The liberal arts education began in the Middle Ages and
characterized the topics studies by freemen.Philosophy and theology
were at the heart of the liberal arts education.The Middle Ages
liberal arts education can be described as the study of language
(rhetoric, grammar, and the dialectic), and the study of
mathematics (geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and music).The modern
Liberal Arts and Humanities program has developed out of these
courses of study and includes theology, literature, languages,
philosophy, history, mathematics and science.
Liberal arts and humanities colleges are generally smaller
schools with higher faculty- to-student ratios.While larger
universities employ graduate students as teaching assistants,
liberal arts and humanities colleges emphasize faculty and student
interaction. Though liberal arts are broad, students who attend
liberal arts colleges can narrow their degree program to a one of a
variety of Humanities fields including but not limited to: American
Studies, Communications, Fine Arts, Literature, Classical Studies,
Archaeology, Journalism, Environmental Science, Government and
Public Policy, and Classical Studies.
Some students of the liberal arts do not narrow their focus and
earn a Liberal Arts or a General Studies degree. These students are
generally planning to attend graduate programs or Degree programs
in Liberal Arts and Humanities, which focus on producing
well-rounded students.Often, writing, researching, and critical
thinking skills are emphasized.Graduates generally take courses
along a broad spectrum, and walk away with a thorough understanding
of social sciences, natural sciences, fine art, religion, and the
interconnectedness of the humanities.
Associates degrees and bachelor degrees in Liberal Arts and
Humanities are offered at many colleges.Online colleges often
provide one-hundred percent online degree programs in Liberal Arts
and Humanities.St. Leo University and Florida Tech offer an
Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, while Ivy Bridge College
and Regent University offer a related associate’s degree in General
Studies.Boston University offers a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, and
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Liberal
Studies.Duquesne University has a Master of Art in Leadership and
Liberal Studies.These programs give students the flexibility of a
Liberal Arts and Humanities degree as well as the convenience of
online courses and virtual campuses.
Students with Liberal Arts and Humanities degree can enter
careers across a broad spectrum.Graduates are often hired by
newspapers, non-profit organizations, museums, marketing companies,
research programs, libraries, and publishing companies.