As you get closer to college, are you worried about picking a “useless” college major? Lately, it seems as though the value of a liberal arts degree has come into question. In this post, we will help you understand what a liberal arts degree is, explain why it might be right for you, and show why a liberal arts degree is still important.
What Is a Liberal Arts Degree?
Programs under liberal arts can include English, politics, and pre-art therapy (and Cairn has 20+ other programs in between!). These majors are the ones that require a very broad range of knowledge and skill.
Today, popular programs like nursing, engineering, and computer science are in the spotlight, valued for their lasting benefits. These programs also help students find jobs quickly. But this assumes that liberal arts degrees are less important now. It suggests these majors aren’t practical, unable to get graduates into a sustainable career.
Let’s address this myth.
How is Earning Liberal Arts Degree Going to Benefit You?
Don’t just take advice from us, the disembodied voice. Take it from knowledgeable faculty members in the field, such as Dr. Steele Brand who has seen firsthand the need for students who pursue the liberal arts.
Dr. Brand is Cairn’s Politics, Philosophy, and History (PPH) program director. As a tactical officer in the army, a professor, and an author, Dr. Brand’s experience reinforces his support of students pursuing the liberal arts. You can read his more in-depth thoughts here. But for the sake of time, here are some of his top reasons why a liberal arts degree can be valuable to you:
Develop Critical Thinking Skills
At the heart of our programs is the commitment to critical thinking. Professors encourage students to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and synthesize diverse perspectives. This allows you to genuinely learn. It also prepares you to handle real-world problems, fostering informed citizenship and responsible choices.
Master Effective Communication Across Any Medium
Another fundamental value is effective communication. Whether through writing, speaking, or anything else, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is what sets you apart. Liberal arts and sciences degrees focus on building those communication skills. This will help you connect with different audiences and take part in important discussions in your specific field.
Broaden Your Knowledge Across Diverse Fields
Interdisciplinary learning is another hallmark of liberal arts and sciences education. You will find yourself exposed to a broad range of subjects (especially in a program like Politics, Philosophy, and History), encouraging you to draw connections across all sorts of areas of study. This multi-dimensional approach not only enriches your understanding but also cultivates adaptability and creativity—essential qualities in today’s rapidly changing job market and for your own personal growth.
Develop and Maintain and Ethical Foundation
A strong ethical foundation is a core value that permeates liberal arts and sciences classrooms. In a liberal arts program, you will think about the moral effects of your choices on society. This focus on ethics builds a sense of social responsibility, encouraging you to make positive contributions wherever you go.
Particularly at Cairn, we emphasize the need to discover truth, founded in Scripture. With a biblically-based sense of right and wrong, justice, and other moral matters, your whole life will be built on a strong foundation that permeates every area of life.
Evolve Into a Life-long Student
Lastly, the pursuit of lifelong learning is a key principle within these programs. You understand that learning continues even after finishing your degree, meaning your your degree is more than a piece of paper. It’s a passion. Getting a job matters to you, but what many jobs and even you may identify is: are you eager to continue learning?
Conclusion
If you love art, words, politics, criminal justice, or another liberal arts field, be encouraged. You don’t have to give up your passions for something “more practical.” In your liberal arts field, you will develop a multitude of skills that will take you far and make you a valuable contributor to the world around you.
