US Liberal Arts Education (Pretty Tree)

The US Liberals Arts Education stands on the philosophic idea that an Undergraduate education should prepare people to be active and engaged citizens and have the flexibility of skills to be able to bend when the winds of change blow.   That means that students need a well rounded education with the ability to do/understand math and science, read and analise literature and news, communicate, understand social issues and concerns and much more.  If their chosen career is taken over by robots/technology or becomes otherwise obsolete that they have the skills to pivot, as well as a focus or "Major" in an area of their choice.  This is an excellent option for students who are still not sure what they want to study.  (Note: this is a normal developmentally appropriate place for students to be.  Statistically only a small percentage of students at this age are set on a career direction that they end up sticking with.)  

Systems in most of the world like the UK are more focused with all modules/courses/subjects studied being focused on their major area of study.  So if I am going to study Business all of my classes will be focused on Businesses.  In the US, for most programs with some exceptions like Engineering or Architecture at some Universities, students do not choose their "Major" until after their 2nd year of the 4 year degree.  They have two years to take a diversity of classes from a diversity of subjects and continue to explore what is interesting to them.  Students are indeed required to take classes from different categories much like IB Diploma students are required to take at least one course from each of the 6 core subject areas.  Each University sets their own requirements but the basics are that students need to take English, a Second Language, Maths, History/Social Sciences, Sciences and Arts.  This is why a US Degree needs a full 4 years to complete rather than the 3 years that are needed for the UK.  In addition to these general or "Core Requirements" students will also need to complete the requirements laid out by the major of their choice.  US University students often have a greater flexibility and are given the choice of multiple possible courses that will meet those requirements, and mould their degree to focus on aspects that they are interested in.  So two students who are both studying Business as an example-- one may end up studying Marketing and one International Business and Logistics-- but both earn a Business Degree from the same University.  

If you find this confusing or very different from what you expect or know you are not alone.  Please reach out to Ms. Borgerding to be able to ask your questions and get clarification.