First thing’s first: We don’t mean liberal as an opposite to conservative. (In fact, the political spectrum on campus is pretty diverse). And we don’t exclusively educate artists (though our arts programs are phenomenal).
Because the term “liberal arts” is a little less tangible, let’s use an analogy:
The life ahead of you is a journey. It will have ups and downs, challenges and big wins. Think of that adventure as a cross-country bike trek. As you pack and prepare, which would you rather have in your back pocket? A screwdriver that will meet some of your needs along the way? Or a multitool that can be adapted to whatever challenge you face?
Earning a liberal arts degree is like gaining access to a multitool you can turn to for years to come. Through the liberal arts you can expect to be challenged through breadth (read: the courses and experiences you have outside of your major) and depth (read: the courses and experiences you have within your major). Having both is how the liberal arts approach prepares students with that multitool. Additionally, many alumni will tell you that they credit their liberal arts education for their ability to think critically, innovate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively.
In a world that is constantly changing, where the future jobs of our graduates are yet to be created, the soft skills developed through the liberal arts are vital to future success (and are highly marketable to employers). On that cross-country trip, you will experience sunny days, uphill rides, twists and turns, and you’ll definitely meet some new people along the way. The liberal arts is your foundation for approaching each day ready to take on whatever comes your way or to figure out how to get yourself out of tough situations with a feisty roadside raccoon (or a mid-career change). All students can expect to leave Denison as autonomous thinkers and active citizens who have learned the skills to be successful in life regardless of what lies ahead.
Denison approaches the liberal arts differently (read: better).
