Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Because most liberal arts students are still deciding on an exact career path, there is no definite set of certifications necessary. It’s recommended by most career counselors, however, that liberal arts students earn either their Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. You also could continue your studies and earn a Master’s Degree in either liberal arts or a related area of study. Frequently offered liberal arts certifications include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
During an economic downturn, a liberal arts major might be an excellent choice for some students, particularly those who are weighing their overall career options. This is because as a liberal arts student, you receive a foundation in a variety of disciplines. You can augment your education by getting internships, which helps you decide a career path while also receiving on-the-job training. Some career counselors also say that liberal arts majors are more flexible when it comes to changing their careers, which could make you a more attractive candidate in a tough job market.
If you enroll in an Associate’s Degree program in the liberal arts, you can expect to finish it in two years. Bachelor’s Degree programs typically take four years to complete. If you decide to enter graduate school, your Master’s Degree can take two to four years, depending on the program.
Liberal Arts Degree Programs
The liberal arts encompass a variety of disciplines and subjects, which means that careers in the liberal arts are just as varied. Whether you want to be a teacher or a journalist, a public relations executive or a psychologist, a foundation in the liberal arts can help prepare you for the job market.
Are you ready to learn more about liberal arts degrees and related careers? Check out these basics:
How long does it take to earn a liberal arts degree?
You might have heard the phrase “liberal arts” in the past. But what does it mean? The liberal arts are also called humanities. Many students who major in liberal arts study English, History, or Philosophy – in short, general studies or basic coursework. Students who study liberal arts leave school with a solid foundation in their education. They are well balanced and have training in reading, writing and analysis.
If you’re interested in studying liberal arts, you can expect to spend two years to get your Associate’s Degree at a junior college, or four years at a liberal arts college or university to get your Bachelor’s Degree. Many students get liberal arts degrees to prepare them for graduate school, or other certifications such as law school or a teaching certificate.
Where could a liberal arts degree take me?
A surprising number of companies and organizations today seek to hire graduates with liberal arts degrees, primarily because of their ability to write and communicate effectively, think critically and analytically, and work well together with others. Moreover, not having chosen a narrow career focus makes it easier for employers to train new hires in their corporate programs.
Because a liberal arts degree is well rounded and rooted in the fundamentals, it means that you’ll be prepared for an extremely wide variety of careers. Most liberal arts majors enter careers that require a lot of writing, speaking or analysis – this includes teaching, journalism, public relations, marketing, sales and management.
Many students find that liberal arts degrees are best for them because they are still deciding on a career path. If you want to get your education, but are still figuring out where you want to go, a liberal arts degree might be right for you.
What types of liberal arts degrees are available?
Most four-year colleges offer liberal arts degrees. Some schools call them liberal studies majors or general studies majors, but they all are essentially the same types of coursework. You also could study general education or liberal arts at a junior college to earn your Associate’s Degree.
If you plan to extend your liberal arts education beyond a Bachelor’s Degree, you’ll probably need to select a major other than liberal arts. Most graduate programs are in a specified area, such as English or Education, but you would still study similar topics to liberal arts in an in-depth environment.
Common degrees that you can earn in liberal arts include:
- Associate’s Degree: A two-year degree, many junior colleges offer liberal arts programs for students who are still choosing a four-year major.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year degree in liberal arts can include a variety of subjects such as English, History or Philosophy. Students are expected to develop good skills in writing, research and presentations. This could prepare you for a variety of careers.
- Master’s Degree: A select number of colleges offer Master’s programs in the liberal arts specifically, but there are thousands of Master’s Degrees offered in subjects related to the liberal arts. If you find an area of study that you prefer – or perhaps a chosen career – this could be the path for you.