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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Home » Value of a Liberal Arts Education

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Value of a Liberal Arts Education

What are The liberal arts?  What do we mean by “Liberal education”?

WOU is a public liberal arts university, a place that infuses the benefits of liberal education into the learning of every student. Whatever area of specialty you choose, building your education on a strong liberal arts foundation will help you develop a range of attributes that employers seek and communities need.  You can expect to develop your skills in areas such as:

  • Critical and creative thinking
  • Inquiry and analysis
  • Clear and fluent written and oral communication
  • Effective teamwork
  • Ethical consideration and judgment

Encompassing both the sciences and the humanities, “liberal arts” does not refer to a political position, nor is it shorthand for “subjects that won’t help you get a real job.” Historically, the term derives from the Latin artes liberales, referring to the “works befitting a free people” (Random House Dictionary 2017) – knowledge of the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, as well as how to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.

All WOU’s programs will help you develop skills that enhance your employ-ability and prepare you to make a productive livelihood.  Our focus on liberal education will also help you learn how to build a productive and meaningful life, working and living meaningfully as an engaged and responsible citizen in our diverse, rapidly changing community and world.

Relevant Articles

Wondering how and why a liberal arts education continues to be relevant and meaningful in our post-industrial, high-tech age? Read the interesting and informative articles below.

  • Why America’s obsession with (just) STEM education is dangerous (Washington Post)
  • In 10 years, the job market will look totally different (Washington Post)
  • Humanities indicators (the state of humanities in the US)
  • Humanities pay off down the line (Forbes Magazine)
  • Major decisions:  Graduates’ earning growth and debt repayment (Hamilton Project)
  • Get your best return on investment for a liberal arts degree (US News & World Report)
  • The case for a liberal arts education (CNBC)
  • Why businesses prefer a liberal arts education (CNBC)
  • How to sell a liberal arts education (Wall Street Journal)
  • STEM vs. STEAM?  Do the arts belong?  (Education Week)
  • Learning is like sex — and other key reasons the liberal arts remain relevant (Washington Post)
  • Review: ‘Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters’ by Michael S. Roth (Washington Post)
  • Why the liberal arts matter (CNN)
  • Young minds in critical condition (New York Times)
  • ‘There’s nothing liberal about specializing in philosophy’ (The Atlantic)
  • Hooray for worthless education! (Salon)
  • How the liberal arts build entrepreneurial muscle (Hechinger Report)
  • Is college for getting a job or finding one’s passion?  (Oregon Stater Magazine)
  • The enduring relevance of a liberal arts education (Hechinger Report)
Why a Liberal Arts Education May be for You

We are right for you if you are looking for:

  • Close interaction with faculty who are committed to your success
  • Learning that extends beyond the classroom to lab, studio, field, theater or community
  • Opportunities to explore and prepare for careers through internships, service learning and research experiences. 
  • Skills strengthened by a liberal education.

See examples of student projects and research

  • Browse original research papers, projects, artwork, performances, and upper-division course projects, presentations, and papers that were presented at this WOU’s yearly Academic Excellence Showcase.

Explore the latest happenings in the College

  • See latest news from around the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
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