"In an increasingly technical world, many ask the questions, What is the value of a liberal arts education? What is its relevance? To answer, I'll speak of my own experience. The world is becoming increasingly complex, so, as a chemist, I must think about more than just chemistry. To do research that will make a positive difference, I have to think about the socioeconomic and ecological impact of that research. And no area has emphasized expansive thinking as well as the arts and sciences. We teach our students to think in several different directions and to realize that every time an issue comes up, one has to look at it through several different lenses. Indeed, the critical thinking skills that students develop in their journey through the Arts and Sciences will serve them well regardless of their career and professional paths."The Value of an Arts & Sciences Degree
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a liberal education combining a comprehensive general curriculum with concentrated study in a particular field. A liberally educated person is identified not so much by specific knowledge as by quality of mind and creative responses to the challenges of the times. The central purposes of a liberal education include the encouragement of intellectual tolerance, a dedication to the quest for knowledge as a worthwhile goal, and the cultivation of a responsible, creative, individual mind.
Finally, the skills of a liberally educated individual will provide the most valuable commodity in our ever-changing job market-—flexibility. As you pursue your college education, some jobs will cease to exist and others will be created through technological and economic change. You will be ready with the skills you need to adapt and develop multiple career opportunities.
Career Options are Limitless
Majors and careers do not always have direct relationships. Some careers, for example in health professions and education, require certain majors and certification. However, many times careers develop in unusual ways that cannot be predicted by the major. An Arts and Sciences degree provides a liberal education which develops the necessary skills to enhance your movement through a variety of careers. Listed below are some real-life examples:
| MAJOR | POSITION |
| Music | President of a Bank |
| Psychology | Computer-User Consultant |
| Theatre | College Administrator |
| Economics | Journalist, Writer |
| History | Human Resource Director |
| Women’s Studies | Marketing |
| Spanish | Consultant for Global Company |
| English | Senior VP Major Chemical Company |
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Contact Information
College of Arts & Sciences
Arts & Sciences Advising Services
1 Alumni Memorial Building
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-1325
Phone: (865) 974-4481
Email: asadvising@utk.edu