Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Career Outlook

Thank you for your interest in Georgetown's Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. Please note that our degree completion program is fully online. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

As today’s job market continues to evolve, new careers are emerging, which demand creativity, broad knowledge, and the ability to fit disparate pieces of information into a coherent whole. To successfully navigate these shifting landscapes requires a distinct way of seeing, thinking, and doing—it requires mental agility and adaptability. These skills are at the core of a liberal studies education.

According to a national survey of business and nonprofit leaders conducted by the Association of American Colleges & Universities, more than 75 percent of respondents said they want more emphasis on five key areas, including: critical thinking, complex problem-solving, written communication, oral communication, and applied knowledge in real-world settings. About 95 percent of those surveyed also said it is important that those they hire demonstrate ethical judgment and integrity; intercultural skills; and the capacity for continued new learning.

So, what are the benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree if you’re already well versed in these key areas? Put simply, increased career opportunities and greater earning potential. According to recent studies published by the Georgetown University Center for Education and the Workforce, approximately 35 percent of job openings require at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the studies showed that those with bachelor's degrees, no matter the field, earn vastly more than counterparts with some college ($1.55 million in lifetime earnings) or a high school diploma ($1.30 million lifetime). These findings indicate that no matter the level of attainment or the field of study, simply earning a four-year degree is often integral to financial success later in life.

Alumni of the program have gone on to pursue career opportunities in the following areas:

  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Communications and Public Relations
  • Education and Administration
  • Healthcare
  • Humanities and the Arts Administration
  • International Affairs
  • Journalism
  • Law and Legal Services
  • Local, State and Federal Government
  • Military
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Social Services
  • Technology Management

Alumni of the program have gone on to pursue graduate study opportunities in the following areas:

  • Business (MBA, MS, MiM, M.S.)
  • English, History, Literature, Religious Studies, Philosophy (M.A., Ph.D.)
  • Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S., D.L.S.)
  • Law (J.D., LL.M.)
  • Industry-Specific Degrees (M.P.S.)
    • Communications
    • Journalism
    • Marketing
    • Real Estate
    • Technology
72% Employment rate of U.S. population ages 25+ with bachelor's or higher 55% Employment rate of U.S. population ages 25+ with high school diploma as highest level of education 56% Earnings gap between college graduates and high school graduates, 2015, (the widest gap on record) Top attributes employers want to see on new graduates’ resumes: Leadership 80% Ability to work in a team 79% Written Communication skills 70% Problem-solving skills 70% Verbal Communication skills 69%

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, USA Today, National Association of Colleges and Employers

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