The rise of AI has led to a resurgence in interest for liberal arts degrees like English. As technology advances, humanities majors are being recognized for their skills in communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Universities are adapting by incorporating courses that combine humanistic subjects with data science and AI.
Students who pursue English majors are not only developing strong writing and analytical skills but also learning to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world. With many students returning to liberal arts degrees after years of decline, universities like University of Colorado Boulder, Rice University, and Southwest Minnesota State University are seeing a boost in enrollment.
Experts argue that as technology advances, human skills such as empathy, self-reflection, and creativity will become increasingly valuable. Companies are now looking for candidates with strong communication skills, not just technical expertise.
However, early-career humanities graduates still face challenges in the job market due to automation and AI-driven changes. The unemployment rate for humanities majors is higher than that of other fields, but it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
As AI continues to evolve, the value of English majors’ skills becomes more apparent. They are not just writing essays or articles; they develop a deeper understanding of human experiences, emotions, and perspectives, which can help companies differentiate themselves in the market.
Experts predict that as larger enterprises begin to incorporate AI-driven development tools into their processes, the demand for humanities graduates will expand. With creative thinking and knowledge becoming essential skills, English majors are poised to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-job-market-english-majors-humanities-demand-2026-2