November 26, 2024
St. Mary’s University will introduce a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities and a minor in Medical Humanities starting Fall 2025.
The major will offer two tracks: a Health Humanities Track for those pursuing careers in patient advocacy, law or nonprofit work and a Health Care Management Track for students aiming for roles in administration and management.
Medical Humanities is an interdisciplinary field that examines health, illness and medical care from a holistic, humanistic perspective. These programs will be housed in the Department of English Literature and Language, aligning with the University’s mission to educate “leaders for the common good through community, integrated liberal arts and professional education, and academic excellence.”
“The new Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities exemplifies the University’s commitment to educating compassionate and ethical leaders,” said Benjamin “Josh” Doty, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of English Literature and Language, and who will oversee the Medical Humanities Program.
The new degree will collaborate with various academic departments, including Biology and Philosophy, to provide an interdisciplinary and comprehensive education.
The overall employment outlook for medical humanities-related occupations is positive at all geographic levels and particularly strong in Texas. According to Hanover Research, data shows a growth rate of 33.8% for medical humanities-related positions in Texas between 2021 and 2031.
“By putting health care into conversation with the humanities, this program equips students to make a lasting impact in the health care industry in service to others,” Doty said.