Careers and Opportunities

The College of Arts and Sciences provides excellent preparation whether you choose to join the workforce immediately upon graduation or continue your education. Many students, depending on their academic and career goals, choose to extend their education by enrolling in graduate, medical, pharmacy, dentistry, business, or law schools.

When you seek employment as an Arts and Sciences graduate, you will find you have certain advantages over your competitors in the job market. More than ever employers are looking for the skills a broad-based education provides. Keep in close contact with your adviser to make sure your coursework, co-curricular, and service activities are taking you in the direction you want to go.

Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Students in the physical sciences and mathematics gain knowledge of the theoretical and physical aspects of the structures, processes, and interactions in the natural world. They enjoy using their logical reasoning skills and find the process of discovery very satisfying. Students often proceed to graduate or professional school or pursue careers in research, development, education, the computer industry, business, or with the government. A recent example is a biological science graduate who went on to do anthrax testing for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

Social Sciences
Students in the social sciences have knowledge of the structures, processes, and interactions of past and present societies. Their focus may be the social, environmental, political, economic, or even biological issues related to group behavior. In addition to preparation for pursuing advanced studies, this education prepares graduates for employment inside and outside of their major fields in business and government. Graduates often find employment in education, business, human services, research, or with the government.

Humanities
Students in the humanities become well-rounded in the liberal arts, with experience in literature, history, philosophy, language, and intellectual history. In addition to preparation for pursuing advanced studies, this education prepares graduates for employment inside and outside of their major fields in business and government. Graduates have found employment in law firms, banks, higher education, schools, private industry, medicine, journalism, foreign service, writing, museum management, and government agencies. A recent example is an English graduate who has gone on to become a internationally known interpreter of ancient scrolls.

Interdisciplinary Programs
Students who major in an interdisciplinary area will have the option of emphasizing the humanities, social science, or natural sciences, depending on the courses they choose to complete their major. Interdisciplinary studies students receive a broad liberal arts education, which will allow them to develop their research, analysis, and communication skills. Upon graduation, they will be prepared to pursue the same career options that are listed under each of the three areas of study.

Remember that in addition to the considerable knowledge you gain as an Arts and Sciences student, you also acquire the skill of “learning how to learn,” which may be the greatest skill of all!