Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing
The future of healthcare needs more than science alone. Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing integrates the arts, humanities, and health sciences to prepare students for the future of healthcare and related professions. In response to growing demands for compassionate, human-centered care, this innovative major equips students with highly sought-after skills including, empathy, ethical judgment, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. Career opportunities are expanding rapidly across healthcare and health-related fields, with strong job outlooks and competitive salaries.
Housed in the College of Arts & Letters, the program is developed in collaboration with MSU health partners and Henry Ford Health.
Students intending to pursue medical, veterinary, nursing, or graduate programs receive dedicated advising and course planning to complete admission requirements, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics.
Why study Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing at MSU?
The Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing major combines arts and humanities coursework, health education, experiential learning, and community engagement. The major offers two concentrations: Engaged Arts and Wellbeing and Critical Health Humanities.
Students can choose one of two pathways. One is for students interested in becoming physicians, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, and other clinical professionals. The other pathway is for students interested in broader, non-clinical healthcare settings, such as Arts in Health Coordinator, Healthcare Simulation Manager, Community Health Outreach Coordinator, Health Services Manager, Clinical Documentation Specialist, Bioethics Consultant.
This major is ideal for students who:
- Want rigorous preparation for professional schools while maintaining a strong liberal arts education.
- Are interested in healthcare but also passionate about arts and humanities.
- Want to improve healthcare systems and patient experiences.
- Value empathy, ethical reflection, and cultural understanding.
- Are interested in careers that combine science, care, and human connection.
What will you learn in the Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing program?
- Creative and critical thinking through storytelling, observation, and reflection.
- Deep listening and empathy skills.
- Cultural understanding and the ability to work across differences.
- Ethical reasoning and contextual decision-making skills.
- Adaptability and confidence navigating complex health situations.
What types of careers are available?
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Arts & Humanities Health and Wellbeing are well prepared for a wide range of careers that combine healthcare knowledge with leadership, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness. Employers increasingly seek professionals who can integrate technical expertise with human-centered skills, positioning health humanities graduates for diverse, in-demand roles across healthcare and related fields.