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You may be wondering what a liberal arts degree is. Liberal arts is often referred to humanities, because the primary subjects for liberal arts majors include literature, art and music history, languages, and philosophy. However, when you choose a program that includes science classes in addition to those humanities courses, you may just walk away with a degree that is versatile in most any industry.
Current Statistics for Liberal Arts Majors
First, let’s look at the current statistics for liberal arts majors. We’ll start with unemployment. Liberal arts majors do not have the highest unemployment rate of all degree majors. However, the unemployment rate for those with a liberal arts degree is higher than those with technical and job-specific degrees in healthcare and technology.
Since this degree is not specific to one industry, those holding a degree in the liberal arts may be more flexible to work in various industries and flex when the job market changes. Graduates can land entry level positions in industries such as education, social services, government, and business. Check out the most common careers those with a liberal arts degree hold, along with the least common careers.
Career Opportunities with a Liberal Arts Degree
There are several industries that graduates with a liberal arts degree may have opportunities such as: retail, management, sales, and teaching. Liberal arts degree earners also make up a large portion of social services professions. Many colleges offer liberal arts degrees that ensure their students are prepared to be successful in the workforce by making career readiness a key component of the curriculum. Schools that focus on career readiness focus on providing students the skills they need to be successful in any industry. Students can expect to enhance their critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, creative thinking, innovation, communication, and leadership skills.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that their Job Outlook survey data repeatedly contains critical critical thinking/problem solving, teamwork/collaboration, professionalism/work ethic, and oral/written communications towards the top of the list. When looking for a liberal arts program at a college, it’s important to ensure the program keeps a career readiness focus and prepares students to excel in these core areas employers find valuable. This makes candidates more marketable in the job market. A liberal arts bachelor’s degree can also be your launch pad to continue your education and earn a master’s degree. Professionals holding master’s degrees statistically earn more than their counterparts with a bachelor’s degree.
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Article References
Association of American Colleges and Universities. Jan 22, 2014. New Report Documents That Liberal Arts Disciplines Prepare Graduates for Long-Term Professional Success.
National Association of Colleges and Employers. March 29, 2019. The Four Career Competencies Employers value Most.
A. Carneval, B. Cheah, and J Strohl. Hard Times: Not All College Degrees are Treated Equal.
The most common industries that employ Liberal Arts and Humanities majors chart provided by Data USA.
