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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)
        • Young minds in critical condition (New York Times)
        • ‘There’s nothing liberal about specializing in philosophy’ (The Atlantic)
        • Hooray for worthless education! (Salon)
            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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