A liberal arts degree offers a well rounded educational background based in knowledge of the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Studies within the liberal arts give students the ability to concentrate in courses based upon and ideas rather than technical knowledge based upon specialized, professional, or vocational training. Liberal arts programs feature a wide range of information and provide a solid educational foundation necessary for a number of potential careers.
To assist in selecting a program of study, due to the number of educational options available in the field of liberal arts, here are the Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors.
1. Psychologists
Psychologists are mental health experts who observe, interpret, and keep records of the mental processes and behaviors of humans and/or animals. Psychologists also identify behavioral patterns using principles, procedures, tests, and scientific methods to gain a greater understanding of interpersonal, cultural, and organizational interactions. Psychologists then assist clients in improving their behavior, function, and overall quality of life by diagnosing and treating the thoughts, feelings, and actions which impose upon healthy development. Professionals who work as psychologists must complete a minimum of a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or research psychology to qualify for employment within a number of industries. Earnings for psychologists are dependent upon the organization of employment and generally range from $67,000 to $90,000 annually.
2. Writer
Writers prepare articles, books, stories, and content for magazines, journals, newspapers, radio, television, and websites. Writers conduct research, hold interviews, offer opinion, report facts, develop content for advertisements, or compose technical instructions. Most writers complete formal educational training within English, writing, communications, advertising, and journalism programs to gain the formal background necessary to advance to employment. Writers may specialize training within creative writing, technical writing, journalism, and communication fields to expand knowledge and enhance skills. Experienced writers earn salaries of $57,000 to $65,000 annually.
3. Sociologists
Sociologists research the behavior of groups, cultures, institutions, and organizations. Sociologists also study origins, interactions, and behaviors of social, political, religious, economic, and business organizations by analyzing patterns, comparative analysis, and developing theories to explain social trends, social movements, crime, and epidemics of illnesses. Sociologists offer results of their research to educators, administrators, lawmakers, and other public figures to assist in resolving social issues, improve laws and public policies, and increase the awareness of social influences and trends. Sociologists are required to complete bachelor degree programs in sociology or political science for entry level research, governmental, or consulting positions. Graduates with master’s degrees qualify for upper level positions as administrators or researchers and those with doctoral degrees often assume college level positions as professors. Annual salaries for sociologists range from $55,000 to $97,000.
4. Teacher
Teachers of all levels generally complete studies within liberal arts based education programs focused upon the arts, language, sciences, social sciences, and other subjects. As the education system evolves, the demand for qualified professionals is expected to increase dramatically to fill vacancies as teachers retire and populations expand. Training to become a teacher requires a four year undergraduate degree combined with specialized studies in master’s level educational fields. Earnings for teachers are based upon the grade level they teach as well as experience and educational levels. Yearly earnings for most elementary, middle, and secondary school educators earn $47,000 to $52,000.
5. Human Resources Specialists
Human Resources Specialists are business professionals who recruit, train, motivate, and retain a business’s most important asset: employees. Human resources specialists work closely with top executives in developing plans and policies, enhancing morale, and devising means of increasing productivity while minimizing job turnover and maximizing performance. Human resources specialists often also handle employee benefit programs, employee compensation, and coordinate grievance procedures or management disputes. Human Resources Specialists work closely with directors of human resources, managers, executives, and staff to ensure the best work environment for all parties. Training to qualify as human resources specialists involves a bachelor or master’s degree in human resources, business administration, personnel administration, labor relations, or behavioral sciences. Qualified human resources specialists earn $42,000 to $68,000 annually.
6. Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists are responsible for establishing and maintaining relations between their clients, investors, consumers, reporters, and the public. Public relations specialists develop a positive public image for employers and clients by creating press releases and logos, supervise and directing public relations programs, and assist with raising funds geared toward maximizing profits through corporate sponsored events. Public relations specialists act as or designate spokespersons to represent a company’s brand and image. They also offer strategic planning to top executives and ensure the information presented to the public is legal and accurate. Additionally, Public Relations Specialists analyze social, political, and economic trends to improve an organization’s image. Public Relations Specialists must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in advertising, communications, journalism, or public relations to qualify for employment though many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees for managerial positions. Most public relations specialists earn salaries of $ 40,000 to $73,000 yearly.
7. Archaeologist
Archaeologists are professionals who study the origin, evolution, and behavior of humans through the excavation, recovery, and research of specific cultures, languages, customs, and physical locations. Archaeologists use tools and equipment to discover features, like foundations, hearths, and storage pits, as well as artifacts, like coins, beads, tools, pottery, and other objects buried within the earth, and then map or draw the locations where items are recovered. Archaeologists then gain insight of the history, customs, and societies of earlier civilizations by researching the artifacts and remnants they find. Qualifying for employment as an Archaeologist involves completing a master’s or doctoral degree combined with field experiences to gain the refined skills necessary to advance as professionals. Annual earnings for archaeologists range from $40,000 to $71,000.
8. Social Worker
Social Workers offer clients services necessary to handle difficult situations, unfortunate life circumstances, illnesses, traumatic events, and family or relationship issues. Social workers also research and locate resources to help individuals or groups of people access assistance programs, counseling, career training, substance abuse treatment, housing programs, and other services. Social Workers may specialize in child, family, medical or public health, mental health and substance abuse, or educational fields upon earning their bachelor’s or master’s degree in human services, psychology, or sociology and completion of certification offered by the National Association of Social Workers. Licensed social workers earn salaries of $37,000 to $56,000 yearly.
9. Sales Representative
Sales Representatives develop plans and devise means of promoting a firm’s products or services to clients, buyers, dealers, distributors, and purchasing staff. Sales Representatives develop relationships with current and prospective clients by traveling for meetings, demonstrating products and services, and advising clients. Sales representatives work closely with sales managers offering assistance researching sales statistics and means of increasing sales potential. Most sales representatives complete studies within associate or bachelor degree programs as well as on the job training. Sales Representatives generally pursue degrees within marketing, business administration, or economics combined with liberal arts studies in communication, anthropology, foreign language, and sociology to gain insight into the motivations behind human behavior and decision making. Earnings for Sales Representatives are far ranging and dependent upon experience level, organization of employment, and industrial factors. Sales Representatives frequently earn salaries of $36,000 to $75,000 annually with additional earnings for commissions.
10. Design and Graphic Artists
Design and Graphic Artists are responsible for designing, analyzing, and producing visual images for governmental or business products and services. Design and Graphic Artists use specialized computer software or hand drawn sketches for promotional illustrations, texts, photographs, animations, and other print techniques. Images created by design and graphic artists are used for advertisements, promotional materials, marketing brochures, signage, displays, and logos. Designers work closely with copywriters, clients, and other art or creative directors to produce the desired textual elements for magazines, websites, newspapers, journals, and other printed materials. Design and Graphic Artists are required to complete bachelor degree programs in fine arts or graphic design to advance to entry level employment. Earnings for design and graphic artists range from $33,000 to $60,000 yearly.
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