4 Benefits to a Liberal Arts Education

With the continual push of STEM education in the high school curriculum, you may think that’s the only path to take in college. But there’s more to a job—and to life—than computers and science. A liberal arts education can prepare you for a successful career and for a life as a responsible citizen. If you’re thinking about a degree in the liberal arts, here are some benefits you may not have considered:

Liberal Arts Teaches Social Responsibility

One of the tenets of a liberal arts education is social responsibility. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, liberal arts prepare students for work, life, and citizenship. As a liberal arts major, you’ll take classes in sociology, philosophy, history, and the humanities, which will give you a broad understanding of people and society as a whole. As a student at a liberal arts college, you may also have the opportunity to help others through community service projects and missions. Your education will show you how to be a good citizen as well as a strong employee.

You’ll Hone Soft Skills Employers Want

Technical skills can help you get the job done, but employers look for more than that in job candidates. They want well-rounded individuals on their team. Since a liberal arts education is broad in scope, you’ll have the chance to hone essential soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Did you know that more than 90 percent of employers believe soft skills are more important than the undergraduate major an employee chooses?

Liberal Arts Provide Career Pathways

If you want flexibility in your career direction, a liberal arts education can take you down a variety of paths. It’s not just the tech people who land the jobs. In fact, with a broad knowledge base and that strong set of soft skills, you’ll be well-positioned to walk into a variety of companies across industries. Most companies need Sales, Operations, Human Resources, Training, and Communications. And your liberal arts degree is a natural fit for any of those departments. A liberal arts degree can also serve as a great foundation for a career in politics, public service, and education. And if you decide to switch careers in the future, your liberal arts education will help you pivot quickly and more easily than a strictly technical education. 

Liberal Arts Prepare You for Jobs That Haven’t Been Created Yet

Most of the jobs that will be available in 2030 haven’t even been created yet. According to research conducted by Dell Technologies and The Institute for the Future, 85% of jobs that will be around in the next decade have yet to be invented. You might not be able to guess what technical skills will be needed, but the report also notes that with the rapid pace of technological changes, employers will need lifelong learners on their staff, who can adapt to change. You know which majors learn for learning’s sake? Liberal arts majors!

If you’re ready to reap the benefits of a liberal arts education, contact Limestone University today. We offer a variety of degree programs in communications, humanities, performing arts, and even sciences, business, education, and health professionals. We offer an environment that nurtures your professional, personal, and spiritual growth to prepare you for both a successful career and responsible citizenship. Hit the request info button now for more information.