The Truth About Liberal Studies
By: Beth Rudnick
“A liberal studies degree is not a real degree.” “Only weak students do liberal arts.” “You can’t get a job with a BLS.” “The sky is purple…” and other such absurdities.
I’ve heard it all. “Liberal studies is not a real degree.” Funny – I thought the Purdue name and accreditation meant something. “Only weak students do liberal arts.” Really? The nature of the BLS means we have students graduating who’ve taken calculus and gross anatomy, organic chemistry, upper-level computer technology courses, advanced history and political science and statistics.
And the big one - “Can’t get a job with a BLS.” I wonder if BLS graduate and PNC Director of Admissions Cathy Buckman knows that. I wonder if PNC academic advisors Heather Engstrom, Kristi Thomas, and Connie Fidanza (all BLS grads) know that. I wonder if Polly Wainwright and Jim Jepsen know that. They teach for a living. They’re BLS grads.
Ok, so it appears BLS grads can, in fact, be hired by their graduating institutions. That’s the hitch – we hired them to cover up their inalienable and expected unemployment. Then what of the other 800 grads who have taken that unreal degree into the “real” world?
Good question. Angela Adey is teaching biology at Michigan City High School. Robin Bisseker is production manager at Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso. Keri Jernas is a case manager at Swanson Center. Lesley Puett, Annmarie Fanning, Jamie Smith, Tanna Burnett, and David Baum are all directors and/or coordinators of social service programs in LaPorte County. My friend Connie is a graphic designer in Michigan City.
Some fields require advanced education. No problem. BLS grads have gotten into law school, MPA and MBA programs, transition-to-teaching programs, master of science programs in mathematics and computer science, Master of social work programs, Clinical mental health Counseling and school psychology programs, and even med school.
So if I finally crack up from typing so many emails of congratulations to students, Cindy Jackson (BLS grad, MSW grad, Licensed Clinical Social Worker) can be my therapist. If I need medication, Dana Meri Jones – who will begin medical training at a School of Osteopathic Medicine in fall 2006 – can prescribe me drugs. If my wrist ever goes out from typing too many letters of recommendation for BLS grads, Devin Glanz (BLS grad, licensed PT) can be my Physical Therapist. And if I ever decided to sue myself for not wearing a wrist brace, Melissa Hursey, BLS grad and practicing attorney in Illinois, can tell me I don’t have a case.
So some absurdities can be dispensed with now. However, if the sky ever does become purple, I’ll bet it’s a BLS grad who paints it.