A multitude of studies have shown that earning a degree in liberal arts (English, Philosophy, Arts, Humanities, etc...) results in unemployment and poverty. While these statistics may be true in some cases, a new report shows that liberal arts majors majors close much of the unemployment and wage gap over an extended period of time.
Short-term studies on liberal arts degree-holders show an astonishing unemployment or underemployment rate of 8 percent in 2011. When compared side-by-side, long-term data for salary and employment rates demonstrate that liberal arts majors can be financially successful.
According to a similar report, by the time a person who holds a graduate or undergraduate degree is in their mid-50s, they're making more money than those who studied in professional and pre-professional fields and share a similar employment rate.
Critics are wrong in assuming that a liberal arts degree is useless because against common belief, those who hold a degree in liberal arts have demonstrated that they're skilled and competent workers who usually excel in written and oral communication, problem solving and critical thinking. In fact, employers claim that these qualities are the most desirable attributes of an applicant.
Higher education is shifting, and with more emphasis being placed on STEM majors and careers (science, technology, engineering and math), the value of a liberal arts degree seems to be falling by the wayside. On the one hand, perhaps this is due to the evolving world of technology and its digitally-advanced nature. On the other hand, a lack of awareness of the value of a liberal arts degree could be to blame.
"The best preparation for life and career — be it in finance, entrepreneurship or something else — is a liberal arts degree," says Edgar M. Bronfman. He contests that getting a liberal arts degree is the most important factor in forming individuals into interesting and interested people who can determine their own paths through the future.
All decisions that young people today need to make are based on analytical and decision-making skills that can and are achieved through pursuing a liberal arts degree. Thinking clearly and critically, evaluating information and understanding people's thoughts and ideas are important values an individual can gain from a liberal arts education.
So, to the liberal arts majors (like myself), incoming college freshmen and recent graduates, you're not doomed for unemployment because employers today desire applicants with skills like yours and the qualities you're gaining every day to add to their team. If you plan on pursuing or have pursued a degree in liberal arts, don't let statistics (which are now highly inaccurate) deter you from following your dreams and achieving your goals.
