When people hear “liberal arts,” they often think of subjects like history or literature. In reality, a liberal arts education covers a wide variety of disciplines designed to develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. 

It’s rooted in a tradition that dates back centuries—but today, it’s a dynamic way to prepare for real-world careers across industries. 

Where Does the Term “Liberal Arts” Come From? 

The term dates back to ancient times, first appearing in the works of the Roman philosopher Cicero. It stems from the Latin phrase liberales artes, meaning “education worthy of a free person.” 

In ancient Greece and Rome, this education was focused on developing the mind, rather than training for a specific trade. According to scholars like Ernst Robert Curtius, these studies were valued because they weren’t solely about making money; they were about shaping independent thinkers. 

Later, thinkers like Wilhelm von Humboldt emphasized that this type of education helps people adapt to various roles in life and work. 

How Has Liberal Arts Evolved? 

The seven liberal arts were once the backbone of education during the Middle Ages. They were split into two categories: 

  • The Trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric 
  • The Quadrivium: arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, and music 

Originally, these subjects were believed to sharpen both the mind and character. Today, many of these disciplines are combined into broader fields. Modern liberal arts degrees also include subjects like: 

  • Literature 
  • Sociology 
  • Psychology, 
  • Natural sciences, like biology, chemistry, and physics 

Now, a liberal arts education is broader than ever, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to your unique interests and career goals. Want to work in marketing but have a passion for psychology? Combine courses in communication and behavioral sciences to create a well-rounded foundation. Your opportunities in liberal arts are limited only by your imagination. 

What Does a Liberal Arts Degree Look Like Today? 

A good liberal arts education provides a solid foundation for a variety of important and rewarding careers, with broad skills that can add value to virtually any role. A Bachelor of Arts in Humanities encapsulates what a liberal arts education is all about. 

Humanities is a multidisciplinary major that includes: 

  • History 
  • Philosophy 
  • Religion 
  • Literature 
  • Languages 
  • Social sciences (such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology) 
  • The performing and visual arts 

This degree also includes all the required core general education subjects of most degree programs, such as English, math, and life and physical sciences. It also incorporates culture (art, drama, music, humanities) as a key part of its curriculum. 

What Careers Can You Pursue with a Liberal Arts Degree? 

A liberal arts degree doesn’t limit you to one path. In fact, it can open doors to many. Common roles include: 

  • Marketing or communications specialist 
  • Human resources manager 
  • Public relations professional 
  • Nonprofit administrator 
  • Journalist or writer 
  • Educator or academic advisor 
  • Government or policy analyst 

Plus, many liberal arts grads go on to pursue advanced degrees in law, business, or education. 

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Online 

The online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities program at The University of Texas Permian Basin can help you develop a variety of skills that will benefit you in your professional life and beyond, including: 

  • Communication 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Empirical and quantitative reasoning 
  • Personal responsibility 
  • Social responsibility 
  • Teamwork 

At UT Permian Basin, we offer an immersive, affordable online BA in humanities program that gives you a greater amount of flexibility than many other available programs. Rather than adhere to a fully prearranged curriculum, you can follow your own. 

Our online BA in humanities program enables you to choose up to two concentrations (a total of 24 credit hours of specialized coursework) that align with your personal areas of interest, including: 

  • Art 
  • Communication 
  • English 
  • Spanish 
  • History 
  • Music 

Some other university degree programs combine one major and one minor. At UT Permian Basin, however, faculty advisors work with you to create a truly individualized plan of study based on a multidisciplinary theme, set of problems, specialization, period, or perspective.  

Experience the value of a liberal arts education for yourself with UT Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities program. 

Sources: 

https://archive.org/details/europeanliteratu0000curt/page/36/mode/2up
https://bighistory.de/Education/
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/seven-liberal-arts
https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/what-are-the-liberal-arts/