“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ― Socrates

The College of Liberal Arts is at the heart of West Liberty University’s mission to provide its students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to navigate the complexities of humanity’s past, present and future. If you are not sure what we mean when we say, “liberal arts,” you are certainly not alone. This is not an easy term to define, but, simply put, a liberal education promotes an interdisciplinary approach to learning. The word “liberal,” in this sense, means broad, comprehensive, and universal.

The College of Liberal Arts plays an integral role in the university’s general education program, cultivating learning outcomes related to communication, cultural literacy, and problem solving. Through our courses, all West Liberty students are exposed to courses related to culture, language, and the social sciences. Students especially interested in these topics can choose from majors in English, Geography & Planning, History, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as majors in Criminal Justice and Social Work, where students acquire the academic and experiential foundations that will position them to understand and critically navigate the most challenging issues of modern society.

Our programs will prepare you for a wide variety of career options, especially those that require critical thinking, analytical reasoning, strong writing skills, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. With a degree from the College of Liberal Arts, you can choose your own career path:

• Attorney
• Business Administrator
• Clergy
• Editor
• Entrepreneur
• Historian
• Journalist
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Legislator
• Minister
• Museum Curator
• Paralegal
• Policymaker
• Probation Officer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Worker
• Urban Planner
• Writer

In reality, as the needs of our world consistently evolve, career options with a degree in the liberal arts are endless.

Regardless of your choice, our diverse programs will give you the skills and experiences you will need to succeed. Employers value degrees in the liberal arts, and you will gain a life-long appreciation of learning that will help you continue to grow long after your years at West Liberty University.

–Dr. Jeremy Larance, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts