California State University, Fullerton

What can I do with this degree?
Liberal Studies

A liberal studies degree is intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills rather than specifically focused occupational or professional skills. A wide variety of careers are available to you, the key with a liberal studies degree is to have internships in your chosen career. If you need help focusing your career search please see a specialist in the Career Center and/or take a career assessment.

Careers

  • Teaching and education
  • Counseling
  • Teachers aid
  • Curriculum developer
  • Professor
  • Paralegal
  • Lawyer
  • Court Liaison
  • Communications Officer
  • Fundraiser
  • Community Liaisons
  • Educational Administration
  • Grant Writer
  • News reporter
  • Journalist
  • Set designer
  • Writer
  • Song Writer
  • Market Researcher
  • Property Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Interpreter
  • Fashion Designer

AREAS

EDUCATION
EMPLOYERS
  • School districts
  • Private and public school
  • Universities and colleges
STRATEGIES
  • Many school districts in specific states require a teaching credential
  • Many colleges and universities require a master's degree in order to teach introductory classes. A PhD is preferred
  • Curriculum developers require previous experience working in the teaching field
  • Teaching assistants generally need to have a CPR certification and previous experience working with children.
LEGAL
EMPLOYERS
  • Public agencies such as the FBI
  • CIA
  • Local and national security agencies
  • Private law firms
  • Public attorneys
  • National court systems
  • Private investigators
STRATEGIES
  • A J.D from an ABA accredited law school is required for practicing law
  • Internships in the area in which you want to work will be very helpful
  • Conduct informational interviews with people already working in your ideal job, this will build your network of people in this industry while providing valuable information about the career in which you wish to work.
NON-PROFIT
EMPLOYERS
  • Non-profit agencies that specialize in education, health issues, community awareness programs, access and equity. Other non-profit agencies include: churches and government sponsored programs.
STRATEGIES
  • Conduct an internship or volunteer to understand the particular agency
  • This also allows you to network and build solid experience for your resume.
BUSINESS
  • Marketing
  • Human Resources
  • Management
EMPLOYERS
  • A variety of employers in both private and public companies hire liberal studies majors.
STRATEGIES
  • Take business courses, intern with different companies, and network with alumni during career events
  • Attend campus Internship and Job Fairs during your junior and senior years to network with employers and focus your career search based on your interests and skills.

HOTLINKS

GOVERNGOVERNMENT
EDUCATION
GRADUATE SCHOOL
NON-PROFIT AGENCIES
BUSINESS

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2007)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer