A Parent’s (Honest) Reckoning with a Liberal Arts Education
As a professional copywriter specializing in higher education, I know how to pitch the value of the liberal arts. Start with an impressive compilation of hyphenated words to describe the ideal graduate: a problem-solving, big-thinking, culture-shaping world-changer. Go on to tell the stories of inspiring outcomes. Wrap it up with a compelling charge to students to explore their dreams and passions.
But now I’m faced with a new conundrum—as a parent of a rising high school senior, do I really believe what I write?
When I think about my son’s future, I confess it’s tempting to focus on aspects of his education that give him a direct trajectory to a “good” career. An identifiable profession that’s in-demand, steady, and pays well. A first job that sets him up for a comfortable, predictable life. But deep down, is that the ultimate goal I have for him?
Do I dare to imagine that my son might step out of the box and pursue some kind of career journey that neither of us can quite envision at this point?
What Do Parents Want for Their Children?
An article in the New York Post last year described recent research about parents’ aspirations for their kids’ careers. The big takeaway? Four out of five parents want their children to be “successful adults” and say they’ll need to pursue “future-proofing” careers to accomplish this.
But what, really, is a “successful adult”? It’s a question I’ve been wrestling with myself as a parent.
I believe, probably like most parents, that my son is loaded with potential. Like most parents, I want him to reach for the promise of all that he can be and do. I want him to make the most of his gifts, talents, and opportunities and to grow from his challenges.
As a Christian parent, this vision of “success” takes on an even higher meaning: living out the purpose God intends for him. If that’s the goal, a “future-proof” career will be a natural outcome.
What Do Students Need in a College Education?
Whatever technical skills my son needs for a particular job, he’ll probably learn mostly on the job. Just like everyone else. But communication skills and critical thinking acumen?—that’s what will set him apart. If he can adapt to new contexts, display reasoning beyond the immediate scenario, and proactively evaluate complex problems, then he’ll be more successful at any job he attempts.
According to the 2020 National Student Pulse Report by Barnes & Noble College, students’ confidence in the future has dramatically dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic. While 74% of students felt very or somewhat confident about career preparedness before COVID-19, only 53% felt that way when the survey was taken during the pandemic.
Could it be that—more than ever—students need an education that will prepare them to adapt in an unpredictable world?
So What Is the Value of Liberal Arts After All?
Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce has extensively studied the measurable value of liberal arts study. Their new research shows that, indeed, degrees from liberal arts colleges outperform others financially in the long run.
According to the center’s director, Anthony P. Carnevale, “the ideal preparation includes education in a field linked to a career, such as engineering, with the addition of general education that allows a person to be flexible and draw on a wealth of knowledge.”
Perhaps even more important, though, is the immeasurable value. Remember that vision for a student to live their fullest potential?
My son likes to be moving and active, engaging with people as much as possible. He probably won’t be a history or literature major. If he pursues a program in criminal justice, business management, or outdoor recreation, will those history and literature classes make a difference for him? Absolutely.
With a broad, holistic approach to learning, my son will thrive as a team player with a big picture view of life. He’ll expand his curiosity, and he’ll keep learning. As his profession—whatever it may be—is inevitably shaped by changing culture, he’ll be flexible enough to grow with it. Maybe he’ll even be part of shaping it.
Education in the liberal arts unleashes a student’s potential. As a parent invested in my child’s success, yes, I believe more than ever what I write.
How can you communicate the value of your liberal arts commitments to students and prospective parents? Let’s talk about what this means for your school!
