Debunking the Myths about Liberal Arts and Career Success

Change is the predominate characteristic of today’s complex, global world where students are likely to switch jobs and even careers several times over their lifetime.  And now more than ever students need the broad knowledge and skills that a liberal arts education can provide.

“Students majoring in the liberal arts learn to think critically and problem solve,” said Adam Shapiro, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. “They understand diverse communities and cultures and value teamwork. While our programs and classes may not explicitly focus on a particular profession, our graduates leave CSUSM with a broad, portable skill set that can be used in a range of workplaces and careers."

A liberal arts education strives to be intellectually liberating and broad, teaching skills in communication, cultural literacy, emotional intelligence, planning, organization and systemic thinking.

“Some of the greatest ideas I’ve seen aren’t necessarily new ideas but come from bringing ideas from disparate disciplines together,” said Bob Schmidt, who graduated from CSUSM in 2005 with a literature and writing studies degree. Schmidt is now a manager at The Brandes Institute.  “CHABSS students have that broad based background to draw on, to create new ideas for their clients or colleagues.”

For more information about the programs offered in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences, visit: www.csusm.edu/CHABSS