Liberal Arts Careers and Programs

Seriously, it’s a real degree!

It’s good for more than helping you win at trivia games. (Although that is a nice perk.) But what is it, exactly? A degree in Liberal Arts prepares the graduate with general knowledge and skills. Rather than emphasizing a specialization, this area of study provides a well-rounded education which prepares the professional to take on the world.

How? Flexibility, job skills, and the employer’s holy grail: a college degree. Liberal arts allows future employees to develop critical and creative thinking, cultural awareness, and communication skills. These coveted skills are helpful for any career. As the job market changes, this general degree can: provide a good knowledge base for many pursuits, keep options open, fulfill the common job prerequisite – college diploma.

Outlook for Liberal Arts Careers

The Swiss Army Knife of Degrees

Let’s say a student obtains a degree in biology. But, because it is a liberal arts degree, it will have included studies that prepare the professional for jobs within the field of science, plus related positions. Extra humanities courses taken may provide an inside track to write for a scientific journal, or language classes might aid in obtaining a job overseas. This versatility seems like a good thing.

Liberal Arts majors have this advantage of a broad background of learning and experience. It can aid in finding employment or transitioning from a current job to a new position as fields change. While others may be out of work because their training was so specific, a more general degree may be more transferable.

 Following is a sampling of the potential directions, with a glimpse at how the areas are expected to grow.

The disadvantage – additional schooling and training are usually needed if a specialty is desired. There are career paths that will require something other than a Liberal Arts degree, or may require the student to go on to complete a graduate degree in a specific area of study. Meanwhile, though, college degree in hand, Liberal Arts majors can begin a career with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.

Salaries in Liberal Arts

Patience for Riches

You probably won’t get that mansion in the first five years of your career. Starting salaries tend to be lower than for those in some other fields of study. The good news: you can catch up. Over the course of most careers, this difference diminishes. Plus, salary trends have shown a rise for Liberal Arts majors over the past 30 years. The rate has even outshone the growth for other specialty industries, such as engineering.

What’s the secret to closing this salary gap? A well-rounded skill set that allows for flexibility in job duties. Advancement or job transition opportunities will be more likely. Keep all those doors and windows open, and eventually money comes through them.

How much? Check out the chart below for an idea of how experience adds to the pocketbook.

Education Requirements for Careers in Liberal Arts

Grab the Diploma and Go!

Because this is a general area of employment, a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts is the standard. That is the idea behind general studies. Graduate school, technical training, and vocational school are not required steps on this path. The four-year degree covering a broad spectrum of subjects is the bread and butter of this career.

Of course, some form of direction is needed. You do have to find a job eventually. Potential areas within liberal arts include: economis, government, history, foreign language, literature,sociology, humanities, philosiphy, religion, and cultural studies.

Each of these careers can begin with a bachelor’s degree. Graduate studies are of course an option, but not necessary to break into the field or begin a career path. Because employers are typically seeking workers with the desired skills rather than a specific degree, additional experience is key. Suggested training, studies, and continuing education possibilities can be seen in the chart provided.