The Effectiveness of a Liberal Arts Education

Abstract

This qualitative research study aimed to investigate graduates’ perceptions of their liberal arts education. The study considered the perceptions of graduates spanning from 2010-2013 from a private liberal arts university in Northeast Tennessee. Specifically, this study sought to understand whether or not liberal arts graduates feel prepared for the workforce and life because of their liberal arts degree. The qualitative data resulting from personal interviews was then coded to allow for identification of global and sub-themes. It is the hope that these themes will inform the strategies of liberal arts institutions as they seek to increase enrollment in response to continued declines.