Many liberal arts majors have plans to pursue a graduate degree to improve their chances of landing a job. But which graduate programs are best for those with a liberal arts degree? Graduates should focus on programs that don’t require a large number of specific courses (such as science or engineering), but rather programs that typically accept those with a variety of degrees. With some programs, you may still need to complete a few undergraduate classes to qualify for entry. If you are pursuing a liberal arts degree and aren’t sure which graduate programs are best, see our list below.
The Best Graduate Degrees for Liberal Arts Majors
This list is not comprehensive, but rather some ideas of degrees that many liberal arts majors decide to pursue. Before deciding on a graduate program, meet with a career counselor at your school to discuss all the options available to you.
Education
Education offers a variety of options for graduates. You may pursue elementary, secondary or special education. Depending on your major, you may need to complete undergraduate education classes to qualify for entry into a graduate program. An education degree can open many doors and offer a secure career path as teachers will always be in demand.
Business
An MBA opens the door to many careers. But before deciding on business, determine what career path is right for you. With such a wide variety of jobs in business, it’s best to have a focus going into a graduate program. Knowing what you want out of an MBA will help you pursue internships and choose relevant courses. For ideas on career paths, read Forbes’ 6 Hot Jobs for MBA Graduates.
Social Work
Social work is a good career choice for those with a degree in the social sciences. Social workers work in a variety of settings including child and human services agencies, hospitals, healthcare providers and schools. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the demand for social workers is anticipated to increase over the coming decade. In order to become a clinical social worker, one must obtain a master’s degree and a license in the state they practice.
Law
Some students choose law school as a default because they aren’t sure what to do. If you aren’t truly interested in law, don’t go to law school. It will waste time and money, leaving you to work in a field you don’t like or a useless degree. Luckily there are many subspecialties in the legal field so you have options to explore. There’s contract law, family law, intellectual property law, employment law, bankruptcy law and many more. Reach out to lawyers in your school’s alumni network and ask questions about their work.
Journalism and Communications
Although print journalism has been on the decline for decades, there are still job opportunities for online publications. A communications degree can land you a job in social media management, public relations, marketing and event management. Choosing a good program and obtaining internship experience can increase your career opportunities.
Don’t pursue a graduate degree because you feel that it’s expected. You can take time to work in a variety of jobs to learn what interests you, and what you want out of a career. Also talk with a career counselor to determine your talents, values and interests.