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Connecticut College President Leo I. Higdon Jr. today published an opinion piece in the Huffington Post encouraging students to choose majors that fit their unique interests and aspirations. The piece is a response to the list of "top-paying majors" currently featured on a number of news and college-related websites, including the Huffington Post.
Read the article.
"Choosing a major is a personal decision based on subjects that match a student's interests, aptitudes and personality," Higdon writes. "Choosing a major - or even a college - based solely on earnings expectations is a big mistake."
In the piece, Higdon says a liberal arts education prepares students with strong communication and analytical skills, and also helps them excel at solving problems and bringing seemingly unrelated thoughts and ideas together. The key to the liberal arts, he writes, is in learning how to learn.
"With a strong liberal arts college - where the educational programs are properly constructed - there is value in any major you choose," he writes. "For most students, the best way to learn the broad skills every employer looks for in a job candidate is to get an education in the liberal arts."
He also encourages prospective students and their parents to ask college tour guides about programs in place to guide students through their four years and help transition graduating students into the work place, graduate school or fellowships and other post-graduate opportunities.
"Don't wait until you are a college junior or senior to think about life after college, he writes. "When comparing schools, think carefully about the experiences you want to gain during your four-year college education and the rigor of the academic program, and also make sure you know what to expect from the institution to help you advance to the next stage of your life."
President Higdon publishes piece in Huffington Post
07/27/2011
President Higdon chats with students in the Katharine Blunt Common Room.
Read the article.
"Choosing a major is a personal decision based on subjects that match a student's interests, aptitudes and personality," Higdon writes. "Choosing a major - or even a college - based solely on earnings expectations is a big mistake."
In the piece, Higdon says a liberal arts education prepares students with strong communication and analytical skills, and also helps them excel at solving problems and bringing seemingly unrelated thoughts and ideas together. The key to the liberal arts, he writes, is in learning how to learn.
"With a strong liberal arts college - where the educational programs are properly constructed - there is value in any major you choose," he writes. "For most students, the best way to learn the broad skills every employer looks for in a job candidate is to get an education in the liberal arts."
He also encourages prospective students and their parents to ask college tour guides about programs in place to guide students through their four years and help transition graduating students into the work place, graduate school or fellowships and other post-graduate opportunities.
"Don't wait until you are a college junior or senior to think about life after college, he writes. "When comparing schools, think carefully about the experiences you want to gain during your four-year college education and the rigor of the academic program, and also make sure you know what to expect from the institution to help you advance to the next stage of your life."
For media inquiries, please contact:
Amy Martin, 860-439-2526, a.martin@conncoll.edu or Deborah MacDonnell (860) 439-2504, dmacdonn@conncoll.edu
