The Interfolio Blog

Liberal arts graduate programs certainly are getting a lot of attention lately: as much for the trials and tribulations their graduates face as for the wonder at why when things are so bad, so many people still attend!

Today we thought we'd round up some of the more interesting reads this week on the liberal arts choice (and everything that comes along with that choice). Some of these suggest career advice and new options for graduates, others wonder why go at all, and still others make compelling arguments as to why these degrees and programs are still so important. All are worth a read if you're considering a degree or are already getting a degree in the humanities.

Loss of Legibility, Or, Why Do People Still Pile Into Grad School?

Dean Dad over at Inside Higher Ed always has some interesting insider thoughts to share with his readers, and this week's take on liberal arts degrees is no exception. This article takes a look at a few reasons why people are still enrolling in liberal arts programs despite the absolute dearth of job opportunities. Dean Dad even ties it in to musings on meritocracy and the economy, but most importantly makes a some good points that should be considered before you enroll!

The 2-Year Option

Tom Hurley makes a long and well-argued point that more graduates in the liberal arts and other fields should be considering jobs at community colleges, and not just as a last-ditch option either. He extols the merits of working in the community college environment from his own experience. What is great about this argument is that he shows that not only is the community college a viable option, it has major benefits that larger 4-year institutions do not offer recent hires. Definitely worth a read.

Voices of Adjuncts

A video compilation of thoughts and anecdotes from eight adjunct professors in the Chicago area, this piece offers some insight from those in the field as to what you can expect in an adjunct position, both in terms of rewards and frustrations. Definitely worth a look for those heading out on the job market.