The liberal arts provide a foundation of knowledge allowing students to study different topics, think critically about issues, formulate arguments, communicate effectively, solve problems, and apply their knowledge in the real world. It is a traditional form of higher learning that prepares students for a variety of professions.
More subjects than expected fall under the umbrella of liberal arts. They are divided into four main areas: humanities, natural/physical sciences and mathematics, social sciences, and creative arts. There are also many interdisciplinary majors combining two or more of these fields. One reason many students are attracted to liberal arts institutions is the benefit of studying one subject in depth (major) while having the ability to add a second academic focus (major/minor/concentration or performance area such as music/theater/dance).
Division of Subjects
Humanities
When thinking of a liberal arts education, the humanities may initially come to mind: English, philosophy, religion or religious studies, languages, and history. Culture and social conditions are the focus of the humanities.
Natural/Physical Sciences and Mathematics
STEM subjects are, in fact, part of the liberal arts. These include subjects like astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and archeology. Many subjects here support further education toward professional programs like medical school or graduate school.
Social Sciences
A popular division of the liberal arts is social science, which includes subject areas like economics, political science, sociology, history, and psychology. Graduates of these subjects are also prepared for professional programs like business school or graduate school, or entry into the professional world.
Creative Arts
The creative arts include music, fine arts, performing/theater arts, design, and literature. Using imagination and implementing new or original ideas is the focus here.
Learning Style
Liberal Arts versus Vocational/Technical/Professional
In addition to gaining knowledge of a specific field, a liberal arts education offers broad exposure to many subjects, allowing you to develop soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, and creativity. Vocational/technical/professional education focuses on instruction and skills needed to succeed in a particular field. These are more career-oriented and exist for a specific purpose.
Graduates of a liberal arts education are armed with the tools needed to succeed in various professions by learning in a diverse and analytical environment and style. Thinking critically about a subject area and navigating complex issues is one avenue of higher education, while learning specific skills for a predetermined trade in vocational/technical/professional education is another.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Liberal Arts and STEM Complement
STEM subjects are a part of the liberal arts including the sciences (physics, chemistry and Biology), technology related majors (computer science, data science, information science), and mathematics/statistics. Engineering is less common at liberal arts institutions and often offered as a 3-2 option, where students spend the first three years earning a liberal arts degree and then two years at a university setting earning an engineering degree. Other STEM pre-professional majors like business or pre-med are supported by a liberal arts education designed to prepare students for graduate programs or direct entry into a field.
Benefits and Careers
A liberal arts education aims to prepare graduates to succeed in their lives, professional and otherwise, by multifaceted skill building. Students gain depth in their major and breadth from the required curriculum.
The careers applicable to a liberal arts education are vast and varied: marketing, design, editing/writing, medicine, business, entrepreneurship, technology, and more. Job markets fluctuate, but the skills demanded across many fields remain stable, which is why the liberal arts and liberal arts institutions continue to thrive. If you would like to explore the possibility of a liberal arts education or need assistance with your application, contact us today.
Originally published in Jan 2023. Edited by an admissions consultant and republished in Feb 2026.
Former Associate Director of Admissions at MIT
Former Associate Director of Admissions at Macalester College
Former Assistant Director of Admissions at Macalester College
Former Admissions Counselor at St. Olaf College
3 Years in MIT Admissions
9 Years in Macalester Admissions
4 Years in St. Olaf Admissions
20,000+ Applications Read and Evaluated
Philana earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and Master’s degrees from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. With over 16 years in admissions, she has a track record of building relationships, creating accessible education policies, and increasing diversity in student bodies.
