The modern educational ecosystem offers a wide variety of choices for students eyeing a career and professionals wanting to upskill or reskill. No matter where your passion lies, you have the opportunity to find the relevant degree in that field. Liberal studies is one such domain. This subject covers a variety of areas, including science, literature, philosophy, humanities, and history. More importantly, though, liberal studies allow you to polish soft skills that are essential in every possible field.
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Employment Statistics of Liberal Studies Majors
According to statistics made available by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 62% of liberal studies degree holders are employed in one of five following fields:
- Library and educational institution occupations (19%),
- Management roles (15%),
- Administrative support (10%),
- Financial and business operations (9%),
- Sales or its related occupations (8%).
With an average salary of about $54,000 per annum, which can be higher or lower depending on a number of factors such as location, field of occupation, and respective role, a degree in liberal studies can offer a decent lifestyle.
However, most employers prefer liberal studies graduates for their problem-solving competencies, interpersonal attributes, and critical thinking as this degree makes you fluent in these areas.
There is a lot that a liberal science major can do with their professional lives, particularly as creative thinkers, communicators, and researchers, three roles are vital and will remain so for a long time in almost every industry across the globe. Moreover, access to education is much simpler now, which means that enrolling for a liberal studies degree online is extremely easy.
That being said, here are some of the career paths you can pursue with a degree in liberal studies:
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Explore teaching opportunities
A degree in liberal studies can serve as an excellent foundation for a career in education. Many graduates choose to become teachers, either at almost any level. In fact, as pointed out earlier, most liberal studies majors work in the field of education, serving various key roles in academic institutions. Since the nature of the degree encompasses various disciplines, it equips you with a well-rounded knowledge base, making you an adaptable educator who can teach various subjects.
Some graduates also pursue further education, such as a teaching credential or a master’s degree in education, to specialize in a particular subject area or level. This path can lead to careers as elementary, middle, or high school teachers. In these jobs, you can play an important role in shaping future generations not just by educating them in line with the academic curriculum, but also imparting key behavioral and psychological learnings.
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Become a lawyer
As surprising as it may sound, a degree in liberal studies can be a stepping stone to a career in law. The critical thinking, research, and communication skills acquired during a liberal studies program are highly valued in the legal field. Many people find lawyers have diverse academic backgrounds that enable them to approach legal issues from multiple perspectives. A degree in liberal studies can give you a presentable edge in various aspects of the legal profession including trials and negotiations.
It is true that in order to become a lawyer, you, as a liberal studies graduate, will typically need to pursue a law school degree too. However, you don’t need to look at it as an extra burden on yourself. This further specialization will allow you to excel in criminal, corporate, environmental, or any other field of law that you choose.
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Adopt social work as a profession
This degree provides a solid foundation for you to serve the community in a variety of ways. Social workers play a crucial role in helping individuals and families navigate challenging life situations. The skills learned in liberal studies, such as empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are essential for addressing clients’ complex social and emotional needs.
To become a licensed social worker, you may need an additional specialization or you may even not. The most common social work degree is a master’s in the field which provides training and opportunities for clinical practice. With your analytical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge, you can make an impact in various social work settings, including child welfare agencies and healthcare organizations.
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Work as a registered nurse
Believe it or not, a Liberal Studies degree can serve as a pathway to a career in nursing. It will require additional coursework and training, but the foundational knowledge acquired in Liberal Studies can be a valuable asset in the healthcare industry. Registered nurses must communicate effectively, think critically, and collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals – skills that Liberal Studies graduates possess.
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will be the ideal concentration to pick if healthcare is a field that interests you. These degrees pave the way for you to pursue more advanced roles in the nursing sector because most senior jobs demand these qualifications. With the added punch of a liberal studies degree, you can bring a unique blend of science and humanities, enabling you as a nurse to provide holistic care to patients.
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Management analysts
Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are professionals who help organizations improve their efficiency and profitability. They analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement changes to enhance operations. Liberal Studies graduates bring a unique perspective to this role, thanks to their well-rounded education and diverse skill set.
Conclusion
A liberal studies degree is a comprehensive academic package where you learn about a host of disciplines at the same time. More crucially though, this path of study polishes your professional personality through skills that are relevant to excelling at almost every job in any possible industry. Through a focus on effective communication, research, and character building, a liberal studies degree opens up many doors that can lead to something you’re passionate about.
