Considering the changing job market and demands, does the value of a liberal arts degree change? Are there certain characteristics of a liberal arts degree that have become obsolete? Or some that have become more desired?
Many parents that financial support their children through college discourage a liberal arts degree. These parents stress the need that students graduate and are placed in a steady job. Supporters of the liberal arts, such as Humpherys, believe that the liberal arts provide the necessary career readiness skills. What defines career readiness? Is it only related to a student’s major and proficiency in specific classes? Or does it involve other skills learned from the experiences inside and outside the classroom?
Andrew Coulson wrote that the liberal arts “perpetuate a 15th century approach to higher education.” Do you think the liberal arts are becoming outdated and irrelevant to higher education? Can the basis of the liberal arts be preserved while modifying some of the practices used?
A new approach to higher education, the “practice-oriented” study, was suggested. This practice involves a hybrid of liberal arts studies and pre-professional training. This can be achieved with 3/2 programs and co-op programs. Does this seem like a fair balance for higher education?
Many people involved in higher education believed that liberal arts schools are producing strong graduates, who land success job and have fruitful careers. Despite having statistics in their favor, many liberal arts schools are not drawing the number of students they need or want. Do you think the emotional language of the literature that emphasizes the “demise of the liberal arts college” affects too many people? How can liberal arts colleges stress their supportive data and appeal to the emotions of students facing the college process? Should liberal arts schools avoid all pre-professional program or is this change necessary to continue their growth?
