Arts and Humanities

Division of Arts and Humanities

What are the arts and humanities?

The arts and humanities explore how people create, express and interpret meaning. They invite us to study history, literature, philosophy, languages, art, cinema, performance and culture—asking not only where we have come from, but also how imagination and interpretation shape the present and future. At CU Boulder, the Division of Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences is a home for storytellers, makers, critics and thinkers who push us to see the world from new angles and to understand how individuals and communities create impact.

Students in the arts and humanities explore the skills they need to step into influential roles, learning to question, communicate and create with depth and originality. They also learn the power of ANDing—combining artistic practice or humanistic study with fields like mathematics, science or social inquiry. By weaving together disciplines, students build a degree that adapts as the world changes, one that opens doors to new careers and uncovers fresh ways of addressing our most complex challenges.

Research & Creative Work

Research and creative work in the arts and humanities interprets, imagines and gives shape to the world around us. The arts and humanities ask questions of meaning, perspective and expression through storytelling, critical analysis and original creation. At CU Boulder, this work takes many forms: a novel that reimagines, a performance that challenges, an archival study that reframes history or a philosophical inquiry. What unites them is the pursuit of conscientious impact, helping us see complexity, cultivate empathy and create possibilities for the future.

Learn more about research and creative work in A&SÌýÌýÌý

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We’re still tasting the spice of 1960s sci-fi

With this month markingÌýDune’s 60th anniversary, CU Boulder’s Benjamin Robertson discusses the book’s popular appeal while highlighting the dramatic changes science fiction experienced following its publication.

Read the story

In the arts and humanities ...

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22

American Council of Learned Societies Fellows

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14

Guggenheim Fellows

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32

National Endowment for Humanities Fellows

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18

Fulbright Scholars

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1

Pulitzer winner

Highlighted Initiatives

Navigate the future with creativity and insight

In a world that’s always changing, arts and humanities majors offer more than just an education—they offer a way forward. Our programs equip students with critical thinking, empathy and creative fluency. Whether you’re examining a 19th-century novel, staging a performance or analyzing cultural narratives, you learn to ask questions that matter and to connect ideas across time, place and discipline.

But adaptability matters too. At CU Boulder, students are encouraged to future-proof their degrees through ANDing by blending artistic or humanistic study with other fields. This interdisciplinary mindset prepares you to thrive in careers that evolve as rapidly as the world itself and build resilience, relevance and flexibility.

Example careers in the arts and humanities

  • Film/Video/Podcast Producer
  • UX Designer
  • Attorney
  • Educator or Education Design Specialist
  • Nonprofit Leader
  • Corporate Strategist or Business Analyst
  • Organizational Ethicist
  • Creative Entrepreneur
  • Studio Artist
  • Product Designer
  • Arts or Museum Professional
  • Communications or Branding Specialist
  • Community Arts Director
  • Librarian
  • Marketing Manager
  • Public Service or Government Professional
  • Writer
  • International Business Manager

Start your professional development today!

Find out more

We are Art Buffs.

Discover new ways of thinking, creating and connecting as you explore the arts and humanities—then synergize your understanding with fields like the physical sciences, mathematics and the social sciences.

Our team

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John-Michael Rivera

Dean of Division, Arts and Humanities

Greg Storch

Senior Strategic Advisor and Director of Divisional Programming, Arts and Humanities
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RebeccaÌýDavis

Executive Assistant to the Dean of Arts and Humanities

Hannah Wood

Divisional Programming Manager

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Faculty and staff policies specific to the Division of Arts and Humanities are coming soon!

For current college-wide policies, visit the A&S Faculty & Staff website.

Continue to discover the divisions of Arts and Sciences.