4 leading U.S. colleges for postgraduate Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts started as the essential academic venture in the Greco-Roman world, representing the height of education for any free civilian. What first began as a learning journey that covered just three subjects (grammar, rhetoric and logic, generally known as the trivium) has now evolved to a curriculum that includes virtually every discipline. First known as a platform for the elite, the Liberal Arts are now as accessible as they are all-encompassing, and though its course portfolio has varied throughout the years, the purpose of the Liberal Arts remains pretty much the same: to produce well-rounded graduates with a wealth of subject knowledge and heaps of transferrable expertise.

But with so much talk of STEM-related fields and the value of ‘work-ready’ graduates across global media, it can be all-too-easy to overlook the importance of the Liberal Arts degree.

According to a survey of 400 employers, conducted in collaboration with The Conference Board, Corporate Voices for Working Families, the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills, and the Society for Human Resource Management, uncovered that applied, or ‘soft’, skills like critical thinking, communication and teamwork “trump basic knowledge and skills, such as reading comprehension and mathematics”, giving doubters of the Liberal Arts cause to eat their own words…

“I find that Liberal Arts thinkers are the ones that try to problem solve and don’t just draw on experiences and skills from school,” Val DiFebo, CEO of Deutsch NY – a highly-successful advertising agency based in New York City – tells the U.S. News and World Report. DiFebo also highlights that the creative and critical skills instilled in Liberal Arts graduates are among the many factors that set them apart. She says in terms of success and innovation within her own industry, the Liberal Arts may form a much more stable foundation than a more concentrated, career-related degree.

“When interns tell me they’re majoring in marketing, I wonder if that’s the smartest thing,” she explains. “This industry changes so rapidly; I’m not sure what you’d learn as a marketing major would prepare you properly for what marketing will look like in the future.”

Over the centuries, the Liberal Arts have become somewhat disconnected from their classical roots, and the U.S. is now widely accepted as the home of the modern Liberal Arts. Some institutions choose to offer a one-year associate’s degree within the Liberal Arts, but the majority of U.S. colleges, however, provide a globally-recognized qualification following four years of full-time study. Postgraduate students of the Liberal Arts generally leave with an MA or MSc degree in their chosen specialization, and this esteemed level of education paired with their success in a curriculum that’s as respected as it is comprehensive, gives the Liberal Arts postgraduate the unparalleled chance to thrive in virtually any sector or industry, and in any country.

Read on to learn more about 4 leading U.S. institutions for postgraduate Liberal Arts…

LANDER UNIVERSITY, GREENWOOD – SOUTH CAROLINA

Established in 1872, Lander University is an institution steeped in a history of academic excellence. As a co-educational, state-assisted and comprehensive four-year university located in Greenwood, South Carolina, Lander provides outstanding learning opportunities for a diverse body of nearly 3,000 students. On top of its Liberal Arts and Science-based programs, Lander also provides professional programs in Business, Education and Nursing.

The hallmark of Lander’s Graduate Studies lies in its unique program portfolio, ranging from education, to nursing, to emergency management, with each program being specifically-designed to help graduates further their careers and become leaders in their fields.

In addition to providing unparalleled academic opportunities, Lander is determined to help students develop the expertise needed to maintain fruitful careers. Dedicated Career Services staff are on hand to assist with everything from major selection to resumé building, interview skills, and strategies for job search and placement. 

HAMILTON COLLEGE, CLINTON – NEW YORK

Boasting more than two centuries of progress and tradition, Hamilton College is committed to teaching students to think independently, communicate effectively and develop intellectually. Through a co-curricular program that provides internships, leadership and experiential learning opportunities, Hamilton inspires a love of learning and responsible engagement in a rapidly changing world.

With courses that range from Asian Studies, to Cinema and Media Studies, to Hebrew, Law, Linguistics and beyond, Hamilton is bound to have you covered no matter where your passions lie. The College’s open curriculum gives students the chance to select programs that specifically match their interests, while maintaining the expectation that they study broadly across the diverse liberal arts.

Upon admission to the university, students work alongside an experienced faculty advisor to establish a personalized study plan to suit their goals and aspirations. It doesn’t matter whether they involve studying abroad, further study, launching a new career or anything else – Hamilton will do everything it can to help make your dreams become reality.

HAVERFORD COLLEGE, HAVERFORD – PHILADELPHIA

Haverford, a leading liberal arts college located outside Philadelphia, provides a one-of-a-kind education enriched with academic rigor, honor code and an utterly stunning campus.

The institution’s small and intimate size makes it possible to uphold an individualized curriculum and practical learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to work alongside leading professors to produce high-level research as they develop skills like analytical thinking and push the boundaries of each discipline.

Haverford’s respected and diverse curricular requirements ensures students leave as versatile and expansive thinkers. Students are required to take courses in each of three major academic divisions in order to cultivate a variety of ideas, concepts and intellectual approaches to the challenges of daily life and the world. All members of Haverford’s faculty are globally-recognized leaders of thought, dedicated to working closely with students to ensure their success both now and into the future.

MADONNA UNIVERSITY, LIVONIA – MICHIGAN

Madonna University is a Catholic and Franciscan institution of higher learning. Through a wealth of strong academic programs, career preparation and service learning projects, Madonna seeks to change the lives of students, teaching them how to become effective leaders and confident scholars who, in turn, go on to change the lives of others.

The University’s Graduate School provides a world-class postgraduate education and more than 30 professional degree and certificate programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice, on top of a vibrant collection of specialized graduate programs.

The Graduate School at Madonna University is committed to excellence in education and your success and intellectual development as a graduate student. By fostering a unique values-based, global, and service-oriented perspective, Madonna University prepares professionals to excel in their roles in public, private, profit, and non-profit organizations.

Liked this? Then you’ll love these…

5 reasons to attend a Liberal Arts College

Career success and a fulfilling student experience through the liberal arts