What you can do with this degree
By Chad Brose, former LIS/INO Graduate Assistant
A wide variety of careers are available to students who complete a Liberal Studies major. LIS graduates find entry into careers in business, government, and social service agencies like adult and family services, criminal justice, and health and welfare. Some Liberal Studies majors combine this study with teacher training programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level to become K-12 educators; others find this interdisciplinary major appropriate for graduate studies in law.
A strength and attraction of the Liberal Studies Major are the many options it provides for students to organize a study program that is both personally interesting and professionally relevant. Moreover, such a major sharpens awareness of art, history, philosophy, and technology and the impact of these disciplines on contemporary issues. In doing so, Liberal Studies increases students’ abilities to think and to communicate clearly.
Many individuals also use the Liberal Studies degree to improve their current employment standing. In addition to receiving significant and positive life changes as a result of a Liberal Studies degree, these graduates report pay raises and promotions as tangible benefits to receiving their degree.
A bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies can be used as preparation for several different careers, including:
- Editor
- Journalist
- Publicist
- Entry-level Management Personnel
- Social Services Human Relations Officer
- Para-Professional Librarian
- Policy Analyst
- Minister
- Public Relations Personnel
- Urban Planner/City Manager
- Legislative Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Politician
- Non-profit Organizational Director
- College Recruiter
- Customer Service Representative
- Creative Writer
- Copywriter
- Advertising Account Executive
- Grant Writer
- Speech Writer
- Anchorperson
- Training Specialist
- Medical Communications Trainer
- Archivist
- Museum Manager
A Liberal Studies degree may also be used to prepare for graduate study in these areas:
- Elementary/Middle School Education
- Business
- English
- History
- Journalism
- Library Science
- Law
- Medical and Health Science
- Natural Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Speech
- Communication
Recent employers of our LIS graduates include:
- University of Illinois
- U.S. Bank
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Girls Scouts of America
- Northwestern University Police
- Springfield Division of Waste & Recycling
