A liberal studies degree is one of those degrees that lots of people like to look down upon. It is the kind of degree that is all too often a punchline to bad jokes about wasted years. However, in reality, a liberal studies degree is actually the first step on the path to many a lucrative and rewarding career. Below is just a small selection of the best careers that are available to liberal studies graduates.

Public Relations Director

A public relations (PR) director is someone who undertakes to develop and execute various strategies and tactics that will show their clients in a positive light. PR directors play a very important role in managing the public images of both individuals and organizations. Whenever there is the hint of scandal or wrongdoing, it is often a public relations director that is the first line of defense. In fact, they are increasingly being considered as more important than legal representation in keeping clients out of jail.

Reaching the level of public relations director requires that graduates climb the ladder, the more junior roles in public relations aren’t quite as lucrative, but they are a necessary step towards a director job and invaluable experience will be gained along the way. Studying an online MALS program is the first step towards any of these careers.

Archaeologist

You might not associate the job of being an archaeologist with liberal studies but there are links between the two. Archaeology has the potential to be a fun and incredibly rewarding career, which requires a number of different skills. The study of archaeology is concerned with human activity throughout the ages and the practice of archaeology requires the recovery and analysis of materials that provide the evidence of our past.

Senior Copywriter

Copywriters are responsible for producing a huge amount of the written content that we come across in our everyday lives, whether online or offline. Copywriters produce everything from blog posts, to news articles, product descriptions, even scripts for advertising shoots. As a job that requires a diverse skill set and a great deal of adaptability, working as an effective copywriter requires skill and dedication. An online master in liberal studies degree will provide a broad grounding, which will help in being able to meet the many and varied demands placed on a copywriter.

Initially, most copywriters will work for a relatively low wage, especially if they are working for a large agency. However, after gaining some experience, copywriters can earn more money by going freelance, or by advancing through the ranks until they reach the level of a senior copywriter.

Sales Director

It takes the right kind of person with the right kind of attitude to excel in a sales role. Most salespeople are working on a shop floor and are in direct contact with customers. However, the more advanced role of sales director requires that individuals gain enough experience that they are able to not only sell products but also to understand the psychology of their buyers. Sales directors are effective managers, negotiators, and coaches who are able to train and advise more junior salespeople. It is a challenging and complex role, but also one that offers great rewards.

A liberal studies degree opens the door to a number of different careers in a variety of different fields.