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College of Arts and Humanities

Congratulations ARHU Graduates

A celebratory recap of Commencement 2025.

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Art History and Archaeology

A Future in Conservation

At UMD, graduating senior Lylah Messinger restored a 2,500-year-old Etruscan vase. Now she’s headed to graduate school in London.

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Communication

From Fan to Force in Sports Media

Graduating senior Connor Perkins leverages creativity, drive and a love of sports to carve his path in digital content creation.

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Faculty & Staff Alumni

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Undergraduate Programs
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Undergraduate Programs
With a combined total of more than 60 majors, minors and certificates, we encourage you to explore and discover your passion!

Find out more:

Undergraduate Minors

Certificates

Undergraduate Catalog

Dean's Undergraduate Student Advisory Board

ARHU Ambassadors
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

French Language and Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Italian Studies (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Graduate Programs
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Graduate Programs
The college provides boundless opportunities for scholarly exploration and practical experience across nearly 40 graduate programs.

Find out more:

Graduate Catalog

Graduate Directors

Dean's Graduate Student Advisory Board
American Studies (M.A.)

American Studies (Ph.D.)

Art (Studio Art) (M.F.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (M.A.)

Art History and Archaeology (Ph.D.)

Classics (M.A.)

Communication (M.A.)

Communication (Ph.D.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (M.F.A.)

Design (M.F.A.)

Dual-Degree M.A. Historic Preservation and American Studies

English (M.A.)

English (Ph.D.)

French Language & Literature (M.A.)

French Language & Literature (Ph.D.)

German Studies (M.A.)

German Studies (Ph.D)

History (M.A.)

History (Ph.D.)

Jewish Studies (M.A.)

Linguistics (Ph.D.)

Music (D.M.A.)

Music (M.A.)

Music (M.M.)

Music (Ph.D.)

Philosophy (M.A.)

Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Second Language Acquisition (Ph.D.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literature & Cultures (Ph.D.)

Theatre and Performance Studies (M.A.)

Theatre and Performance Studies (Ph.D.)

Women's Studies (Ph.D.)
Certificates
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Certificates
The college offers several certificate programs so students can pursue a specialization while obtaining their degree.

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Certificate Contacts
Critical Theory

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

East Asian Studies

Jewish Studies

Latin American and Caribbean Studies

LGBTQ Studies

Museum Scholarship & Material Culture

Second Language Acquisition

Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

a career in...

Education
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Education
Our students bring leadership, public speaking, communication and cultural competency skills to many fields, including public and private K-12 schools, education-focused non-profit organizations, government agencies and within higher education. Seek out internships, student teaching and volunteer opportunities with children to further develop and document your skills. Teaching certification to teach in K-12 public schools can be obtained through a double major in the College of Education.
Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

French Language and Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Studies (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Arts/Design
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Arts/Design
Our students bring creativity and an eye for design to many industries, including design firms, non-profit organizations, educational and government institutions. Coursework in studio art, communication, illustration, graphic design and digital media can prepare you well. Building a portfolio of your work is critical for success. Seek out internships and volunteer opportunities on and off campus to further develop and document your skills.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Communication/PR
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Communication/PR
Our students bring strong written and oral communication skills to many fields, including PR firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, media organizations and more. Coursework in communication theories, digital media and graphic design can prepare you well to enter these growing industries. Building a strong resume is critical for success. Seek out internships on and off campus to further develop and document your skills.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)
Consulting
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Consulting
Our students bring strong problem solving, teamwork and analytical thinking skills to many fields, including management consulting firms as well as niche/boutique firms that may specialize in healthcare, human resources, education, IT and more. Building a strong resume is critical for success. Seek out internships to further develop and document your skills. Hiring for consulting internships and jobs typically happens predominately in the fall semester.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Our students bring creativity, writing, editing, digital media and communication skills to this broad field, which includes opportunities in film, print, radio and television. Build your resume with multiple internship experiences. A digital portfolio and/or video reel may be necessary for certain positions.
American Studies (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Environment
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Environment
Our students bring writing, communication and research skills to many fields, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and through sustainability programs in the private sector. Build your resume with multiple internship and volunteer experiences on and off campus. Additional coursework or a double major in environmental science or policy could strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Financial
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Financial
Our students bring research, communication and teamwork skills to many fields, including banks, insurance companies, government agencies and more. Build your resume with multiple internships. Additional coursework, a minor or double major in business or economics could strengthen your background.
History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)
Government
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Government
Our students bring strategic planning, teamwork, communication and problem solving skills to this broad field, which includes opportunities at the local, state and federal levels. Additional coursework in government or a future graduate degree in public administration or public policy could strengthen your background. Build your resume with multiple internships.
Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

French Language and Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Studies (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Healthcare
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Healthcare
Our students bring communication, problem solving, critical thinking skills and a humanist perspective to this broad field, which includes opportunities to work directly with patients or in management/administrative positions. Additional coursework or a future graduate degree in a health-related field could strengthen your background. Build your resume with multiple internships and volunteer opportunities, particularly if seeking future patient-centered positions.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

Immersive Media Design (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Hospitality
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Hospitality
Our students bring problem solving, organizational and communication skills to many fields, including hotels, restaurants, sports teams, entertainment venues and more. Build your resume with multiple internships on and off campus. Additional coursework related to event planning or business could strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Theatre (B.A.)
Human Resources
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Human Resources
Our students bring interpersonal communication, negotiation, problem solving and conflict resolution skills to this complex field, which can encompass recruiting, learning and development, training, compensation and more. Build your resume with multiple internships. Additional coursework to business or a future certificate or graduate degree in human resources can strengthen your background.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Law
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Law
Our students bring strong writing, research and analytical skills to many fields, including law firms, private companies and with government agencies. Maintain a strong GPA if headed to law school and seek out the services of the pre-law advising office on campus. Some students choose to work as paralegals after graduation, a position that requires a bachelor’s degree.
American Studies (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Libraries/Museums
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Libraries/Museums
Our students bring research, customer service, organizational and communication skills to these fields, which offer positions ranging from curator to archivist and librarian, among others. Most positions with a library and many in a museum will require a graduate degree. Strengthen your resume through internships and volunteer work in a museum or library setting.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Management
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Management
Our students bring leadership, strategic planning and communication skills to this field. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in business can strengthen your background. Some graduates will go on to pursue an MBA after graduation. Add to your resume with multiple internships. Management training programs with companies can be a nice pipeline into the field. Recruiting for internships and full-time positions often happens predominately in the fall semester.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Marketing/Sales
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Marketing/Sales
Our students bring creativity, teamwork, communication and digital media skills to these broad fields, which can encompass market research, advertising, brand management, public relations, sales and more. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in business or communication can strengthen your background. Add to your resume with multiple internships.
American Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)
Media
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Media
Our students bring communication, digital media, writing and editing skills to many fields, including media companies of all sizes, as well as in media relations positions with government agencies, sports teams, healthcare organizations, schools and more. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in communication can strengthen your background. Add to your resume with multiple internships.
American Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Digital Studies in the Arts and Humanities (DSAH)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)
Non-Profit
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Non-Profit
Our students bring compassion, communication, creativity, writing and language skills to non-profit organizations of all sizes and missions. Enhance your resume through internships and volunteer work on and off campus, especially with the populations you hope to one day serve. Specific skills in grant writing and fundraising may make you even more competitive.
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Art (Studio Art) (B.A.)

Art History (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Cinema and Media Studies (B.A.)

Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

Dance (B.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

French Language and Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Studies (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Music (B.A.)

Music (B.M.)

Music Education (B.M.E.)

Persian Studies (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Public Policy
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Public Policy
Our students bring writing, public speaking, research, analytical thinking and language skills to this field, which can encompass education, environmental, health, international development and non-profit policy, among others. Enhance your resume through multiple internships. A future graduate degree in public policy may make you the most competitive. Some professionals also seek law degrees.
American Studies (B.A.)

Arabic Studies (B.A.)

Chinese (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

French Language and Literature (B.A.)

German Studies (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Italian Studies (B.A.)

Japanese (B.A.)

Jewish Studies (B.A.)

Linguistics (B.A.)

Religions of the Ancient Middle East (B.A.)

Romance Languages (B.A.)

Russian Language and Literature (B.A.)

Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (M.A.)

Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Research
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Research
Our students bring writing, research, teamwork and curiosity to many fields, including think tanks, local, state and federal government agencies and within higher education. Enhance your resume through internships and research with faculty members. Additional coursework involving quantitative data analysis may be helpful for some positions. A future graduate degree in your field of interest may make you the most competitive.
Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (B.A.)
Sciences
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Sciences
Our students bring writing, research and communication skills to many fields, including government agencies, contractors, media and more . There is a need in the sciences for professionals who can clearly and concisely explain scientific terms and processes. Enhance your resume through internships. Additional coursework, a minor or a double major in the sciences and/or technical writing may be helpful for some positions.
Classical Languages and Literatures (B.A.)

Communication (B.A.)

Comparative Literature (Ph.D.)

Creative Writing (M.F.A.)

English Language and Literature (B.A.)

History (B.A.)

Philosophy (B.A.)
Unsure/Other

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Unsure/Other
Technology

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Technology

Whatever your interests and aspirations, ARHU is committed to providing the knowledge, skills and opportunities all our students need to write their own stories and chart their own paths.

Learn more about our curricular-career initiative.

"In ARHU, you’re learning about how people interact with the world and each other. My goal is to build things that people are going to use. Just technology knowledge can only go so far. You have to understand how people are going to use them to be truly successful."

Ozzie Fallick '14, Software Engineer, Google

Linguistics

"Cross-cultural communication is one of the most important skills that I learned at ARHU, and I use it to engage and inform the community in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean about our events, exchanges and any other information that supports our key policy priorities in the region. ARHU gave me the tools to understand why in diplomacy, it’s as much about what you say as how you say it."

Krystle Norman '08, Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Spanish and Portuguese

"I had always loved art, but I never knew you could make a career out of it until I studied abroad in Rome. There, I took a full course load of art courses and learned all about the factors of being an art professional. It was life-changing. Now I feel lucky that I’m doing something that I’m so passionate about."

Laura Sheridan Raiffe '09, Regional Account Manager, Christie's Fine Arts

Art History and Archaeology

"One of the most important things I got out of my ARHU experience is my ability to parse arguments, think critically and see multiple sides of an issue. Being in law school, it’s important to do that—it’s a skill I use every day. Not a class goes by, not a case gets read that this skill doesn’t come into play."

AJ Clayborne '13, Student, Harvard Law School

English

GRAND CHALLENGES

DEMAND FEARLESS IDEAS

The research and creative works of our faculty, students and alumni are setting the agenda for transformative dialogue about the value of the arts and the humanities in the world today.

College of Arts and Humanities, School of Music

A New Spin on an Enduring Protest Album

ARHU dean’s new book examines messages of Fela Kuti.

College of Arts and Humanities, School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

TDPS Alumni, Faculty and Students Win 2025 Helen Hayes Awards

They were honored for their outstanding achievements in regional theater.

Art

A Sewn Statement on the Big Screen

UMD art lecturer’s Korean textiles featured in ‘The Wedding Banquet.’

Experience the tight-knit feel of a small liberal arts college with all the perks of a national research university.

14 Departments

31 Academic Majors

8:1 Student/Faculty Ratio

Research Highlights

Explore Our Research

American Studies, Communication, English, History, Linguistics, The Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Seven ARHU Faculty Awarded 2025–26 Faculty-Student Research Awards

Faculty-led research explores diverse topics—from Indigenous queer history to climate narratives in Ghana—advancing scholarship and graduate research across the humanities.

Art, Linguistics, Maryland Language Science Center, School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, School of Music

AIM Seed Grants Support 22 AI Research Projects

Funds support research focused on accessibility, social justice, sustainability and learning.

College of Arts and Humanities, English

How Matthew Kirschenbaum Sees AI’s Impact

The Distinguished University Professor of English is a leading voice on how AI is transforming the way we communicate, educate and govern.

Happening at ARHU

News

July 1, 2025 Announcement

Associate Professor of History Analyzes the Historical Impact of Pope Leo XIV

More News

Upcoming Events

7/18 Teaching to Transgress: Humanities Summer Institute
7/26 Summer Chorus Concert
9/10 NextNOW Fest 2025

More Events

Looking for your next beach read? ARHU alumni are making waves this summer with new books that span thrillers, feminist media criticism and YA adventures. Here are a few standout voices from our creative community: ✨ Brooke Lea Foster ('98, English) returns with "All the Summers In Between," a sweeping coming-of-age novel set in the Hamptons during the ’60s and ’70s. ✨ Vincent L. Stephens (Ph.D. ’05, American Studies) brings critical insight to our screens with "Broads, Sisters, Exes: Feminist Millennial Television, "analyzing iconic shows like Fleabag and Insecure. ✨ Meg Eden Kuyatt (’12, MFA ’16, Creative Writing) explores neurodivergence and the supernatural in her gripping YA novel "The Girl in the Walls." ✨ Allison Stine (’02, MFA, Creative Writing) gives us "Dust," a powerful YA dystopia about resilience, language, and finding freedom in a barren future. 🔗 in profile * * @umdenglish @umd_amst

This #WorldMusicDay, ARHU Dean Stephanie Shonekan shares her deep connection to Afrobeat icon and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti—whose music she calls “so searing, so pointed, so militant, but also brilliantly danceable.” In our Q&A, learn about her new book on one of Fela’s most iconic albums, the power of music to inspire change—and why she sees Beyoncé as carrying his legacy forward. Link in bio.

Happy summer solstice! Check out this list of recommended reading, viewing and listening (LINK IN BIO) submitted by some of the faculty and staff in the College of Arts and Humanities as you enjoy the long summer days and relaxing vacations with friends and family. This eclectic list has something for everyone and even includes a few recent works by ARHU staff! We invite you to share your recommendations here too! #summersolstice2025 #summerreading

University of Maryland College of Arts & Humanities Home

Congratulations ARHU Graduates

A Future in Conservation

From Fan to Force in Sports Media

What interests you?

learning about...

Undergraduate Programs

Find out more:

Graduate Programs

Find out more:

Certificates

Find out more:

a career in...

Education

Arts/Design

Communication/PR

Consulting

Entertainment

Environment

Financial

Government

Healthcare

Hospitality

Human Resources

Law

Libraries/Museums

Management

Marketing/Sales

Media

Non-Profit

Public Policy

Research

Sciences

Unsure/Other

Technology

GRAND CHALLENGES

DEMAND FEARLESS IDEAS

A New Spin on an Enduring Protest Album

TDPS Alumni, Faculty and Students Win 2025 Helen Hayes Awards

A Sewn Statement on the Big Screen

We Are ARHU

Academic Units

Institutes, Centers & Galleries

Research Highlights

New Scholarship from The College of Arts and Humanities

Seven ARHU Faculty Awarded 2025–26 Faculty-Student Research Awards

AIM Seed Grants Support 22 AI Research Projects

How Matthew Kirschenbaum Sees AI’s Impact

Happening at ARHU

News

Fall 2025 Leadership Appointments

70 Graduates Honored as Senior Marshals

Celebrating Excellence: 2025 ARHU Graduate Student Awards

Associate Professor of History Analyzes the Historical Impact of Pope Leo XIV

Upcoming Events

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