultural relations |
| Beinecke Scholarship Program | Graduates in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | $34,000 award (approx. 137 schools in the US) |
| Fitzduff Family Fellowship | International students in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program | Full tuition, health insurance, work on social/public policy issues |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Indian students studying abroad | Tuition fees, living expenses, up to $100,000 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships | Outstanding students from developing countries | Tuition fees, living expenses, travel, health insurance |
| AAUW International Fellowships | International students from every continent | Fully financed fellowship by The American Association of University Women |
Job Opportunities for Arts & Humanities in USA
Now that you also learnt about scholarships and financial aid, you also delve into job opportunities after graduation from the arts and humanities stream in USA. So, let’s have a look at the below table:
| Job Role | Description | Average Salary (per annum) |
| Animator | Create hand-drawn or digital images to produce the illusion of movement, work in 2D and 3D. | $40,745 |
| Art Teacher | Share knowledge about art and creativity, set up an art studio, inspire students’ creations. | $52,359 |
| Photographer | Monetize photography skills by working as a freelancer or part of a media team, well-paid photoshoots. | $44,475 |
| Illustrator | Create customized images and art forms for specific audiences, such as banners, book covers, or logos. | $27,871 |
| Editor | Proofread content for blog posts, websites, advertisements, and social media; high-paying job in demand for marketing and social media presence. | $57,942 |
| 3D Artist | Create 3D art pieces using drawing and designing software; requires thorough learning but attracts high-paying clients. | $64,851 |
| Technical Writer | Write about a specific niche, and provide precise information and facts, different from content or blog writing. | $61,924 |
| Graphic Designer | Create designs for logos, images, banners, brochures, and illustrations; requires computer software skills and artistic hand-drawing skills. | $54,599 |
| Film/Video Editor | Edit videos to create the right aesthetics, ensuring the footage reflects a good story; cut video lengths, and adjust colour schemes. | $48,935 |
| Production Artist | Assist art director with executing art pieces, ensuring created art is technically ready for publication. | $44,874 |
| Freelance Writer | Independent worker selling writing services; research and create content for advertisements, blogs, newspapers, social media, and websites. | $50,234 |
| User Interface Designer | Design user interfaces in software, looking after user interaction in websites, applications, and games. | $85,534 |
| Interior Designer | Create aesthetic outlooks for various properties, provide safe, functional, and beautiful interior spaces; use drawing and computer software for 3D sketches. | $62,839 |
Conclusion
To conclude, pursuing Arts & Humanities in the USA offers a rich academic experience with diverse specializations and world-class universities. The vibrant multicultural environment, abundant opportunities, and global reputation make the USA an ideal destination for students in this field.
With detailed insights into the application process, costs, scholarships, and lucrative job opportunities, the journey becomes more accessible. For personalized guidance and free counselling, reach out to Foreign Pathway at info@foreignpathway.com or call +91-9636999878.
FAQs
Q1. What is the application process for Arts & Humanities programs in the USA?
The application process is entirely online, requiring submission of documents such as a writing sample, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, optional GRE scores, application fee, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
Q2. Are late applications considered for Arts & Humanities programs?
While some programs may consider late applications if places are available, it’s recommended to submit materials early to meet deadlines. Late applicants may miss out on financial aid opportunities.
Q3. What types of specializations are available for Arts & Humanities in the USA?
Specializations include Anthropology, Art, Film, Music, History, Linguistics, and Political Science, among others.
Q4. Which universities are top-ranked for Arts & Humanities in the USA?
Top-ranked universities include Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Yale, Columbia, NYU, UCLA, MIT, Princeton, University of Chicago, and others.
Q5. How much does it cost to study Arts & Humanities in the USA?
The average annual tuition fees range from $8,000 to $60,000, depending on the level of study in USA like UG, PG, and Doctoral, with additional costs for living expenses.
Q6. What financial aid options are available for Arts & Humanities students?
Financial aid, scholarships, and loans are available from both Indian and American organizations. Specific scholarships include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Beinecke Scholarship, and AAUW International Fellowships.
Q7. What are the average living expenses for Arts & Humanities students in the USA?
Average yearly living expenses range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering housing, food, transportation, books, and miscellaneous expenses.
Q8. How much is the cost of a student visa for studying Arts & Humanities in the USA?
The cost of a US student visa ranges from $160 to $265, with additional fees for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
Q9. What are the job opportunities for Arts & Humanities graduates in the USA?
Graduates can pursue careers as animators, art teachers, photographers, editors, graphic designers, interior designers, and more, with average annual salaries ranging from $27,871 to $85,534.
Q10. How does studying Arts & Humanities in the USA contribute to my career?
Studying Arts & Humanities in the USA offers a diverse range of skills, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. Graduates gain a global perspective, opening doors to varied career opportunities in fields such as education, psychology, design, and social sciences. The USA’s renowned education system and multicultural environment enhance the overall career prospects, making it a valuable investment in personal and professional growth.