Master of Arts in Humanities (HUMA) Program

The Master of Arts in Humanities (HUMA) program is designed for college graduates of any age, area of expertise, or stage in their careers who want to become more innovative as problem-solvers and leaders in their communities and workplaces. This 20-month, fully online program offers a course of study that emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, and reflection.

About This Program

The HUMA program is an excellent choice for those who want to make their lives as meaningful as possible while keeping their options for further exploration and professional development open. It is designed especially for those with wide-ranging interests, such as business, education, art, and lifelong learning. The program achieves its outcomes with a stimulating curriculum that focuses on humankind's most important questions, including what constitutes "the good life," how meaningful are cultural differences, and what is a just society.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the HUMA program, applicants must possess:

• A bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units attempted
• English proficiency (for non-U.S. degree and international students only)

Program Requirements

The program requires completion of a minimum of 33 semester units of approved graduate courses, including:

• Completion of at least 24 units in residence
• Completion of all coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Completion of a comprehensive exam
• Students must be fully classified at the time of graduation

Curriculum

The HUMA program consists of 11 courses, totaling 33 units. The courses are:

• HUMA 501: Gateway to the Humanities (3 units)
• HUMA 510: The Sacred: What Is It? What Makes Us Seek It? (3 units)
• HUMA 520: Self: Body and Mind: Who Are You? How Do You Know? (3 units)
• HUMA 530: Family and Life Cycles: The Nature of Connections Among Individuals (3 units)
• HUMA 600: Identity, Meaning and Culture (3 units)
• HUMA 610: Space, Place and Geography: How Where (We Think) We Are Defines Who We Are (3 units)
• HUMA 630: Nation and Empire, Law and Government (3 units)
• HUMA 620: Science and Magic: The Varied Modes of Knowing and Believing (3 units)
• HUMA 640: Norms and Knowledge: How Ideas Define the World (3 units)
• HUMA 650: Capstone: The Good Life (3 units)
• HUMA 696A: Directed Comprehensive Studies (1 unit)
• HUMA 696B: Directed Comprehensive Studies (1 unit)
• HUMA 697: Comprehensive Exam (1 unit)

Faculty

The HUMA program faculty includes:

• Xochitl Alvizo, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies
• Aimee Carrillo Rowe, Ph.D., MFA, Professor, Department of Communication Studies
• James Craine, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, CSUN
• Ronald A. Davidson, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
• Krystal Howard, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Liberal Studies Program, College of Humanities, CSUN
• Joel Lemuel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies
• Sheena Malhotra, Ph.D., Professor & Chair, Gender and Women's Studies, Academic Lead, M.A. Humanities, CSUN
• Pavithra Prasad, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Communication Studies
• Khanum Shaikh, Ph.D., Professor
• Weimin Sun, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Philosophy, CSUN
• Claire White, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Religious Studies, CSUN

Course Schedules

Available cohort schedules are provided below:

• Upcoming Cohort(s): HUMA16 Online: Fall 2026
• Current & Previous Cohort(s): HUMA15 Online: Fall 2025, HUMA14 Online: Fall 2024

Tuition and Fees

The tuition cost for the HUMA program is $877 per unit, with a total of 33 units required to complete the program. The total tuition cost is $28,941, paid in five payments. Additional fees include:

• University Application Fee: $70 (non-refundable)
• Books and Supplies: cost varies by program
• Graduation Application Fee: $47

Financial Aid

If admitted to this program, you may be eligible for financial aid. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid page. US Military Veterans and Military Dependents who are approved for VA Educational Benefits should contact the CSUN Veterans Affairs Office.

California State University Northridge

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Overview:

California State University Northridge (CSUN) is a public university located in Northridge, California. It is part of the 23-campus California State University system. CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

CSUN provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising & Tutoring:

Support services to help students navigate their academic journey.

Student Services & Support:

Resources for student well-being, including counseling, health services, and disability support.

Athletics:

Opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports.

Housing & Dining:

On-campus housing options and dining services.

Health & Wellness:

Programs and resources to promote student health and well-being.

Safety & Security:

Campus security measures to ensure student safety.

University Student Union:

A central hub for student activities, events, and organizations.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

CSUN offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement. Students can:

Join Clubs & Activities:

Participate in a wide range of student organizations and clubs.

Engage in Community-Engaged Learning:

Gain practical experience through community service and outreach programs.

Study Abroad:

Expand their horizons by studying at international partner institutions.

Attend Events and Activities:

Enjoy a variety of cultural, social, and academic events on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

CSUN fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

Strong Academic Programs:

Offers a wide range of high-quality academic programs across various disciplines.

Affordable Education:

Provides a relatively affordable education compared to other universities.

Location:

Located in the San Fernando Valley, offering easy access to Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

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Academic Programs:

CSUN offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various colleges, including:

College of Arts, Media and Communication

College of Business and Economics

College of Education

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Health and Human Services

College of Humanities

College of Science and Mathematics

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Other: