Value of a Liberal Arts Education
It is often said: The University of Mississippi is the flagship liberal arts university in the State of Mississippi. What does this mean? And, what is the value of a liberal arts education?
What is Liberal Arts?
The concept of a liberal arts education, rooted in ancient Greece, was designed to promote human freedom and democracy. It focused on skills needed for active citizenship and democracy, like critical thinking and communication.
Today, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) defines liberal education as:
- Empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change
- Provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest
- Helps students develop:
- A sense of social responsibility
- Strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills
- The ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings
A liberal arts education marks a well-educated individual ready for diverse careers. It helps students discover and develop their talents, preparing them for both a dynamic economy and a meaningful life.
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
Discover the value of a liberal arts education and all the opportunities to enrich your life.
Holly T Reynolds
Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Assistant Professor
General Education for All Degrees
Students start with general education, which builds skills like social responsibility, scientific curiosity, and critical thinking. This core curriculum helps students grow as thinkers and learners and prepares them to be part of our academic community.
UM students are learning the following general education competencies:
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical Reasoning and Ethical Responsibility
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
Students build an interactive set of skills and content knowledge based on a liberal arts foundation.
Alumni Insights
See what alumni say about their liberal arts education and how it has influenced their career paths.
What Employers Look For
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys leading executives about the top attributes or skills desired in job candidates. See the top skills listed below, most of which are gained through a liberal arts education.
- Written Communication Skills
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Ability to Work in a Team
- Strong Work Ethic
- Flexibility/Adaptability
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Initiative
- Leadership
The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) report, Fulfilling the American Dream: Liberal Education and the Future of Work, provides a national survey of the most valuable experiences desired among college graduates by executives and hiring managers.
- Internship
- Advanced senior project/thesis
- Community project with people from diverse backgrounds
- Multiple courses with significant writing
- Collaborative research project with peers
- Study abroad
- Service learning project in community
This survey showcases again how communication skills, critical thinking, and being able to work effectively with a variety of people are at the core of what is needed in the world of work. And, employers want graduates who have gotten off campus and applied what they have learned in a variety of settings. Students should plan these kinds of college experiences, no matter the specific choice of a major.