Study in the liberal arts can provide an excellent basis for a wide range of careers. A liberal arts program acquaints students with many different areas of human thought, behavior and experience. It can provide communication skills, analytical abilities and flexibility necessary for success in many fields of endeavor. Although some careers require specialized undergraduate training (for example, nursing and accounting), many others rely on a broad base of skills and knowledge. It has been predicted that today’s college graduates will change careers an average of four times during their working lives. Such changes will involve not only new jobs but also entirely new responsibilities and duties. Changes of this sort require flexibility and adaptability. One of the most important functions of a liberal arts education is to provide a broad knowledge base to make such flexibility and adaptability possible. Students with a sound background in the liberal arts will have the knowledge base required to shift directions and adapt thinking skills learned in one discipline to a variety of work fields.

Certain majors and minors provide specific preparation for particular careers. For example, a major in justice studies can prepare students for work in corrections, police administration, the court system or other related fields. The writing program (minor) provides skills of particular use in any career that requires written communication. Work in geology, geography or cartography can prepare students for certain jobs with government agencies. Most programs in the liberal arts, however, are not tied to specific, individual careers. Instead, they provide the background upon which the career is built.

The liberal arts also provide a good basis for advanced study. Students who pursue a major in the liberal arts may go on to graduate work in that or a related discipline. Many students pursue professional training through graduate programs in medicine, law, business and other areas upon completing a liberal arts degree. A liberal arts undergraduate program can provide both the preparation for such specialized advanced training and a general, broad background that supports and enhances professional work.

In addition, study in the liberal arts provides the foundation for lifelong learning. A broad knowledge base promotes intellectual curiosity and continued intellectual growth. Students with a good liberal arts education have a foundation for enriching their lives immeasurably with interests that go far beyond the demands of a particular career.