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
Recommended Electives for Humanities Students
AP Psychology
- Helps understand human behavior — useful for sociology, education, and counseling fields
AP Art History
- Offers insight into cultural movements, art analysis, and historical context
- Great for art history, museum studies, and cultural studies majors
AP Human Geography
- Introduces spatial relationships, demographics, and human-environment interaction
- Useful for urban studies, geography, and sociology majors
AP Comparative Government and Politics
- Expands knowledge of political systems beyond the U.S.
- Valuable for international relations and comparative politics majors
How to Balance Humanities APs with Your Workload
- Spread out reading-heavy AP courses across different years to avoid overload
- Pair humanities APs with one math or science AP for balance and academic diversity
- Use summers for extended reading lists and practice essays to get ahead
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Study Tips
- Easiest AP Classes
- Hardest AP Classes
- APUSH Exam Test Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I take both AP English Lang and AP English Lit?
A1: Yes — if you enjoy reading and writing, both strengthen your skills in different ways.
Q2: Is AP World History harder than AP U.S. History?
A2: AP World covers more material, while APUSH goes deeper into one region. Difficulty depends on your strengths.
Q3: Is AP Art History only for art majors?
A3: No — it’s valuable for anyone interested in culture, history, or visual analysis.
Q4: What’s the best AP social science for humanities majors?
A4: AP Psychology or AP Human Geography are popular, versatile options.
Call to Action
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Use RevisionDojo’s planning resources to choose AP classes that align with your passions and future college goals.
