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What Is a Liberal Arts Education?

Liberal arts education prepares you for life, not just your job.

Mastering the Four 4'C

Critical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Creativity

What does liberal arts education mean?

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The 4 C's of liberal arts and sciences

Liberal arts education is based on four core skills that form your personality and preapre you to tackle complex global challenges. They teach you how to think for yourself.

  • Think from different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and learn how to present your point of view.

    You will be put in situations that prompt you to question the status quo, explore complex issues, and contribute thoughtfully to intellectual debates both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Withouth strong communication skills, it would be difficult to excel in any type of role, especially if you wish to be a leader.

    AUBG teaches you the exact communication skills you need in a job by putting you in real-world situations and teaching you how to present and write your arguments. Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively in a multicultural environment, engaging with peers, faculty, and the broader community.

  • Collaborating in a multicultural environment prepares students to work in global teams, understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.

    Through teamwork across projects and a range of extracurricular activities and student clubs, AUBG teaches you this core skill - collaboration. At work, you will inevitably be put in settings where you have to collaborate on projects.

    AUBG's vibrant, international community cultivates teamwork and teaches you to appreciate diverse viewpoints and achieve common goals in a supportive and inclusive environment.

  • Creative thinking is crucial for driving innovation and cultural exchange on a global scale.

    AUBG nurtures creativity by encouraging students to work on interesting projects, experiment with innovative approaches, and express themselves. Whether through academic work, the arts, or entrepreneurial ventures, students are empowered to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible.

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Benefits of liberal arts education

A Liberal Arts and Sciences degree teaches you how to think, not what to think.

  • You don't need to have your career path set right after high school. At AUBG, you have two years to explore different interests before you decide on your major(s). During this time, you can take various classes, join student clubs, and connect with peers and professors. If you already know what you want to study, you can dive right in from day one. It’s all about giving you the freedom to choose what suits you best.

  • You can graduate with up to two majors and two minors, allowing you to gain expertise in multiple fields. For example, combining Business Administration with Journalism or Political Science with Modern Languages can give you a competitive edge in the job market. With 15 majors and 22 minors available, you have numerous combinations to explore and tailor your education to a wide range of career opportunities.

  • The Liberal Arts System stands out for its personalized approach, with small class sizes (average of 23 students) that allow for individual attention, active participation, and collaborative projects. We focus on practical skills, critical thinking, and leveraging individual strengths rather than memorization.

    AUBG provides a global experience with professors from top universities worldwide and students from over 45 nationalities, fostering a vibrant environment for free thought. Additionally, our campus offers numerous student clubs and activities, including international conferences, radio shows, musicals, sports, and debates, enhancing your learning beyond the classroom.

  • Upon graduation, you'll join a close-knit community of successful AUBG alumni who actively support current students through initiatives like the Alumni Mentorship Program, the AUBG Job Fair, and the AUBG Accelerator. Lifelong friendships and professional connections often lead to collaborations on projects and start-ups, ensuring you always have a supportive AUBG network, no matter where your career takes you.

  • Finding a job today can be challenging as technology and automation transform professions.

    A Liberal Arts degree prepares you for this evolving landscape by providing current knowledge and critical thinking skills, ensuring you're ready for both current and future job markets.

  • Universities worldwide value Liberal Arts graduates for their curiosity, critical thinking, and persistence. Many AUBG alumni have pursued advanced degrees at top institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with some becoming esteemed professors globally.

AUBG Today

Liberal arts in action.

Liberal Arts Explained

Curious about the Liberal Arts educational system? AUBG Provost Dr. J.D. Mininger breaks it down for you! Discover why this unique system is highly ...

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Finding a Job with a Liberal Arts Degree featured image

Finding a Job with a Liberal Arts Degree

Alumna Ksenia Lukanova (’14) on the Advantages of the Liberal Arts Education

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FAQs

  • Tthe world doesn’t stand still, and neither should your education. A liberal arts education constantly adapts to the changes in the world, because it is designed to teach you core skills, independable of the time. It teaches you critical thinking, communication, creativity, and adaptability - the core skills of today that are essential in any career you choose or build.

  • The purpose of liberal arts education is to shape curious, capable, and globally aware individuals. It encourages you to ask questions, explore new perspectives, and connect knowledge across disciplines. Rather than memorizing information, you learn how to think, analyze, and create - skills that empower you for both professional success and personal satisfaction.

  • A liberal arts curriculum gives you the freedom to design an education that reflects your interests and ambitions. You’ll have the opportunity to choose up to two majors and two minors from a range of disciplines: from humanities and social sciences to business and computer science. This flexible structure allows you to combine fields, discover new passions, and graduate with both specialized expertise and versatile, future-ready skills.

    The best thing is that you don't have to specialize and select your majors/minors until the third year, giving you an opportunity to truly discover your interests and talents.

  • Yes, liberal arts degrees are widely recognized in the U.S., Europe, and globally. At AUBG, you graduate with a degrees that is accredited both in the U.S. and in the EU, opening many doors to career success worldwide. Academically, it also gives you a very competitive advantage globally.

  • No. You begin by exploring different disciplines through general education and foundation courses, as well as select courses from different majors before declaring your major. This can happen in the first, second, or third year of your education.

  • Our graduates work in business, tech, marketing, diplomacy, media, NGOs, entrepreneurship, arts, and more. A liberal arts degree truly prepares you for any career, and employers recognize that.

    We've prepared a guide on finding a job with a liberal arts degreefinding a job with a liberal arts degree, as well as practical advice on what to do with each major offered at AUBG.