If you’ve ever wondered what “liberal arts” means, you’re not alone. It’s a term that gets tossed around a lot but isn’t always explained.
Put simply, a liberal arts education is about exploring a wide variety of subjects: history, literature, science, philosophy, psychology, math, and more. Instead of limiting yourself to just one interest, you get to dive into a bit of everything — and for good reason.
The goal is to help you become a well-rounded thinker who can communicate clearly, solve problems, understand different perspectives, and connect ideas across different subjects. After all, the complex issues facing the world can't be fully understood or tackled by looking at them from just one angle.
This idea goes all the way back to ancient times, when the “liberal arts” — or artes liberales in Latin — were considered essential for citizens to take part in civic life. In this context, liberal doesn’t refer to politics. Instead, the Latin term roughly translates to skills of free people, reflecting a belief that a comprehensive course of study equips you with the tools to think independently, engage actively in society, and lead a life guided by reason and curiosity.
Today, that same core idea still applies. Liberal arts colleges are here to help you think deeply, ask big questions, and lead with purpose.
The skills you gain with this approach to learning — including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity — are useful in any career path. Plus, you could discover new passions and talents along the way.
Students at Roanoke College are proof that your education doesn’t need to fit in one box. You can double major in physics and art history, ace your MCATs while curating a photography exhibit, or win track meets and earn an international prize in political analysis.
People with liberal arts degrees are now leaders in every field — business, science, law, education, technology, and the arts. In a world that’s constantly evolving, a liberal arts education prepares you to evolve with it, ready to learn, grow, and discover new ways to make an impact.
