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Students during fall outside STEPS

The Value of a Liberal Arts Education

Equipping Yourself with Versatile Skills for a Dynamic World

In a rapidly changing global economy, the ability to navigate the big and complex is exactly what makes our graduates essential. Whether you are studying ancient history or African American studies, you are mastering a rigorous, versatile skill set that is in high demand across every industry. You aren't just earning a degree; you are developing the critical inquiry and ethical reasoning required to be a focused future maker.

Real Skills and Earning Potential

While starting salaries vary across disciplines, evidence shows that the long-term earning potential of liberal arts graduates is comparable to—and often exceeds—technical fields. This is due to the adaptability and vision our students bring to their work.

Employers across all sectors are looking for an unshakable work ethic and the ability to solve complicated, human problems. A Lehigh liberal arts education ensures these competencies are tested and measured:

  • Authentic Collaboration: Mastering the art of teamwork to drive meaningful change.
  • Precision in Communication: Crafting clear, impactful narratives in both writing and speech.
  • Critical Problem-Solving: Using analytical tools to find innovative solutions to real-world issues.

Managers in business, government, and other sectors value liberal arts graduates because they bring essential skills to the workplace inclduing:

  • Reading and writing effectively
  • Listening and speaking clearly
  • Problem-solving and quantitative reasoning
  • Information literacy
  • Lifelong learning

At Lehigh, the College of Arts and Sciences equips you with these sought-after skills, preparing you for a future full of opportunities. Whether you're exploring the humanities, sciences, or arts, a liberal arts degree is an investment in your ability to adapt, succeed, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Alumni spotlight

Mary Swatek '85 was a double major in biology and Spanish. She talks about the value she found in her Arts and Sciences education and how it prepared her for a successful career. Currently Vice President at Newmark Associates, Swatek started her career in market research and strategic consulting for the global pharma, biotech, and diagnostics industries. In the next decade, she took on leading roles in sales and marketing then market and business development while also managing strategic relationships and joining key initiatives with Regulatory, Scientific Affairs and Product Development teams. During the past decade as an independent consultant, she has supported executive management clients across nutritional, phytopharmaceutical, devices, and cord blood storage businesses.