General Liberal Arts and Humanities

<h2 id="section---AreLiberalArtsAndHumanitiesForMe"> Are Liberal Arts and Humanities for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---OverviewOfTheField">Overview of the Field</h3> <p>Liberal arts and humanities programs are interdisciplinary in nature and can include coursework in anthropology, <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Learn_a_Foreign_Language_Your_Degree_and_Course_Questions_Answered.html">foreign language</a>, geography and history. Areas of specialization might include art, English, government studies, <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Literature_and_Culture_Bachelor's_Degree.html">literature</a> or <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Humanities_and_Liberal_Arts/Philosophy.html">philosophy</a>; interdisciplinary courses of study are also available. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with a background in liberal arts and humanities have the critical thinking, communication, reading and writing skills valued by potential employers. For example, as a graduate of a liberal arts programs, your <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Career_Alternatives_for_Humanities_Majors.html">career alternatives</a> might include foreign language interpretation and translation, law or social work, to name just a few occupations. </p> <p>As reported by the BLS in May of 2013, the average annual wage for interpreters and translators was $47,920, while <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Lawyer_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html">lawyers</a> earned an average of $131,990 a year. In the same month, the average annual salary for school <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Social_Worker_Career_Summary_Employment_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">social workers</a> was $46,060 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInLiberalArtsAndHumanities"> How Can I Work in Liberal Arts and Humanities?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>As an introductory course of study, an <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Liberal_Arts_Associates_Degree.html">associate's degree program in liberal arts</a> or a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Liberal_Arts_Bachelors_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree in liberal arts</a> or <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degree_in_Humanities_Online_Degree.html">humanities</a> can help you develop your creative thinking, problem-solving, speaking and writing abilities. As a qualified graduate, you may find an entry-level position as a journalist or a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Freelance_Writer_Jobs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">writer</a>, or pursue a career in business, <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Marketing_Bachelors_Degree_Programs.html">marketing</a> or sales. Along with your humanities and liberal arts degree, completion of a teacher preparation program may help you qualify for a state <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Teaching_Certificate.html">teaching certificate</a> and the chance to work with elementary or high school students. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>Graduate programs can lead to a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Liberal_Arts_Masters_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">Master of Liberal Arts</a> or a <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/PhD_in_Liberal_Arts_Online_and_Campus-Based_Program_FAQs.html">Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Liberal Arts</a>, available both on campus and online. Areas of specialization might include <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/articles/Graduate_Degrees_in_Spanish_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">Spanish</a>, political science or <a class="external" href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Psychology.html">psychology</a>. You may also consider applying to law school. Although there's no guarantee, an advanced degree may help you stand out in the job market and increase your earning potential; it could also provide you with the added credential you need to teach your specialty discipline at the college level.</p>