Develop the skills employers prize
You may have heard the question, “Why study liberal arts?” Many people worry about the job prospects for graduates with degrees in fields like ancient history or African American studies. The truth is, the job market is broad, and individuals with specialized skills and knowledge are always in demand. A liberal arts education provides traits that employers consistently value, such as creativity, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, teamwork, and strong communication skills.
What About Salaries?
Did you know that liberal arts graduates often earn salaries comparable to, or even higher than, business majors? While degrees in computer science or engineering may lead to higher starting salaries, liberal arts majors frequently catch up over time. Their adaptable skill set prepares them for long-term career growth.
Liberal arts graduates often pursue advanced degrees and enter lucrative fields such as management, law, politics, and sales. Unlike technical skills that may become outdated with advancing technology, the skills gained from a liberal arts education—like collaboration, problem-solving, and clear communication—are timeless and highly adaptable.
Students in the arts and sciences have comparable or higher salaries compared to business majors. While a liberal arts degree might not be as financially rewarding as computer science or chemical engineering at first, over the course of their careers liberal arts majors catch up to their peers in STEM fields.
Skills That Stand Out
Employers seek candidates with abilities like:
- Strong teamwork and collaboration
- Clear, persuasive writing
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Effective oral communication
These "soft skills" may not guarantee a straightforward path to a high-paying first job, but they are invaluable for long-term success in a variety of industries.
A Degree Employers Respect
Managers in business, government, and other sectors value liberal arts graduates because they bring essential "employability skills" to the workplace. These include:
- Reading and writing effectively
- Listening and speaking clearly
- Problem-solving and quantitative reasoning
- Information literacy
- Lifelong learning
At Lehigh, the College of Arts and Sciences equips you with these sought-after skills, preparing you for a future full of opportunities. Whether you're exploring the humanities, sciences, or arts, a liberal arts degree is an investment in your ability to adapt, succeed, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Alumni spotlight
Mary Swatek '85 was a double major in biology and Spanish. She talks about the value she found in her Arts and Sciences education and how it prepared her for a successful career. Currently Vice President at Newmark Associates, Swatek started her career in market research and strategic consulting for the global pharma, biotech, and diagnostics industries. In the next decade, she took on leading roles in sales and marketing then market and business development while also managing strategic relationships and joining key initiatives with Regulatory, Scientific Affairs and Product Development teams. During the past decade as an independent consultant, she has supported executive management clients across nutritional, phytopharmaceutical, devices, and cord blood storage businesses.