Humanities degrees could disappear from the U.S. within 100 years, according to new data analysis from Save My Exams

New research by revision resource producer Save My Exams suggests that humanities-based degrees could be at risk of disappearing in the U.S. by 2115 as it shows a 3.06 percent reduction in the number of college students completing these degrees since 2015.

Based on these figures, humanities degrees could be at risk of becoming extinct within the next 100 years, as the analysis suggests just 9,961 humanities degrees will be granted in the U.S. in 2215.

Save My Exams examined the number of degrees granted each year, as published by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, from 1987 to 2002 and compared this to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species criteria. 

By the year 2160, the forecast suggests humanities could be considered endangered, with just 2,460 humanities degrees granted and in 2234 humanities degrees could be considered critically endangered with just 247 degrees expected to be granted. 

“We have a responsibility to save the humanities from the risk of extinction, and we must act now. Our research has shown that if current trends continue, then the U.S. could see humanities degrees disappearing within the next century,” says Astrid deRidder, Vice President of Content at Save My Exams.

“In light of this, we are calling for urgent and coordinated action, as the loss of these important areas of study would not just mean a loss of academic disciplines but a potential change to critical thinking and cultural appreciation.”

Traditional humanities such as Art, Classics, English Literature and History are at particular risk, with degrees in these subjects declining at a faster rate than humanities overall. The analysis suggests degrees in these subjects could be extinct within the next 50 years.

Save My Exam’s deRidder adds: “There is still time to reverse this decline. The humanities will continue to play a significant part in American education for many years to come with consistent funding, proactive campaigning, and a revived understanding of the Humanities' critical role in creating resilient societies.”

Earlier this year, a Save My Exams report highlighted the impact of student and parent abuse on teacher wellbeing, retention, and student academic outcomes.