If you were going to college?

Question

Is going to college for Art, History.....or the Liberal Arts even worth it? What fields are in demand? And is a Bachelor's worth much anymore? I've heard it's the equivalent now of a High School Diploma. Even though you can still make 20,000 more than those without a degree..

Answer 1

I think when you hear people say that a Bachelor's is today's equivalent of yesterday's H.S. Diploma, they are saying that it is the minimum required for gainful employment in the U.S. It means that it is MORE important to have because decades ago, people could train into a good job without a college degree. Now, you really can't get a decent job without a college education, particularly when manufacturing jobs are being exported.

As far as Art, History, or Liberal Arts degrees are concerned, unless your goal is a position that requires a specialized degree (such as accounting), you will demonstrate not only do you have a love for learning, but that you are also a well rounded individual that is valuable employers.

My college advisor pretty much told me not to concern myself so much with what degrees are "in demand" because if its not a field I'm interested in, it won't matter. I agree with her advice to me that I should major in whatever I am most interested in. Why? Because if I'm interested in what I'm studying, that will reflect well in my GPA.

An employer hiring for a general business job is going to be more interested in your GPA than in your major because your GPA reflects the level of dedication you will likely have for your job and the quality of work you do.

Discover what subjects inspire joy and passion in you, and major in that!

Answer 2

In the sense that a BA is now the "new high school diploma", yes college is worth it, even in the liberal arts. It's true that the demands in these fields might be lower, but you could always double major or pursue an additional certificate program to expand your prospective careers.

If you wanted to save time and money you could also try graduating early in 3 years instead of the traditional 4.

Answer 3

People argue that majoring in the arts does not give you the skills that you need to succeed in business. I say that any major where you have to think critically, teaches you to write well and teaches you to present oral arguments is perfect preparation for business.

I say get a degre in the iberal arts -- but supplememnt it with some math, economics and business classes. Being well educated will make you marketable.