Liberal Arts Degrees
Benefits of Getting an Online Liberal Arts Degree
A liberal arts degree, unlike other more specialized degrees such as engineering or business, allows students more freedom in the courses they take and interests they pursue. Though oftentimes shunned as an “impractical” education, the liberal arts program may actually teach students more than any “practical” degree could ever hope to achieve. Liberal arts cover numerous subjects, many of which are categorized as a variation of humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Subjects such as philosophy, psychology, and geology are all considered liberal arts. In pursuing these subjects, students are often pursuing a passion rather than choosing to earn a “safe” degree such as business, and are therefore more likely to find great satisfaction in their studies and future careers. The online learning format will also make earning a liberal arts degree easy and fun, as courses can be completed from the comfort of the student’s home and according to the student’s schedule. Students can enjoy interactive lectures, and take advantage of instant communication with their instructor and classmates.
What Will I Learn in a Liberal Arts Program?
The courses taken by liberal arts students depend heavily on the specific field that the specific student chooses to study. For example, an anthropology major would take courses in the history of mankind, cultural histories, and other related classes. On the other hand, a psychology major would take courses in statistics, social interaction, and other courses correlating with a psychology education. Some majors also require additional lab work, though these requirements vary from school to school. The specialized degree programs created for liberal arts majors immerse them in the fundamentals of their chosen field of study, while also allowing plenty of elective credits so that students may explore other interests as well.
Popular Majors in the Liberal Arts Field
Majors in the liberal arts field are widely varied, ranging from mathematics to music appreciation. The most popular of these majors are in the social science and history sectors, with more than 150,000 degrees conferred in the 2006-07 time span, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Psychology is also a popular major, with nearly 100,000 degrees conferred to graduating students.
Popular Jobs for Liberal Arts Students
Despite the myth that a liberal arts degree is “impractical,” many liberal arts degree holders find employment in the same fields as business and science majors. Many graduates move into management, real estate, or business and finance positions. Typically, any non-specialized position is compatible with a liberal arts degree, as a liberal arts education covers such a wide array of topics, from math to science to literature. Graduates therefore are versed in a variety of skills and industry knowledge.
Job Prospects for Liberal Arts Majors
With the troubled economy and more competition amongst job applicants for any particular employment opportunity, many employers are looking to hire workers with more than just technical skill. Liberal arts graduates offer a vast amount of education on many subjects in addition to their skills, giving them a boost over other applicants. Even in liberal arts-specific fields, job prospects are generally good for graduates. Geology majors, who upon graduation can work as environmental scientists, can expect a 25 percent increase in employment opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the psychology field is expected to grow by 15 percent in the next seven years.
