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Forensic Humanities

Forensic Humanities, ideal as a second major, is an approach to human engagement of evidence, argument, and story or narrative that follows the liberal arts in their commitment to:

  • critical and constructive thinking
  • reasoning
  • engaging
  • and communicating ideas

The major takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the discovery and communication of truth, drawing from varied disciplinary traditions, such as Mathematics, Sociology, Philosophy, Communication, Theology, History, English and Psychology.

Career Fields

Law

  • Attorney specializing in criminal or civil law
  • International law for multi-national corporations and non-profits
  • Legal advocacy for non-governmental organizations (e.g., Human Rights Watch)
  • Corporate legal affairs departments
  • Government agencies: state and federal levels

Strategies: Join Pre-Law Society at Duquesne; meet with pre-law advisor; complete legal internships; consider a minor in political science or a business certificate; gain international experience through Study Abroad; expand knowledge of languages for international careers.

Business and Government

  • Corporate Communications
  • Political speech writing
  • Writing-related government agencies (Labor, National Archives, FTC, Printing Office)
  • Government affairs specialists for corporations
  • Consumer relations

Strategies: Consider obtaining a certificate in Business while at Duquesne; complete internships in the private sector; write for local government departments and agencies; volunteer in political campaigns in the publicity area; apply for internships with federal agencies.

Advocacy

  • Non-governmental organization ( NGO) (e.g.,  World Vision, Drs without Borders)
  • Private foundations
  • Lobbyists
  • Action groups
  • Charitable organizations
  • Community organizer

Strategies: Take on leadership role in on-campus advocacy groups (e.g., Animal Welfare Group; Lambda; Amizade); research organizations on the Internet to determine focal interests; do an internship with an advocacy group; become active in local advocacy groups and chapters of national/international groups.

Non-Profit Development

  • Development Director for charity or foundation
  • Alumni Fund-raising for a university
  • Grant-writing
  • Foundation relations
  • Fundraising event planner
  • Social networking in marketing non-profit

Strategies: Attend the annual spring Non-profit Career Fair co-sponsored by Duquesne; gain experience marketing and fundraising for campus organizations;  volunteer as a fundraiser for local charities and groups; intern at event planning firm; develop a strong portfolio of writing; take courses and gain experience in writing for the Internet; volunteer to develop materials for community and non-profit organizations; work with college magazines, radio and TV.

Public and Consumer Affairs

  • Government agencies (federal, state, local)
  • Corporate government relations departments
  • Community affairs for professional and charitable organizations
  • World affairs, political and non-governmental organizations
  • Researcher for legislators or community action committees

Strategies: Intern with government agencies; participate in community action groups; volunteer in political campaigns in publicity areas; consider a minor or take coursework in Political Science or International Relations; work for election campaigns or legislators; develop strong presentation and persuasion skills; build excellent writing and communication skills in a variety of media.