Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degrees in Liberal Studies
Majors Overview August 11, 2014Receive information about bachelor’s degree programs in liberal studies and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Liberal Studies
A degree in liberal studies is an appropriate choice for those wishing to learn about a broad array of topic areas. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in liberal studies are provided with a knowledge base that will help them seek careers in various fields. Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Liberal Studies are allowed to choose numerous courses on their own.
Students sometimes take courses in a specialty area, such as the humanities or fine arts; students enrolled in other programs are prohibited from choosing many courses in the same area. Some schools devise liberal studies programs aimed at preparing graduates to opt for careers in teaching. Students usually take four years to complete these programs.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, in addition to having a background that demonstrates aptitude in a broad array of subject areas.
Education Requirements
Active communication and critical thinking skills are a necessary asset for liberal arts majors. Schools try to admit students who showcase overall academic aptitude. Those who seek admission into a bachelor’s degree program in liberal studies would benefit greatly from completing Advanced Placement (AP) high school courses in subject areas such as biology, art, algebra, and English.
Coursework
The curriculum can vary by student and school, with students being allowed to customize the coursework according to their areas of interest. Classes in humanities and social sciences are offered through most programs while electives usually revolve around mathematics and sciences. Core coursework may include such topic areas as:
•Philosophy
•Literature
•Sociology
•Experimental psychology
•Abnormal psychology
•Theories of government
•Art history
•Business foundations
•World history
•College Algebra
Career Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies may choose to specialize during continued education at the graduate level. The broad knowledge base imparted through liberal studies is utilized by others to seek careers as educators. They may choose from other popular career choices such as:
•Marketing professional
•Business administrator
•Sales associate
Job and Wage Outlook
An at-par-with-average job growth rate of 17% has been predicted for retail sales workers, over the 2010-2020 decade. During the same period, the growth of 41% has been projected for marketing research analysts (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, retail salespersons brought home an average annual wage of $21,110, while marketing research analysts and specialists banked $60,300 on average per annum. Financial managers were expected to see a slower-than-average job growth of 9%, over the 2010-2020 decade, and grossed an average annual wage of $109,740, in May 2012 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Those who complete a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies may seek continued education by pursuing a certificate program in a field such as business administration or marketing where they may enhance their employment opportunities. Pre-professional electives are taken by others, to prepare themselves for further education in such areas as medicine or law.
