Editor’s Note: This is the second in a four-part series about the current job market.
For at least four decades, the economic value of a liberal arts major has come under scrutiny.
Even though experts say those studying liberal arts are at a definite disadvantage immediately upon graduation, data show that they will eventually catch up to — and in many cases, be more successful than — their counterparts with technical degrees such as computer science and engineering.
“I think (people studying liberal arts) can really do a lot of different things,” said Thomas Korvas, director of Ohio University Career Services. “No, they’re not going to be an engineer and they’re not going to be a doctor, but there’s so many things that they can assist in.”
According to a survey of more than 15,000 college graduates done by StudentsReview.com, the average starting salary for someone who majored in English is $40,539 and averages $76,348 over 10 years. Those who studied computer engineering, meanwhile, start at $59,804 and average $82,691 over 10 years.
Ed Koc, the director of strategic and foundation research at the National Association of Colleges and Employers, said graduates with technical majors are more susceptible to obstacles than those with liberal arts degrees.
“Sometimes with the career-oriented majors, you might start out very well, but you might run into a ceiling effect you can’t get past,” Koc said. “Whereas a liberal arts major may take a while to get situated, but there’s no real ceiling to the skills there.”
Koc added that consternation about the future of liberal arts education stems from those studying these subjects panicking because they do not immediately receive the substantial job offers those in technical fields do.
Often, those with liberal arts majors have a tough time adjusting to the job market because they try to find a position that relates to their major, Koc said. After accepting that their job may have little to do with their major, though, they have a skill set that is flexible and allows for quick advancement.
“The main focus of a lot of (liberal arts) work is the communication — both verbal and written — for projects, analytical skills from the reading and writing that they do, working in the group projects and teamwork skills,” said Kristine Hoke, assistant director of OU Career Services.
Those skills, among others, allow those studying liberal arts to pursue more open-ended career paths than those in technical fields, who are more likely to be locked into their professions.
Koc said he believes liberal arts has a future.
“I think there’s still viability there, particularly because the world is changing rapidly, and the more diverse your background is, the more adaptable you’re likely to be,” he said.
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