What Is Liberal Arts? A Complete Guide to Liberal Arts Degrees and Careers
What Is Liberal Arts?
Liberal arts refers to a variety of academic disciplines centered on humanistic inquiry. It includes the humanities, social sciences, arts, and natural sciences. Often, the connecting principle among liberal arts subjects is an understanding of human nature and creation.
Popular degrees in liberal arts include English, communication, political science, foreign languages, music, history, sociology, and design.
A liberal arts education teaches valuable soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Liberal arts students develop an ability to analyze culture, assess world issues, and lead others.
Liberal Arts Colleges vs. Art Schools: How Do They Differ?
Liberal arts colleges provide a more traditional college education, with a well-rounded set of foundational courses and a variety of degree options.
These colleges tend to value interdisciplinary thinking, encouraging you to explore different fields of study so you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
Liberal arts colleges typically offer dozens of majors in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Some well-known liberal arts schools include Amherst College, Williams College, and Swarthmore College.
Art schools, by contrast, specialize in providing education and training in fine arts subjects like painting, sculpting, photography, and graphic design.
These schools aim to hone your technical skills through practical training in their chosen fields. Courses focus on producing creative work, learning from professional artists, and developing your craft.
Some popular art schools include the Rhode Island School of Design, Pratt Institute, and California Institute of the Arts.
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What Types of Liberal Arts Degrees Are There?
Liberal arts degrees can be divided into four distinct fields: humanities, art and design, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Humanities
A humanities degree focuses on the study of human culture, history, language, and society. It encompasses a wide array of subjects, including philosophy, literature, history, anthropology, and religious studies.
Humanities degrees typically require you to engage in critical analysis, research, and writing.
The terms “liberal arts” and “humanities” are often used interchangeably, but it’s worth noting that the humanities are just one part of liberal arts. Humanities specifically focus on understanding the ways in which humans have communicated and interacted with one another throughout history.
Humanities degrees require strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills. These majors can prepare you for careers in fields like law, education, journalism, and public service.
Sample Humanities Degrees
Communication- English
- Film Studies
- Foreign Languages and Cultures
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- History
- Journalism
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
Art and Design
Common art and design degrees include fine arts, graphic design, photography, performing arts, and animation. Depending on the degree program, you may learn about design principles, color theory, digital software, or creative problem-solving.
Art and design students will also develop a professional portfolio to showcase their skills to potential employers.
Fine arts degrees typically focus on traditional art forms, such as painting, sculpting, and printmaking. Graphic design degrees focus on digital design, web design, branding, and advertising. Finally, performing arts degrees focus on acting, directing, musical performance, and technical theater.
Many students interested in arts degrees attend art school for specialized and technical training.
Sample Art and Design Degrees
- Art History
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Music Performance
- Music Production
- Photography
- Theater Arts
Social Sciences
Social science degrees involve the scientific study of human society, behavior, and relationships. Majors include sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and geography.
Students in social science programs aim to understand and explain human behavior and social interactions using research and data analysis. You’ll develop research and analytical skills and an advanced historical knowledge of your field.
While the humanities seek to understand human culture, the social sciences aim to understand how humans interact with one another and their environments.
Sample Social Sciences Degrees
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Economics
- Geography
- Library Science
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Sociology
Natural Sciences
When you think of science programs, your mind likely goes straight to the natural sciences. Physics, chemistry, astronomy, and environmental science are all examples of natural sciences (also called physical sciences).
Natural sciences involve the scientific study of the physical world. Students in natural sciences programs develop research, experimentation, and data analysis skills.
Math degrees are also part of the natural sciences. These programs teach you about mathematical concepts, theories, and methods.
Like science degrees, math degrees fall under both the liberal arts and STEM umbrellas.
Sample Natural Sciences Degrees
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Geology
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Oceanography
- Physics
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Why Accreditation Matters for Liberal Arts Degrees
College accreditation is a valuable way to ensure the quality and legitimacy of your education. When a school or program is accredited, its curriculum, faculty, and resources have been evaluated by a third party.
In order to receive federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited school. Accreditation is also important to qualify for professional licenses in fields like nursing and law. Certain employers may also require that you attend an accredited school.
Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Liberal Arts Careers and Salary Outlook
The median annual salary for liberal arts majors was $50,000 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But because liberal arts can refer to a vast array of careers and industries, the salary potential for graduates can vary significantly.
Art careers in fashion, music, and the performing arts may fall on the lower end of earning potential, for example. In contrast, science and tech-related careers typically earn above-average salaries.
If you value a high income, consider top-paying liberal arts careers like physicist or astronomer — together, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $147,450 in 2021.
One of the fastest-growing liberal arts jobs is statistician, with a projected job growth of 33% between 2021 and 2031. Other in-demand liberal arts careers include web developers, dancers and choreographers, interpreters and translators, and biochemists and biophysicists.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematicians and Statisticians | $96,280 | 31% | Master’s |
| Web Developers | $77,030 | 30% | Bachelor’s |
| Dancers and Choreographers | $19.47 per hour | 27% | Varies |
| Interpreters and Translators | $49,110 | 20% | Bachelor’s |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $102,270 | 15% | Doctoral |
| Film and Video Editors | $62,680 | 14% | Bachelor’s |
| Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers | $50,120 | 12% | Master’s |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 | 12% | Doctoral |
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | $44,700 | 9% | Associate |
| Photographers | $38,950 | 9% | High school diploma |
| Actors | $23.48 per hour | 8% | Some college, no degree |
| Physicists and Astronomers | $147,450 | 8% | Doctoral |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 | 8% | Bachelor’s |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions
A liberal arts degree is good for developing a broad set of skills that can prepare you for many in-demand careers. Soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability are all cornerstones of a liberal arts degree and can serve you well in a variety of industries and roles.
Graduates become well-rounded individuals qualified for careers spanning the arts, the humanities, business, law, education, science, and healthcare.
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