College is where you go to explore new ideas, take on challenges, and figure out how you think and solve problems. Joining Villa’s two-year liberal arts program lets you do all of that while studying a variety of subjects and building skills that apply in almost any career.
The program includes a mix of core courses, electives, and concentration options that help you cover general education requirements while discovering what interests you most. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable skills that prepare you for the next step, whether that’s pursuing a four-year degree or entering the workforce.
What Courses are Considered Liberal Arts?
Villa Maria College’s liberal arts program is built around general college requirements and three main areas of study: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. While every student takes some required courses, there’s plenty of room to explore electives that match your interests and goals.
So, what are these three areas of study?
Humanities are focused on human culture, creativity, and expression. At their core, these classes help you learn about how people think, communicate, and create across time and culture. Literature, philosophy, history, art, theater, cultural studies, and religious studies make up the humanities.
Social sciences explore people, communities, and behavior. You’ll learn how to analyze personal interactions and societal systems, as well as how these create a bigger picture of how communities function. Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and communications are pivotal parts of the social sciences.
Natural sciences take a closer look at the natural world and include courses that develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Classes like biology, chemistry, astronomy, math, or physics teach students to identify patterns, understand systems, and approach challenges methodically.
What Classes Do You Take for a Liberal Arts Degree?
At Villa, all liberal arts students complete a set of core courses designed to build essential academic and professional skills. These include:
- English Composition: Learn to write clearly and effectively, structure essays, develop arguments, and communicate ideas.
- Professional Writing: Improve your writing for professional contexts, including emails, cover letters, reports, and other practical documents.
- Introduction to Computer Applications: Gain basic technology and software skills used in school and professional settings, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- Information and Media Literacy: Develop the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in multiple forms, learn to identify bias, recognize persuasive techniques, verify information, and understand how media influences society.
- Personal Finance: Build financial literacy skills such as budgeting, saving, and managing money.
- Career Readiness and Planning: Reflect on your strengths, skills, and interests while learning career exploration, goal setting, self-assessment, and professional development.
Students primarily choose electives for their studies.
- General electives fulfill the general education requirements needed for your degree.
- Liberal arts electives broaden your overall knowledge base.
- Concentration electives allow for deeper study in the subjects that interest you most.
Skills You Gain From a Liberal Arts Program
A liberal arts program isn’t about learning facts; it’s about building skills you can use in any career.
- Critical Thinking: Learn to look at problems from different angles, question assumptions, and connect ideas across subjects to make well-reasoned decisions.
- Communication: Practice sharing your thoughts clearly, both in writing and in conversation, so that you can explain ideas to anyone.
- Problem-Solving and Quantitative Reasoning: Use logic and analysis to tackle challenges, interpret data, spot patterns, and make sense of numbers and scientific information.
- Collaboration: Work well with others, contribute to discussions, and listen actively in team projects.
- Time Management: Stay on top of deadlines, organize your work, and juggle multiple responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Study Liberal Arts at Villa Maria College?
At Villa, you’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit community where professors know your name and are invested in your success. Small class sizes make it easy to get personal attention, ask questions, and participate in discussions, while your classmates become collaborators and peers who support you along the way.
Villa also makes it easier to focus on learning by covering the cost of books and supplies, letting you concentrate on your studies. The program gives you the freedom to explore different subjects, discover your strengths, and grow academically and personally, all while staying on track to earn your degree. Reach out to learn more about our liberal arts program or apply today!
