Liberal arts colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in arts and sciences ranging from scientific fields such as mathematics, chemistry, data science, information science, and statistics to areas of skills such as music, studio art, and performance.
Additionally, liberal arts colleges typically have strong educational philosophies and focus on student-centred learning. Therefore, they have smaller campuses and class sizes emphasizing seminars instead of lectures and strong connections with graduate schools.
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ToggleStudent-centred Educational Opportunities
Student-centred learning builds on students’ intuitive understanding of what they require from their education, resulting in meaningful learning environments. Students are engaged and motivated with academic knowledge and the skills of self-direction, creativity, and collaboration they’ll need for future success.
Students majoring in science in liberal arts colleges may have the opportunity to participate in research projects often reserved for graduate and post-graduate students at universities. Besides that, students from liberal arts colleges will have more opportunities to enter the competitive labor market.
Career Path Opportunities At Liberal Arts Colleges
A liberal arts college offers foundational knowledge across many different subject areas. Liberal arts students will be exposed to topics and ideas ranging from science to art and math. A liberal arts degree provides career-relevant skills and general knowledge that prepare you for various professions.
If you attend a college that focuses on the liberal arts, you won’t have to waste time switching majors if you discover you don’t like the one you decided to study, so you’ll have more time to figure out what subject most fascinates you. This convertibility is a tremendous benefit, not just to students but also to the school’s operations.
CBS News reports that graduates of liberal arts colleges had double the chance of earning a doctoral degree in a scientific field compared to alums of more prominent universities. The majority of the top 10 lists of undergraduate students who went on to pursue Ph.D. degrees are likewise dominated by liberal arts colleges. The opportunities for independent study that liberal arts colleges provide might enhance a student’s chances of getting into graduate school.
Class Size and Campus Culture At Liberal Arts Colleges
Compared to universities, most liberal arts colleges provide classes with fewer students and a higher student-to-teacher ratio, about 20-40 students per lecturer in a course. It gives students freedom of choice and a stronger feeling of personal enrichment and assists students in practicing their skill set in preparation for their chosen professional path.
Collegiality is also encouraged in liberal arts colleges, and professors are frequently requested to participate in unstructured activities and discussions. Moreover, about 10 or 12 students attend seminars, are encouraged to voice their minds openly, and guest speakers are given sufficient time to respond to their questions.
Compared to other universities, teachers at liberal arts colleges often devote more time and energy to the classroom experience, which motivates students to think and view situations from many perspectives critically.
Employment and Skill Benefits At Liberal Arts Colleges
According to a poll by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the talents appreciated the most in prospective employees are those with strong communication, analytical, and collaborative abilities. Liberal arts colleges provide an atmosphere and instruction method conducive to developing each of these talents.
Earning a degree in liberal arts allows you to learn about a wide range of topics. As a result of this, undergraduates may get a better grasp of the many different job options. You could make the decision that history will be your significant concentration, but in addition to that, you’ll obtain skills in writing and communication.
You’ll graduate with a diverse set of abilities that look fantastic on a resume, another advantage of attending a school that focuses on the liberal arts rather than a more specialized field of study. Students might make their primary education in communications the major emphasis of their application for a job if they attended a class in that subject.
According to a study conducted by Hart Research, employers respect the abilities that students acquire while receiving a degree in the liberal arts. 74% of employers think that young people would benefit from studying liberal arts to be more prepared for today’s global economy. 94% of employers say it is essential for today’s colleges to provide this type of education, including half (51%) who say it is necessary.
Conclusion
Compared to public universities, the educational environment at liberal arts colleges is more personal and conducive to student discussion. As a result, this type of institution is an excellent choice for many students.
Graduates of programs in the liberal arts may have an easier time gaining admission to graduate programs, increasing their chances of earning higher degrees and taking part in prominent research opportunities. A handful of colleges can grant financial assistance to all students based on merit and need, which means it may also be less expensive than the tuition, housing, and board rates imply.
Université Libérale de Paris (also called Paris-U) is honored to be the first liberal arts post-graduate institution. We provide a variety of courses so that students have many options to choose from. For more information, please visit here.
References
- CBS News: 5 Reasons to Attend a Liberal Arts College.
- The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): The Attributes Employers Want To See On College Students’ Resumes.
- Hart Research Associates (2013): It TAKES MORE THAN A MAJOR: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success. An Online Survey Among Employers Conducted On Behalf Of: The Association Of American Colleges And Universities.