What is liberal arts education, you might ask. It refers to a broad array of disciplines that can make a college student more valuable to a company. Among them are the Humanities, Social sciences, Natural sciences, and Religion. Each field can lead to lucrative careers. You might be surprised at the many benefits of pursuing an undergraduate degree in liberal arts. However, to get an overview of what each category involves, read on.
Humanities
The Humanities include all subjects that deal with the human world, from philosophy to English. These fields apply critical methods to investigate human behavior, culture, morals, and values. Students learn how to interpret sources and develop logical conclusions. Despite their popularity, humanities are surprisingly under-represented in bachelor’s degree programs. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report on the state of the Humanities Indicators, indicating that the number of degrees conferred in humanities fell in 2018 to a record low, with just 14.1% less than in 2012. Despite this decline in humanities degrees, these courses are still essential.
Humanities are a distinctly broad category of subjects within the Liberal Arts. They deal with human expression and thought. These disciplines overlap with the Liberal Arts, but aren’t necessarily the same. Humanities programs focus on the human condition, including philosophy, history, linguistics, religion, and other non-technical fields. Moreover, they include arts like drama, music, and visual art. This broad category can be helpful to those considering a major in the Humanities.
While humanities degrees are associated with higher unemployment rates, these differences aren’t as stark as they might seem. In the US, the unemployment rate for young people who major in the Humanities is about 4%, compared to just 3% for men and 3% for women. This difference represents only one extra person per 100 people, and is typically within surveys’ margin of error. However, in some cases, the gender pay gap is greater for women than men.
Graduates with a humanities degree are ranked higher than their peers in income. A Georgetown University study found that humanities graduates earned a median income of $29,000 at the beginning of their career, compared to $33,000 for college majors overall. Graduates with at least five years of experience will have more than double the salary. In addition to increasing income, a graduate degree in the Humanities can boost earnings by $20,000 a year.
Social sciences
Despite the fact that they fall within the liberal arts, social sciences require a graduate degree for many positions. Economists and political scientists are among those who require advanced degrees. Psychologists and anthropologists also require graduate degrees, and a master’s degree is typically the entry-level educational level for these jobs. Almost 40% of social science majors earn graduate degrees, and these graduates are paid significantly more than their counterparts.
Students will develop an understanding of different sources of information, including primary and secondary sources, as well as evaluate the legitimacy of these sources. Students will learn to distinguish facts from opinions, how to evaluate data, and the legitimacy of public opinion polls. To complete this program, students will need to complete 18 units from the following disciplines. Applicants should note that they will need to take at least one course from each discipline, as well as one from each.
Many universities offer majors in social sciences through the College of Arts and Sciences. However, many of these schools also require students to take a large number of general education courses. These courses provide students with the broadest training and will allow them to apply their knowledge in a professional context. Some colleges also require students to take several other core courses, such as mathematics, English, communication, natural sciences, and history. Students should take social science courses as part of their liberal arts education because they develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
Students interested in social sciences can pursue many career paths after graduation. They may enter the fields of law, education, or business. They may become economists, data analysts, and market research analysts. Many majors also go into the data analytics industry. Their analytical skills are highly valued in these fields. In fact, some of the most sought-after skills by employers are analytical skills. And social sciences majors with an analytical mind will be highly valued in a wide variety of jobs.
Natural sciences
Natural sciences majors have numerous career options. Although many of these careers focus on laboratory work, many are in the field, conducting experiments, collecting specimens, and collecting data. Those who study these fields often find themselves as detectives of nature, making the world a safer place. They may also work in education, healthcare, or computer technology. They may even be able to pursue research as a graduate student. In the case of natural sciences majors, internships can help them gain hands-on experience.
Students can also pursue careers in translation, interpretation, journalism, and tourism. Humanities subjects can help students understand people better, enhancing their communication skills. Business, law, and NGOs can benefit from these skills. Students may wish to pursue careers in political science. Such degrees are particularly valuable for those who plan to work in the fields of politics or economics. Those with liberal arts backgrounds can enter these fields after earning their bachelor’s degree.
Many universities offer courses in natural sciences. During the first semester, students may take a course in introductory biology and then move on to other disciplines. For example, a student may learn how to conduct an astronaut mission by building space hardware and analyzing data about the universe. The natural sciences examine the laws, principles, and practices of the world and directly affect society’s progress. These courses include psychology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
In addition to social and natural sciences, students should study the humanities. Liberal arts subjects help students deal with diversity, change, and complexity. They develop social responsibility, as well as key intellectual skills. Therefore, liberal arts are an essential part of a college curriculum. You may choose to take these subjects separately or together. Just make sure you do not confuse them with one another! You will be glad you did. This degree is a good foundation for career choices, whether in the natural or social sciences.
Religion
In the liberal arts, religion is defined as a shared philosophical belief shared by a social group. Religion provides an answer to essential questions and guide to ethical behavior. As a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and philosophers, religion provides answers to questions about life and the universe. Religion has a deep history of influencing artists, poets, and philosophers from all over the world. It also serves as a symbol of beauty, purity, and salvation.
Studying religion in the liberal arts tradition has its benefits and pitfalls. Inherently interdisciplinary, it teaches students skills that are useful in numerous professional and scholarly pursuits. It provides an important foundation for examining the history of religious beliefs and the way they shape human life. It also enables students to explore issues related to politics and ethics. In the liberal arts, religion provides the ideal foundation for exploring diverse perspectives on global issues.
The Office for Programs in Comparative Religion was created in 1976, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. In 1976, Mark Juergensmeyer wrote a development grant for a graduate program in the history and phenomenology of religions. This program later became Area VIII, which focused on a phenomenological approach to religious experience. It was eventually closed in 1991, but has remained a valuable resource for students of all disciplines.
A study of religion at ETSU includes historical analysis of religion, social scientific investigation of religious practices, critical study of religious texts, and philosophical considerations. The study of religion emphasizes various issues raised by religious diversity, including ethical, metaphysical, and philosophical questions. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to studying religion, but it does provide a rich context for the study of religion. This is an opportunity to explore the world’s most complex and diverse cultures, while simultaneously developing a deeper understanding of one’s own faith and spirituality.
General education requirements
The liberal arts are a broad set of disciplines that include the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This approach is common in liberal arts colleges and universities, although general education requirements are not exclusively liberal arts. The college sets the general education requirements for its programs. These requirements are also common in other types of undergraduate education, including business, engineering, and physical sciences. However, they do not apply to all students at all colleges and universities.
Students who wish to transfer to an accredited institution must complete 30 credits of general education approved courses. Courses in this category are listed on the specific major page. Students are required to take at least one course in each of the five areas, G4 (Social Sciences), G5 (The Arts and Humanities), G6 (Foreign Languages), G7 (“Social Sciences/History”), and G10 (American History). A student must take at least nine credits of General Education courses before transferring to an institution.
Students studying in the Liberal Arts and Sciences College are required to complete a general education program. These courses are designed to enhance students’ fundamental academic skills and broaden their intellectual horizons. They help students to become well-rounded, flexible thinkers and give them the tools necessary for further study. Some liberal arts courses will apply toward a major in history, English, or another major. They also provide a good foundation in math, science, and social science concepts.
Students studying in UNCSA’s College of the Arts are required to complete two general education courses each fall and spring semester. First-year students may take FYS 1100, First Year Seminar, or ENG 1200 for their General Education requirements. Students may also choose electives to complete their degree’s general education requirements. To fulfill the general education requirements, students can seek help from the Liberal Arts advisor and transfer credit. And if they are taking AP or IB courses, they should send them to the Division of Liberal Arts.