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.