More Information About Liberal Arts

What should I know when considering a degree in Liberal Arts?

• Though liberal arts majors far out number graduates from computer science, or engineering programs, their salaries lag behind.
• The study of liberal arts provides a foundation of well rounded knowledge and intellectual skill.
• Many graduates of liberal arts colleges, go on to train in a graduate or professional school.

What are the liberal arts?

The study of liberal arts provides a foundation of well rounded knowledge and intellectual skills. Many colleges offer a liberal arts education, but most of these programs do not give targeted job training. Rather, students at liberal arts colleges are required to study a variety of subject areas, such as literature, math, science, religion, and world languages. Graduates, then, walk away from their college experience with a degree that represents a wide range of general skills, rather than a deep understanding of one field. Medical school, on the other hand, gives students training in a specific field of work; this is not considered a liberal arts education. Historically, the liberal arts have been split into seven distinct categories, including grammar, logic, rhetoric, math, music, geometry and astronomy. Though a liberal arts education gives great breadth in knowledge, it does train all graduates to go directly into a specific job field. Many graduates of liberal arts colleges, go on to train in a graduate or professional school.

What kinds of liberal arts degrees are there?

There are far too many different types of liberal arts degrees offered to name them all. You can be guaranteed, if there is a topic that interests you, you will find a college that offers a major in it. Some examples of liberal arts majors include Biology, Art Chemistry, Physics, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, and foreign language.

What career opportunities are available for someone with a liberal arts degree?

A liberal arts degree has enormous value; it offers a level of career freedom unlike any other course of study. A degree in liberal arts rarely restricts a student to just one career path. The one thing a liberal arts graduate should understand when looking for a job is that their actual degree might not exactly correspond with a particular job category. For example, a bachelor's degree in French literature will not directly translate into a position working with French literature. Most employers look at a liberal arts degree as a sign of having the appropriate problem solving and analytical skills needed in a capable worker. Most liberal arts graduates are able to get an entry level job in a field of interest. One piece of advice - just make sure that your major isn't too far from your desired career field. A biology major, for instance, would most likely gravitate toward environmental policy, or science research. An English major most likely would not have as much of a chance in these fields; they would probably be more qualified to work in public relations, or media writing.

How much money does a liberal arts graduate make?

Though liberal arts majors far out number graduates from computer science, or engineering programs, their salaries lag behind. Starting salaries for liberal arts graduates average around $30,300. Since liberal arts majors have such a broad educational background, their skills need to be honed to fit their workplace; this translates into lower starting salaries.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Liberal Arts?

Liberty University Online : With more than 35 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. (More Info) Boston University - Bachelor Completion Program : The Executive Undergraduate Degree Completion Program is a 16-course program that can be completed online in less than 30 months. It is designed for individuals that have earned approximately half of their undergraduate work and seek to finish their degree. After successfully completing the 16-course program, the students will obtain the Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies from Boston University. (More Info) Florida Tech University Online : Florida Tech University Online offers students a state-of-the-art learning system that allows students to work their studies into their busy work and family lives. Both Associate's and Bachelor’s degrees can be earned online in a wide range of fields including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. (More Info) Tiffin University Online : Tiffin University was established in 1888 and offers a nationally accredited Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and a top-notch Masters of Justice Administration (MCJ). The programs are designed to help working adults achieve career goals though the acquisition of enhanced technology, communication and leadership skills. (More Info) Saint Leo University : Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. (More Info) University of Maryland University College : Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. (More Info) Chapman University College Online : Founded in 1958, Chapman University College Online offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate degrees, certificate, and credentials in education, psychology, and healthcare. (More Info) Upper Iowa University Online : Upper Iowa University Online serves over 6500 students around the world. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Upper Iowa University offers Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees through the schools nationally regarded online program. (More Info) Ashford University : Founded in 1918, Ashford University specializes in Teacher Education and Organizational Leadership. Students choose from Associate, Bachelor, and Master degrees in business, psychology, criminal justice, and teaching. The accelerated classes will offer you a swift path to program completion for a degree in MBA or Master of Arts in Teaching/Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. (More Info) Arizona State University (Graduate) : Arizona State University (Graduate) was established in 1885, and it presently has four Arizona campuses located in Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix. Over 64,000 students attend the school in Phoenix. The school has students from all fifty states and from more than one hundred countries across the world. (More Info)