•    Question: In 2005, what percent of degrees were earned in General Studies, the Humanities, or the Liberal Arts disiplines?

•    Answer:

It is immediately clear that the popularity of a liberal arts degree tapers off after the Associate’s level, yet there is plenty of praise to be given for the liberal arts degree.  This academic discipline is not directly related to many professions, but the skills gained bring value to every career.

1.    Study outside the box
One of the greatest benefits of a liberal arts degree is that it does not pigeonhole students into direct, specific career paths.  Individual needs and interests can change over time, so that business degree started at 18 may not be as appealing at 34.  A liberal arts degree holder can apply his or her knowledge and abilities to a range of professional fields, whereas an engineering degree or nursing degree may make it more difficult for individuals to change careers.

2.    Reading, Writing and Arithmetic
Liberal arts and the humanities degree programs offer an array of academic pursuits.  Foreign languages, the visual arts, mathematics and natural sciences are all fundamental parts of a liberal arts curriculum.  Students who are interested in studying a little bit of everything will really thrive in this type of academic environment.

3.    Learn how to think
Knowing how to understand something is no easy task, and liberal arts degrees provide an education that yields scrupulous thinkers.  A liberal arts education teaches students how to look, assess and analyze works of art, data sets and historical compositions.