Liberal Arts: An Educational Foundation for Every Future
A liberal arts education does more than teach facts. It empowers you to ask better questions, explore across disciplines, and combine ideas from different fields to gain a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world. Viterbo University’s academic programs are firmly rooted in the liberal arts, providing our students with broad knowledge and the freedom to sample a variety of academic disciplines.
At Viterbo, you’ll study a wide range of subjects—from the natural and social sciences to the arts and humanities—to fully appreciate and understand the world and your role in it. Whatever major you choose, you’ll acquire a solid liberal arts foundation alongside study in your chosen field of concentration. Students who major in the natural sciences or engineering, for example, also take courses in history, philosophy, or the arts, as well as a variety of other offerings.
In a 2023 national survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, employers ranked critical thinking, oral communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—core strengths developed through a liberal arts education—among the most important skills for career success.
Our academic programs prepare you not only for the workplace but also for lifelong learning and personal growth beyond your chosen profession. Because employers value the skills inherent in a liberal arts education, Viterbo gives you the opportunity to:
- Think critically and creatively
- Communicate effectively across contexts
- Integrate ideas from multiple disciplines
- Apply knowledge in real-world situations
What Does Liberal Arts Mean?
A liberal arts education is an academic approach that combines a wide range of liberal arts subjects with deep learning in your chosen field. Studying the liberal arts teaches you to learn, be inquisitive, and expand your knowledge of subject areas.
At Viterbo, you’ll engage in courses from the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, regardless of your major. This well-rounded curriculum fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical reasoning, and the ability to synthesize ideas from diverse areas. For example:
- As an engineering major, you might study philosophy or art history to develop a better understanding of critical thinking, logical reasoning, and human culture and aesthetics, as well as more nuanced problem-solving and design skills.
- As a biology major, you may explore literature or sociology to enhance your communication skills and deepen your appreciation of the complexities of human society and its relationship with the natural world.
- This kind of educational cross-pollination cultivates graduates who are innovative thinkers and collaborative problem-solvers—qualities that are essential in every profession.
Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education
Why is liberal arts important in your education? In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of how subjects interrelate and how to continually learn. In fact, the versatility of a liberal arts degree is one of its greatest strengths. As industries evolve and new roles emerge, your ability to adapt, analyze, and communicate becomes more important.
Benefits of a liberal arts education include:
- Preparation for a wide range of careers and graduate programs
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to think independently and across disciplines
- Broad understanding of cultural and societal issues
- Enhanced leadership and collaboration abilities
- Long-term earning potential and career satisfaction
- Increased flexibility in a changing job market
- The capacity to make meaningful contributions to society
How Our LIVE Core Curriculum Helps Liberal Arts Students
At the heart of Viterbo’s liberal arts education is our LIVE Core Curriculum, a dynamic general education program designed to develop the whole person. Rooted in our Catholic Franciscan values, LIVE helps students like you grow as ethical leaders, global citizens, and lifelong learners.
Our LIVE curriculum includes:
- Foundations (8 credits): Build essential academic and professional skills during your first two years
- Mission Seminars (12 credits): Engage in interdisciplinary, discussion-based courses centered on leadership, justice, and the common good
- Ways of Thinking (25 credits): Explore different perspectives and apply learning across disciplines
LIVE courses emphasize the importance of a liberal arts education by challenging you to think deeply, act ethically, and lead with integrity.
Academic Majors and Programs
Viterbo University’s liberal arts foundation supports academic excellence across all our colleges and schools. Explore our wide range of programs to discover your passions and begin to chart your future.