UNO: Liberal arts degrees that prepare graduates for the future of work

Rapid technological advancements are driving change to both our personal and professional lives in more ways than we can care to imagine. But more than a catalyst for innovation, it’s also changing the very fabric of society. The world has become increasingly connected and globalised; with businesses operating across borders, this not only leads to a more diverse workforce, but also a more diverse society.

While areas such as STEM have garnered a reputation as a promising field of study for the future of work, communication know-how and an understanding of intercultural nous serves as a valuable item in your arsenal of skills in the tech-driven era. This heralds a new era for liberal art studies to take its role in the spotlight. A diverse society is a fusion of thoughts, cultures and beliefs, which means that success in the future of work means having both the soft and hard skills needed to navigate this new environment, differentiating yourself in the age of automation with their human skills.

University of New Orleans, College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development

The liberal arts are key to our autonomous future

There are many benefits to obtaining a liberal arts degree. A liberal arts education encompasses numerous academic disciplines, from music to film and dance, and from political science and languages to education. While seen less favourably by sceptics, the subjects in the field exposes students to a multitude of perspectives, which encourages students to expand their worldview, prompting them to look at the world beyond their own culture and via multicultural lenses.

In a similar vein, many liberal arts graduates have gone on to be movers and shakers in society. Research by the British Academy found that 58 percent of Chief Executives of FTSE 100 Index Companies have studied arts, humanities and social sciences, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Many top executives with a liberal arts degree have also proven that graduate prospects aren’t tethered to one specific subject or industry – successful graduates can enjoy diverse opportunities.

There has never been a better time to pursue a liberal arts education than this time of volatile tensions and political unrest, which has led to growing hostility towards demographic change. But this is a crucial reminder that it’s never been more essential for us to unravel and embrace diverse human perspectives. The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development at the University of New Orleans (UNO) recognises this, encouraging students to break the shackles of ethnocentrism.

University of New Orleans, College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development

Liberal arts degrees that prepares graduates for the future of work

UNO is a public research university tied to its city of New Orleans,  renowned for a cultural diversity that’s reflected in both its food and music. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programmes – both online and on-campus – that cater to varied personal and professional interests. The College of Liberal Arts houses four disciplinary areas, namely the School of the Arts (SOTA), Humanities, the School of Education and Social Sciences, including Planning and Urban Studies.

Students who are passionate about the English language and are considering careers in teaching, writing, other professional fields or further graduate study leading to a doctorate, can choose from programmes such as a BA in English, MA in English, Online MA in English, MFA in Creative Writing and Online MFA in Creative Writing. English degrees also prepare students for careers requiring analytical and communication skills, providing a solid foundation for rewarding careers and informed citizenship.

Meanwhile, SOTA brings together five arts disciplines: Arts Administration, Film, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts, expanding on UNO’s rich arts traditions; sharing resources and training across disciplines; and addressing 21^st century career challenges. For instance, students looking to make their mark as filmmakers will find that UNO’s film arts programme offers hands-on experience in film production.

Courses include film aesthetics, digital technology, film history and script analysis, in addition to electives such as documentary production, cinematography, editing and sound design. Film arts serve as the foundation to give students the best chance of success in the highly technical, creative and competitive profession of film-making.

With education serving as a growing and lucrative sector, UNO offers quality academic programmes relating to education for aspiring professionals in the field. This includes Early Childhood Education (Teaching Certificate), Secondary Education (B.S.), Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education and Habilitative Services (M.A.T.), to name a few.

Stellar programmes aside, UNO also boasts of some positive statistics. Nearly 77 percent of students receive some form of financial assistance every year, totaling over US$41 million dollars in financial aid and scholarships. Meanwhile, 90 percent of students are employed two years after graduation, according to Niche.com.

So, if you’re looking to make your mark with a flexible and valuable education, there’s no doubt that a liberal arts degree from UNO will act as a springboard for your future career success.

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