Throughout
the college search process, you've probably been thinking about your
areas of interest—where your talents lie, your strengths and
weaknesses, what you enjoy doing. Although you may not have to declare
a major during the first semester of your freshman year, you should
have a good idea of what you'd like to study. What you decide to study
will play a role in determining where you study. Colleges and
universities in the United States have programs of study to meet your
needs and to enhance your natural abilities.
Many colleges offer a liberal arts program of study, which integrates material from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Colleges that offer liberal arts studies to students during their first years of higher education focus on exploring society, literature, and communication. Through a well-rounded curriculum, students acquire a basic understanding of social and individual behavior and learn to communicate in other languages and across cultures. A liberal arts degree appeals to students who may not have one specific area of interest but who want to have variety in their studies.
Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages
Degrees in arts, humanities, social sciences, and languages can lead to fulfilling and exciting careers.
Popular careers in visual and performing arts include:
- Acting
- Art direction
- Dancing and choreography
- Fine arts
- Multimedia arts
- Music performance or instruction
- Photography
Studies in humanities encompass history, cultural studies, cinema, popular culture, archaeology, literature, philosophy, ethics, and religion. Career opportunities for students majoring in one of these fields are virtually endless. Many students who study humanities at the undergraduate level move on to complete a graduate degree in a more specialized field, and some become teachers or professors.
Key subjects of study in social sciences include history, geography, anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, international relations, religion, and economics. Programs in social sciences include courses similar to those offered in a humanities curriculum. Social sciences, however, focus on examining our diverse world and the people who live in it.
Social sciences majors often enter one of the following occupations:
- Anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- Area and Cultural Studies
- Economist
- Political Scientist
- Psychologist
- Sociologist
Students who study languages and become fluent in one or more languages open the door to numerous career opportunities. Due to the growing Hispanic population in the United States, for instance, many employers are recruiting employees who are fluent in Spanish. Those who are linguistically talented may also pursue careers in translation and education.
