If you’re planning to major in a humanities field — such as history, literature, philosophy, political science, or languages — the AP classes you choose can strengthen your critical thinking, writing, and analysis skills. The right combination of AP courses can also give you college credit and make your application stand out.
This guide covers:
- Core AP classes for humanities-bound students
- Recommended electives to broaden your skills
- How to balance humanities APs with your overall workload
Core AP Classes for Humanities Majors
AP English Literature and Composition
- Builds advanced literary analysis and essay-writing skills
- Essential for English, creative writing, and literature majors
AP English Language and Composition
- Focuses on rhetoric, argumentation, and evidence-based writing
- Valuable for political science, law, and communications majors
AP U.S. History (APUSH)
- Strengthens historical thinking, document analysis, and essay writing
- Useful for history, law, and political science pathways
AP World History: Modern
- Offers a global perspective on historical events and cultural interactions
- Helps in international relations, anthropology, and global studies majors
AP U.S. Government and Politics
- Ideal for political science, public policy, and law students
- Covers foundational principles, institutions, and political processes
