Panorama of graduation

“It is in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough—it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the results that make our heart sing.”― Steve Jobs

Much has been made of the economic rewards offered to students pursuing education in technical fields. Here are a few things you should know about the liberal arts, and why a background in the sciences and humanities are more promising—and more relevant—than ever before.

Students who major in the liberal arts:

. . . earn as much or more over their lifetimes compared with students receiving technical degrees.

“Over time, liberal-arts majors often pursue graduate degrees and gravitate into high-paying fields such as general management, politics, law and sales, according to an analysis by the Association of American Colleges & Universities, a trade group representing more than 1,350 schools. Once people reach their peak-earnings ages of 56 to 60, liberal-arts majors are earning . . . about 3% ahead of the earnings pace for people with degrees in vocational fields such as nursing and accounting.”
-Wall Street Journal

. . . have the skills employers are always looking for.

“The skills humanities majors develop —specifically writing, adaptability, problem solving, and collaborating — top the list of things employers say they are looking for in job candidates, over and above the technical skills directly associated with the position.”
-Chronicle of Higher Education

. . . make a difference in the world while gaining deep satisfaction from their work.

“It’s important for students to major in what they enjoy most and what they’re best at. When they do so, they’re more likely to excel in their classes and enhance their career options. Those who complete post-baccalaureate study will enhance their chances of eating their cake and having it too, with prestigious, high-paying jobs and, equally important . . . fulfilling work that allows them to make a difference in the world.”
-Forbes magazine

. . .  become leaders.

"A study by DDI and reported by Fast Company suggests that both undergrad business majors as well as humanities majors scored high in areas that we generally link leaders to, including entrepreneurship and influence. But, the perhaps more notable finding was that that humanities graduates did better than MBAs in a number of areas essential to performing as a leader.”
-Development Dimensions, Inc.

 

 

 

campus

Direct Paths to a Career

If you are exploring studying the liberal arts in college, you should know that UVM offers many options that lead you to a distinct career path. 

The UVM program options below all provide three big benefits:

· Time (you can complete your undergraduate and graduate degree in five years total, instead of the usual six)

· Expense (you’ll end up spending less time in school for a lower annual cost)

· Career (you will graduate with a degree or certifications that give you a leg up on the competition).

Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerated degree programs allow you to earn not just your B.A. or B.S. degree but also a master’s degree or equivalent before you leave UVM. 

All the CAS departments below offer accelerated master’s degrees at UVM. Most programs are by application in the junior year.


Law

The skills you develop as a liberal arts undergraduate are directly transferrable to law. Along with Vermont Law School, UVM offers a offers a unique dual-degree program leading to a bachelor’s in three years and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in two years. The Vermont 3+2 program enables you to earn both degrees in less time and at less cost from two distinguished institutions.

Education

When you graduate with a liberal arts degree, you learn to communicate effectively, think critically and provide creative leadership. These skills are always in demand in America’s classrooms. Your degree also provides the content knowledge necessary to teach the subject area aligned with your degree. After graduation, you have the option of staying at UVM to pursue a master’s degree in education leading to licensure as a teacher. 

You can also start working on your master’s degree right now, as an undergraduate. UVM’s accelerated master’s program (AMP) leads to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years of study, and licensure to teach anywhere in the U.S.

Secondary Education (AMP & MAT) – teaching grades 7-12

Middle Level Education (AMP & MAT) – teaching grades 5-9

Special Education (AMP & M.Ed.) – grades pre K-12