What is a liberal studies degree?

I would like to finish my bachelor’s degree and am really interested in history and philosophy, so it seems like a liberal studies degree would be a good fit. However, I am worried people will not understand what “liberal studies” means. Can you explain?

The word “liberal” in education often throws people off because they are thinking in political terms. However, liberal studies are not political, aside from studying this discipline from an historical perspective. Being liberal from an academic perspective means that one is a broad-based thinker who has learned to communicate effectively in a variety of ways. Preparing people for leadership is often the foundation for a liberal studies program.

Not surprisingly, perhaps no single skill is more critical to employers today than the ability to articulate ideas clearly, persuasively, and coherently about yourself, your ideas and your research. This is the hallmark of a liberal studies education.

Learning to think involves reading, writing, listening, speaking and remembering. Liberal studies coursework teaches these skills by centering on academic disciplines that examine the human condition Classes are offered in subjects like literature, history, philosophy, psychology, religion, visual and performing arts, to name just a few.

These disciplines teach analytical and critical thinking. Learning to think and write in this way allows you to solve complex problems and interact in a positive way with colleagues. Surveys have shown that employers believe students with a broad-based education, such as in liberal studies possess strong characters and the intellectual ability to become lifelong learners, a vital component in today’s world.

Liberal studies programs allow students to chose an area of study that is of interest to them so, often no two degree plans are exactly the same. You may hear the word “interdisciplinary” in relation to a liberal studies degree program which simply means that you will study a combination of the various humanities disciplines.

Here’s a few people you may recognize who have liberal arts degrees:
• John F. Kennedy, 35th president of the United States, earned a history degree in international affairs.
• Brian Lamb, founder of and CEO of C-SPAN, graduated with a degree in speech and communication.
• Sally Ride, first American woman astronaut, has a bachelor’s degree in English.