Liberal arts colleges give international students access to a wide range of academic subjects and career options. But what is liberal arts? Read on to find out.
What is liberal arts? This broad-based area of study includes the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. For international students who want to study in the USA, the biggest value of a liberal arts education is its wide range of subjects to focus on for a degree program. International students who want a well-rounded education should consider earning a liberal arts degree.Â
Is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth It?
What Will I Study as Part of a Liberal Arts Education?
You will study a variety of subjects, looking at the world and its people from various points of view. You will learn about ideas and beliefs that have guided human beings and shaped civilizations for thousands of years. Youll ask yourself questions like:
A Liberal Arts education is by nature broad and diverse, rather than narrow and specialized. Choosing courses from many disciplines gives you a wide and useful education.
In the first year, a Liberal Arts student normally takes a variety of introductory courses. This not only gives you a wide knowledge of subjects but helps you to choose certain areas for further study. In most cases, you will be encouraged to take courses in at least some of the major categories within the Liberal Arts:
Liberal Arts studies at UNO also requires students to choose a major – a specific group of thematically-linked courses. By concentrating on a given subject, whatever it may be, you will go beyond the mere surface of things and gain a solid grasp of the core material in a given area.
What is a Liberal Arts Education?
Working towards a baccalaureate degree in the Liberal Arts or Sciences involves taking courses in what are traditionally referred to as the “Liberal” Arts. This means that your courses will be in general areas of study–philosophy, mathematics, literature, history, economics, languages, and so on–rather than in applied or specialized fields.
A Liberal Arts education is not intended to train you for a specific job, though it does prepare you for the world of work by providing you with an invaluable set of employability skills, including the ability to think for yourself, the skills to communicate effectively, and the capacity for lifelong learning.
Reason #5: Become Socially and Culturally Aware
Whether you were raised in a big city or a more rural environment, it can be hard to fully understand the worldviews and perspectives of other people, cultures, and societies until you’re old enough to really contemplate your own beliefs. At PLNU, you’ll have the opportunity to develop intercultural awareness and skills through Intercultural Pathways, a global citizenship skill-building program.
You may also have a desire to see the world and learn about the economics, religion, business, history, music, art, and culture of other societies and countries. You can choose to become part of a Study Abroad program and complete courses in over 50 different countries.
If you’re interested in traveling and immersing yourself in a different culture for a shorter period of time, you could go on a three-week long LoveWorks trip. You’ll be able to develop lifelong relationships with your team members and your hosts and exhibit your love for community work and service.