Message from the Chair
You might wonder, “Why study the humanities?” Especially in a largely science-
based institution such as University of the Sciences, this seems a worthwhile
question. My answer is that everyone—particularly those in the sciences and
healthcare professions—find themselves now more than ever in need of the ability
to think and communicate in ways that connect them with the broader world.
Whether communicating with patients across the pharmacy counter or with
doctors about the latest innovations in the pharmaceutical marketplace, writing
about the developments in physical or occupational therapy, or preparing for a
whole range of graduate opportunities, the humanities-focused skills you will
develop alongside your science expertise will serve you extremely well in a
professional future that will change more rapidly than ever before.
Research, technology, and innovation are defining the world of science and the
health professions with greater and greater velocity. Employers of all sorts hire
specific sets of skills, but all are seeking individuals who bring an ability to adapt
to change and think creatively to the workplace—whether in the lab, a government
agency, a pharmacy, a hospital, or any endeavor whose purpose is to make life
better.
Graduates with a degree in humanities and science go on to medical school, enter
various graduate programs in health science, and work in NGOs and associations,
and to all of these pursuits,they bring genuine, contributive, intellectual, and
ethical curiosity.
The excitement of the humanities comes from discovering that there is always
more to discover, always more to integrate into an ever-more sophisticated view
of the professions and the world. Come explore the world of literature, history,
music, language, classics, philosophy, and religion with us, and discover for
yourself the doors that will open!
Kevin C. Murphy, PhD
Chair, Department of Humanities
Associate Professor of History