If you are searching for a university, you may come across the term “liberal arts,” but what does this mean? (Don’t be confused by the term “arts.”) “Liberal arts” is used to describe a wide range of subjects, mostly from the humanities and social sciences. Liberal arts is the most popular undergraduate degree in Canada. In Maritime Canada, there are 14,000 students studying the liberal arts.
A typical liberal arts education is interdisciplinary, providing a broad spectrum of knowledge and developing skills in critical and analytical thinking, communication, complex problem solving, and relationship-building.
You Will Keep Your Options Open
Not everybody has a clear picture of what they want to do for a career before they start university. A liberal arts approach will expose you to multiple academic areas and allow you to see what really speaks to you. Liberal arts graduates graduate with a wide range of career options available to them.
You Will Be Set Up for Career Success
Employers are looking for the kinds of skills developed through liberal arts studies, including relationship-building, communication and problem-solving, and analytical and leadership abilities. A liberal arts degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers, and you can be well paid with opportunities for advancement and income growth. Looking at a STU graduating class in the workforce for several years, a survey found that 99% were employed, 86% full-time with employment and delivering median earnings of $51,000. Many STU grads complete a second credential in areas like education, law, or social work which increases their career and earnings potential.
You Can Get Hands-on Experience
Attending university isn’t just about time spent in the classroom and studying. A liberal arts education also places an emphasis on experiential learning. At STU, for instance, you will find opportunities for internships; volunteering; clubs, teams, and societies; travel; and networking. Coupled with academics, these invaluable opportunities will give you the skills, knowledge, and experience employers are looking for.
You Will Broaden Your Horizons
The multidisciplinary approach of a liberal arts education provides opportunities to study different subjects and be exposed to multiple disciplines. This allows you to discover your passions and direct your focus. Thanks to our small size, STU provides a close-knit community feel centred around one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. Meet students from a variety of places and backgrounds, and let them add to the tapestry of your experience.
You Will Build Independence
University offers the opportunity to step out of high school and into an environment with more freedom. It’s the ideal transitional step, with a ready-made community of people your own age advancing through the same stage of their lives, and the reassurance of faculty, staff, and more senior students to help guide you along the way.
You Will Form a Foundation for Your Future
A liberal arts degree will not only broaden your options in the workplace, but also provide a foundation for future study. Many popular jobs require a bachelor’s degree before moving onto more advanced degrees, while Master’s, PhD, and MBA programs will also require a bachelor’s degree.
You Will Enjoy an Experience That Will Last a Lifetime
While future learning and careers are goals of a university education, let’s not forget about the here and now. A liberal arts education will expose you to a wide range of subjects, people, and ideas, all helping you grow as a person. There’s a reason why many people state their university years as among the most memorable of their lives; this is a time of exploration and discovery. Equal parts fun and challenging, it’s a chance to forge friendships and create memories.
You Can Have a Meaningful Career
When you graduate from a liberal arts university like STU, you will have the clarity and foundation to embark on a career that is not only financially rewarding, but meaningful. Many of our graduates are out in the world making positive contributions to healthy societies — socially and culturally.