Liberal Arts Degrees: The Pursuit of Knowledge

Liberal arts and sciences is a general category of college studies. In general, the liberal arts are broken down into literature, languages, philosophy, history, math and science. However, within these general divisions, you’ll find liberal arts majors in English, foreign languages and culture, history, classical studies, global studies, economics, earth science, chemistry, art history, geography and interdisciplinary studies.

Liberal arts degrees give you the competencies that many managers look for in job applicants: good communication skills and critical thinking. In fact, students who major in liberal arts show greater gains than other students in critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing skills, according to the Hechinger Report.

The following are some of the exciting liberal arts majors you can pursue in college. The choice of majors is up to you, your interests and skills. Which one is right for you?

Art History: If you love going to museums and reading art books, art history might be the right degree for you. Specialize in art of the renaissance, the Impressionists, modern or contemporary art, depending on your interests. Art historians often find jobs teaching in grade schools or at universities, or may work for museums and art galleries.

Classical Studies: Whether you prefer Latin or Greek studies, there are many fine liberal arts colleges that teach the language, literature and culture that are the building blocks of Western civilization. Classical studies graduates often teach, work as archaeologists or for museums.

Earth Science: With programs in geology, geophysics, oceanography and atmospheric science, there’s a liberal arts and sciences degree to suit your interests. Earth science majors can become meteorologists, geologists and oceanographers, but there are many other career options.

Economics: Economics has become essential in our modern world. A graduate in economics can work in such fields as banking, health care management and market research, or may find actuarial work with insurance companies.

English: Whether you love Shakespeare or Faulkner, the pursuit of a liberal arts degree in English is one of the most worthy pursuits. In addition to becoming teachers, English majors work in project management, technical writing and editing, marketing, public or human relations. Foreign-language speakers who want to learn English can also pursue English as a Second Language programs.

Foreign Languages and Literature: Overcoming the myth that Americans aren’t sensitive to other cultures, foreign-language students immerse themselves in the language and culture of their chosen country. While foreign-language graduates often become teachers, mastery of another language can give you job opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad.

Geography: Not only do liberal arts degrees in geography teach you about the Earth, they also give you the computer, research and analytical skills that many employers demand. Geography majors often work in urban planning or community development, but may also find jobs in climatology or environmental management.

Global Studies: This liberal arts degree teaches all about the political, economic, social and cultural relationships in today’s world. Career options with this major are varied, and can include international relations, foreign affairs, environmental research and planning, and international development.

History: History students learn about past history to better understand current events. They have varied career options but often find jobs as teachers, analysts, paralegals, or in public relations or business.

Interdisciplinary Studies: Not all liberal arts majors find their field within one department, but interdisciplinary studies allow them to customize their liberal arts degrees. If you want to blend political science with Spanish and work in a foreign embassy, for instance, this might be the most flexible arts and science degree for you.

Mathematics: Math graduates have many great career options, often very good-paying ones. Careers for math majors include engineering, computer science, computer programming, actuarial and statistics.

Science: If you liked biology or chemistry in high school, take your experiment to the next level. Chemists and biologists frequently find jobs as lab technicians, analysts and researchers in biochemistry and pharmaceutical companies, or medical institutions.

As you can see, your liberal arts education options are numerous and varied, and give you the training you need for many great careers. Find the liberal arts degree that’s right for you!

_{Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Hechinger Report (as cited in the Seattle Times)}