Your Liberal Arts Degree Opens Doors

If you've ever wondered "What can I really do with a Liberal Arts major?" - this page is for you. The answer: more than you think.

 BOOK YOUR CAREER ADVISOR →

💭 Feeling Unsure? You're Not Alone.

Liberal Arts is the most flexible degree Hostos offers and that flexibility is your superpower, not a weakness.

Liberal Arts graduates become teachers, social workers, lawyers, doctors, writers, museum curators, public health workers, business leaders, and more. The skills you build: critical thinking, writing, communication, and problem-solving, are the top skills employers say they want.

🧠

Critical Thinking

Analyze complex problems, evaluate evidence, make smart decisions.

✍️

Strong Writing

Communicate clearly in emails, reports, proposals, and presentations.

🗣️

Oral Communication

Present, persuade, and lead conversations confidently.

🌍

Cultural Competency

Work effectively with diverse teams and communities.

🤝

Collaboration

Work in teams, lead group projects, build professional relationships.

🔄

Adaptability

Pivot to new industries, learn fast, thrive through change.

🤷 Still not sure which area fits?

Take the O*NET Interest Profiler (10 minutes) to discover your strengths, then book your Career Advisor to map it to a Liberal Arts Option.

⏰ Start in Your First Semester

Don't wait until graduation. The students who transfer smoothly start planning from day one. Every class you take should move you toward your bachelor's degree.

Your first step: Schedule appointments with a Success Coach/Academic Advisor, Transfer Advisor and a Career Advisor. They work together to align your courses with your career goals.

Watch thousands of short videos from real professionals in psychology, education, social work, the arts, healthcare, law, and more on the Hostos Candid Career+ portal.

🎥 Browse All Videos →  |  🏭 Explore by Industry →  |  💡 Explore by Interest →

🏫 On-Campus

• Federal Work-Study positions in academic departments & libraries
• Tutoring & peer mentoring through the Academic Learning Center
• Performance opportunities at Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture
• Student organizations: Black Student Union, Theater Club, Early Childhood Ed Club, Hip-Hop Club, Student Government
• Editorial work on campus literary publications

🏙️ Off-Campus / Bronx

• NYC DOE public schools & Pre-K programs
• Head Start programs & childcare centers
• Bronx Museum of the Arts, El Museo del Barrio
• Senior centers, nursing homes, gerontology orgs
• Public health departments & community health centers
• Law firms, legal aid orgs, advocacy groups
• Research assistantships at CUNY senior colleges

"Will I be able to get a job with a Liberal Arts degree?"

Yes. Liberal Arts graduates work in every industry: education, healthcare, government, nonprofits, media, business, and tech. Employers prize the critical thinking, communication, and adaptability skills you build. Many jobs require any bachelor's degree, not a specific major.

"Do I HAVE to transfer to a 4-year college?"

No, but it's recommended. Many entry-level careers (paraprofessional, teacher assistant, community health worker, case management) are available with your AA. For higher-paying roles (teacher, social worker, counselor, lawyer), you'll need a bachelor's or master's. Your Career Advisor can map both paths.

"What if I don't know which Option to pick?"

That's totally normal! Most students start undecided. Use the "Find Your Path" table above to narrow down to a broad area, then book a Career Advisor — we'll help you explore your options.

"Is Liberal Arts 'easier' than other majors?"

No, it's different. Liberal Arts demands strong reading, writing, and analysis. The challenge is real, and so is the payoff: you'll graduate able to think and communicate at a high level.

"Can I change my Option later?"

Talk to your Success Coach/Academic Advisor before making the change so we can plan your credits without delaying graduation.

"How is Liberal Arts different from a more specific major?"

A specific major (Nursing, Accounting, Engineering) trains you for one career. Liberal Arts gives you flexibility, you can pivot into many industries. It's perfect if you want to explore, transfer easily, or work in fields like education, social services, public policy, or the arts.

👋 Your Career Advisor Is Here to Help

Whether you're picking an Option, exploring careers, or planning your transfer — one conversation can change everything. Most students leave their first meeting feeling much more confident.

📅 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT →

📞 (718) 518-4468

✉ careerservices@hostos.cuny.edu

📍 D-Building, Room 210 · Mon–Fri 9 AM – 5 PM

🔗 Quick Links

📋 All 24 Liberal Arts Options (Department Page)
🎥 Hostos Candid Career+ Portal
🧭 My Next Move (Career Explorer)
🎯 O*NET Interest Profiler
🎓 Hostos Transfer Services
📚 Student Success Coaching Unit (SSCU)
📅 Career Services Events & Opportunities