How to choose a bachelor's in liberal arts

Are you looking for a bachelor's degree option that can provide you with plenty of career options? A bachelor's in liberal arts can offer coursework in a variety of disciplines to broaden your skill set and knowledge base. Learn the keys to selecting a liberal arts degree program that can support your future endeavors.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in liberal arts

Because of the breadth of available options, knowing how to choose a bachelor's in liberal arts degree program can be a challenge. These five criteria can help you narrow down your choices and pick the right program for your needs.

Check a school's accreditation status

A school's accreditation status can be important for many reasons. If you're applying for state or federal loans and grants, you may need to prove that your chosen school is accredited. Additionally, some employers evaluate your credentials, including the quality of your degree, based on your school's accreditation status.

While there is a wide range of accrediting bodies that govern specific programs like business and computer science, liberal arts bachelor's degrees are often accredited at the institutional level.

You may want to find out whether the institution you choose holds accreditation from an agency recognized by the Department of Education. This can help ensure your institution is held accountable for academic quality.

Still, if you wish to hone your skills in a particular area, you may want to choose a bachelor's degree program that offers concentrations, specializations, or minors.

For example, those who wish to go into business may choose to specialize in business administration, while those who want to go into healthcare may minor in public health. Consider your future career options and select a specialization that aligns well.

Gather information about career services offerings

Because an interdisciplinary degree like a bachelor's in liberal arts can make you professionally versatile, it can be helpful to get career guidance from the degree-granting institution you attend. A good career services department can help you work toward a fulfilling career in several ways, including:

• Figuring out which skills you should focus on developing
• Selecting coursework that can give you essential knowledge
• Becoming aware of internship and job opportunities in the field
• Hosting or advertising career fairs for soon-to-be graduates

Learning how to choose a bachelor's in liberal arts is about selecting a school that will benefit you while you attend classes and after you graduate. After meeting with career services counselors, you can walk away with a concrete plan concerning your education and an idea of what you'll do once you earn your degree.

Check out the school's alumni network

Navigating your personal and professional life after obtaining a bachelor's degree in liberal arts can be daunting, especially when you have so many career possibilities. Selecting a school with a robust alumni network can allow you to seek advice from those who have already earned their degrees.

You may be able to discover information about popular careers and make professional connections for the future. In some cases, those alumni working in roles you aspire to may be able to provide you with guidance and mentorship on specific courses to take, certifications to obtain, and skills to develop for a competitive edge in that field.

Evaluate future education opportunities

According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly one-third of those who earn a degree in liberal arts hold an advanced degree. Having some additional education under your belt can not only open the door to even more career opportunities, but in some cases, it can also help you land higher-paying roles.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to see whether the institution you are considering offers opportunities to earn an advanced degree, either in liberal arts or a chosen specialty. If employers in your career field require or prefer certification, it is convenient if your school offers a separate program to help you obtain it.