What Areas of Study are Considered Liberal Arts Majors?

If you have given any serious consideration to obtaining a degree within the liberal arts sector, you may have wondered what type of liberal arts majors exist. Below you will find basic information regarding both liberal arts majors and other pertinent information such as career opportunities you can pursue upon obtaining a degree in this educational sector. 

Although broadly defined, the term “liberal arts” basically references a field of study designed to provide the learner with foundational knowledge in a wide range of subjects that are directly or tangentially related to humanity. Generally, the liberal arts sector is broken up into three fields: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Interestingly, research indicates that obtaining a degree in a liberal arts major can be valuable for many reasons, including the fact that 73% of business leaders state that “being well-rounded with a range of abilities is more important than having industry expertise because job-specific skills can be learned at work.” 

Liberal Arts Majors-Areas of Study

There are several areas of study that fall under the umbrella of “liberal arts majors.” Here are several: 

1. Art 

Individuals who pursue this degree will learn about the sociocultural and philosophical meaning indigenous to artwork as well as how to create one’s own artistic pieces. Individuals who obtain this type of degree can consider careers in fields such as graphic design, commercial art, and photography.

2. English 

English is one of the many liberal arts majors that places primacy upon the development of excellent written and verbal skills. Individuals who obtain this degree can consider careers in web writing, journalism, teaching, law, publishing, or advertising. 

3. Foreign Language

Foreign language is one of the liberal arts majors that involves gaining the ability to read, write, speak and comprehend another language until the learner can be considered fluent in the language. Individuals who obtain this degree can pursue jobs in teaching, translation, tourism, and travel. 

4. Political Science 

Political Science degrees provide the learner with foundational knowledge of subjects such as government and law (as well as their intersections). Individuals who obtain this degree can pursue work in sectors such as business, journalism, non-profit, administration, politics, public policy, and law.

5. Biology

Biology degrees provide students with information regarding the study and classification of living organisms as well as the investigation and analysis of basic processes indigenous to the world of living things. Individuals who obtain a degree in this field can pursue work as research and laboratory assistants. They can also work within the healthcare and public policy sectors. 

6. Psychology 

Psychology is a degree that places primacy upon the human mind as well as the attitudes and actions it precipitates. Individuals who obtain a degree in this field can pursue careers in several sectors, including healthcare, education, and business. 

7. Journalism

Journalism is a field of study that involves the investigation and reporting of trends, issues, and events to individuals via media formats such as magazines, books, television, radio, newspapers, and blogs. Individuals who earn degrees in this sector can pursue positions such as that of a news anchor, professional blogger, or radio show host. 

Other Liberal Arts Majors

The outline above does not offer a comprehensive list of all the areas of study that fall under the category of liberal arts majors. Some other majors you should be aware of include advertising, anthropology, economics, history, philosophy, sociology, and theatre. 

Conclusion

Individuals interested in learning more about the various areas of study that fall under the liberal arts major category should note that several exist. Additionally, there are a plethora of career opportunities that can result from selecting one of the many liberal arts majors. Now that you have a basic understanding of the different areas of study within the liberal arts majors sector, you can begin the process of determining which major to select in order to accomplish your vocational goals.

Related Resource: Strong Liberal Arts Program