{"id":358,"date":"2019-03-19T12:53:29","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T16:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/chss\/?page_id=358"},"modified":"2023-09-05T09:47:27","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T13:47:27","slug":"why-study-the-liberal-arts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/chss\/about-the-college\/why-study-the-liberal-arts\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Study the Liberal Arts?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is a natural question that many students (and their parents!) ask when they begin college and again when graduation approaches. If you\u2019re wondering this, you\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n

Think about it \u2026 the student majoring in, say, accounting or nursing is undoubtedly anticipating a career as a practicing accountant or nurse, and needs no explanation of what he or she can do with the degree. But many students who major in the liberal arts do not plan on careers related directly to their degree. They\u2019ve studied their chosen subject because of their passion for it, but upon graduation will begin careers in business or management or some other field \u2026 and that\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n

Study of the liberal arts prepares you for a career by instilling those attributes that employers repeatedly say they want when they hire college graduates \u2013 the intellectual skills of critical thinking, analysis of information and effective expression of ideas. In this sense, the liberal arts provide the ultimate job training. The liberal arts prepare you not just for landing that first job, but for your promotion in a few years \u2026 and for your second and third jobs. Evidence indicates that today\u2019s college graduates will have multiple careers before they retire \u2013 that is, careers that are distinct from each other, complete switches from one to the next. Focus on the intellectual skills you gain through your studies \u2013 in precision of thought and communication \u2013 and then seek a career in a field that you care about, and don\u2019t limit your plans by thinking that you have to find something related to your major.<\/p>\n

Dream big, find something you have passion about, and then pursue your dreams with the confidence that your studies have given you a firm foundation for building your future!<\/p>\n

Alumni Outcomes<\/h2>\n

An education in the liberal arts offers great freedom in choice of careers. See what some of our graduates are now doing \u2026 and please check back periodically as we update our references.<\/p>\n

English<\/h3>\n