The versatility and career advantages of a liberal arts major

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Key takeaways about a liberal arts major

A liberal arts major is about learning how to think critically and communicate effectively.
You’ll study a wide range of subjects, from history and literature to psychology and political science.
Skills like writing, problem-solving, and teamwork are highly transferable to any field.
Grad school, specialized careers, and diverse salary paths are all options post-degree.

What is a liberal arts major?

Picture this: instead of locking into one super-specific career track right away, a liberal arts major lets you explore a mix of fields—like literature, history, psychology, math, and social sciences. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about building the skills to think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt to whatever path you choose.

In short, a liberal arts education is about becoming well-rounded. You’re training your brain to ask big questions, understand different perspectives, and solve problems creatively.

Liberal arts vs. specialized degrees

If you’re debating between a liberal arts program and something specialized like engineering or accounting, think about how you learn best. Specialized degrees prep you for one career path directly. A liberal arts degree gives you options and the chance to figure out what excites you most along the way.

Common fields of study for liberal arts majors

While “liberal arts” is broad, here are some common areas you’ll find in most programs:

Humanities (literature, philosophy, languages, history)
Social sciences (sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology)
Natural sciences and math (biology, chemistry, statistics)
Fine arts (art history, theater, music)

Popular double majors and minors for liberal arts majors

Lots of students pair a liberal arts major with something more specialized. Think of it as stacking skills. For example:

Liberal arts + computer science = UX researcher or digital strategist
Liberal arts + business = marketing or consulting roles
Liberal arts + education = teaching or policy work

Pro tip: explore college search tools to see how schools structure their liberal arts programs.

Grad school and post-grad pathways

Many liberal arts grads go on to law school, medical school, business school, or master’s programs in education, public policy, or social sciences. A bachelor’s in liberal arts is often seen as a strong foundation for advanced degrees.

If grad school isn’t your jam right away, you can also explore internships, fellowships, or entry-level positions in industries that value versatile thinkers.

Skills I’ll develop as a liberal arts major

A big myth is that liberal arts majors don’t teach “real-world” skills. In reality, you’ll come out with tools that employers love:

Writing and communication
Critical thinking
Research and analysis
Teamwork and leadership
Problem-solving in uncertain situations

These liberal arts skills make you adaptable in today’s job market where industries change fast.

Career flexibility and transferable skills with a liberal arts degree

Here’s the real win: you’re not boxed into one path. With a liberal arts degree, you could choose many different career paths, with roles in:

Education
Publishing
Public relations
Human resources
Nonprofits
Tech

Many grads even launch careers in fields they didn’t study directly, because the core skills transfer so well.

Salary potential for liberal arts majors

Let’s be real—salary matters. While starting salaries for liberal arts majors may be lower than those in engineering or finance, they’re still solid, with early-career averages like about $35,750 for psychology, $38,710 for English, and $41,600 for communications. The good news is that growth potential is strong: liberal arts grads working in arts and design fields earn a median of $53,180, with higher-earning roles like graphic designers ($61,300), fashion designers ($80,690), and art directors ($111,040). And as you gain experience, your critical-thinking and communication skills can propel you into management and leadership positions often paying well above the overall median.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025

Is a liberal arts major a good fit for me?

If you’re curious about a lot of things, enjoy writing and discussion, and don’t want to be locked into one career too soon, this major is worth exploring. It’s especially good for students who like connecting big ideas, thinking creatively, and being flexible with their future plans.

Notable schools for liberal arts majors

Liberal arts programs exist at many universities, but they’re especially well known at schools like:

More resources for liberal arts majors

If you're interested in a degree in liberal arts, we have tools and resources to help. Learn more about liberal arts colleges and use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals. Check out scholarships for liberal arts majors and search even more opportunities through Scholly Scholarships. Don’t forget easy options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.