Liberal Arts: Stepping-Stone or Career Path?

While some professionals thrive by finding a niche, a growing number of working adults have discovered the power of putting their liberal arts education to work in a variety of fields. Liberal arts degree programs provide students with a broad foundation of cultural and scientific knowledge that can improve performance in business, education, and medical jobs. With many compelling course options to choose from, job seekers who need a basic degree can often find fun and flexible career training options within liberal arts degree programs.

Liberal Arts Degree Programs

• Associate's Degree Programs
• Bachelor's Degree Programs
• Master's Degree Programs

Career & Salary Options for Graduates of Liberal Arts Degree Programs

According to government statistics, political science and economics students often enjoy higher starting salaries than other liberal arts graduates. By marketing a clear skill set and by using internships to build professional networks, students can often earn $35,000 or more in the first year after graduation. Many creative, financial, and government employers demand well-rounded graduates of liberal arts programs who use their skills to relate more effectively with customers and with stakeholders.

Typical Liberal Arts Course Work

Compared to other degree programs, liberal arts programs offer an extraordinary amount of diversity and customization. At the undergraduate level, liberal arts majors can blend courses in history, language, economics, social science, and literature. At the graduate level, students can pursue individualized instruction in film studies, world cultures, political science, or other specialties.

Online Education Options for Liberal Arts Students

For many liberal arts students, online degree programs offer access to some of academia's greatest minds. Many colleges and universities use online education tools to allow students to enjoy packed lectures and busy discussion groups. With a heavy emphasis on writing, research, and discussion, liberal arts studies translate well to online education formats. That makes liberal arts online degree programs especially attractive to working adults who want to earn an undergraduate degree in order to qualify for professional advancement.
Sources:
CNN
Fox Business
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

Joe Taylor Jr. is an internal business consultant for a Fortune 500 company, who writes about finance, culture, and design. He holds a bachelor's of science in communications from Ithaca College.