Department overview
Explore ideas, cultures and stories that shape our world
Rider University’s Department of Humanities brings together the study of English, history, philosophy, languages, literature and cultures. Through close reading, research, writing and discussion, students examine diverse perspectives, explore the forces that have shaped societies and develop a deeper understanding of their place in an interconnected world.
Our programs foster creativity, intercultural awareness and highly transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, analysis and research, preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
Our programs
Majors:
Minors:
Certificate:
Our faculty
Our accomplished faculty bring specialized, real-world knowledge and experience into the classroom. Through personalized guidance and one-on-one mentorship, faculty help students develop their interests, strengthen their skills and prepare for life after graduation.
Put it into practice
Students can apply what they learn through internships, research, writing, cultural exchanges and other hands-on experiences.
History students can explore internships in historic preservation, museum research and exhibitions, archives, educational programming, oral history, documentary filmmaking and historical archaeology. Recent internship sites include:
- Lawrence Historical Society
- Boston African American National Historic Site
- David Center for the American Revolution
- Jersey City Museum
- Rider University Archives
English students receive feedback from experienced faculty writers and participate in workshops and readings featuring student and professional writers. They may pursue publication in Venture, Rider's student-run literary magazine, or The Rectangle, the national literary journal of Sigma Tau Delta: the International English Honors Society. Our students have also completed internships with organizations in publishing, journalism, public relations, arts reviewing, fundraising, grant development and corporate communications, including:
- Princeton University Press
- The Washington Post
- Macmillan Publishers
- Cineaste
- OK-Tho! Magazine
- A Guest in the House Podcast
Students majoring in Spanish acquire an international perspective and a unique intercultural sensitivity. They go on to pursue careers in business, management, law, government, teaching, translation, publishing, communications, and travel.
Join the community
Connect with students who share your interests through department clubs, honor societies, literary activities and cultural events. Opportunities include:
- History Club
- Philosophy Club
- Spanish Club and Spanish Table
- Phi Alpha Theta
- Phi Sigma Tau
- Sigma Tau Delta
- Venture Magazine
Connect with the world in our language lab
The department’s Foreign Language Media Center features 25 computer workstations with internet access. The center supports classroom instruction, independent learning and cultural exchanges with students at universities abroad.
The places you'll go
Graduates leave Rider with valuable skills in communication, writing, research, cultural awareness, analysis and critical and logical thinking. These adaptable skills prepare them to pursue opportunities in fields such as:
- Arts, media, publishing and communications
- Business and international commerce
- Education
- Government and public service
- Historic preservation, museums and archives
- Information and library services
- Law
- Nonprofit and social service organizations
- Public interest research
- Science and health organizations
- Translation and interpreting
- Travel and hospitality
Our alumni have built careers as educators, editors, writers, attorneys, government officials, archivists, museum professionals and National Park Service guides. Others have pursued work in international business, communications, public service and community organizations.
Whatever path they choose, students graduate prepared to communicate effectively, consider ideas from multiple perspectives and contribute thoughtfully to an evolving global society.