Your major is not your career.

That’s because a broad background in the sciences, arts, and humanities provide you with the skills necessary for success in any profession.

Students in the College of Arts & Sciences will develop core competencies that will prepare them for life after college--no matter their major or chosen field.

Skills like critical thinking, creativity, and written and oral expression are just as much in demand in today’s job market as they’ve always been. Remember, too, that you can’t always predict where your academic path will lead. In part, that’s because the road map is always changing.

As purely technical jobs are likely to be among the first to be automated, a background in sciences and humanities is more promising—and more relevant—than ever before. Read what others have to say below:

Earn as much or more over your lifetime compared with students receiving technical degrees...

campus

“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

Develop the skills that employers are always looking for...

College of Medicine library

“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 your work...

classroom

“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

Develop the skills necessary to be a leader--in any field...

research lab - the Melosira

"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.

Student interns record a podcast.

92%

of UVM grads from the Classes of 2016-18 were employed or continuing their education within 6 months of graduation. 

 

92%

of seniors report being engaged in research, an internship or other experience-based learning/ high impact practice while at UVM.