In the new age of engineering and technological advancements, pursuing a degree in the liberal arts seems unneeded and unlikely. More students are opting for an education in engineering and science because it’s believed this degree will give them a greater chance of finding a better, high-paying job after college. On the contrary, trends are now showing that an education in the liberal arts actually gives better promise for success in the workforce.

A recent study found that those who choose to study the arts and humanities in addition to their main field of study are 31-72% more likely than others to have higher-level positions and earn more than $100,000. With new technologies developing and advancing every day, it’s no wonder why many think the answer to success in the workforce lies within an education in science or engineering. But making huge advancements like the self-driving car or developing a new vaccine takes a lot of creative thinking. This is where the importance of liberal arts education in the workforce comes in.

The future job market is in demand for creative and collaborative workers. The liberal arts’ urges students to develop a new and diverse way of thinking by giving them a well-rounded education. With an emphasis on creativity and developing open minds, liberal arts produces some of the most innovative thinkers the workforce has ever seen. Although the liberal arts graduates have a slower start than their counterparts, they develop the skills that will later help them become leaders in their fields. Instead of focusing on one specific field to study, a liberal arts education allows students the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics which helps them develop these skills.

Although there are studies that prove the importance of a liberal arts education in the workplace, many still remain skeptical of whether or not it would better their future. With the rising costs of education and tuition, students and parents seem to opt for the “safer” route and stick to a specific field of study in the science of engineering. Not only are their minds open to creative thinking from this kind of education, but it also makes them excellent collaborators and much more prepared to share their complex thoughts and findings. This gives them a better advantage over their colleagues and is more likely to have greater success.

But evidence points to a different route entirely. To be successful after college, students stand a better chance in the workforce with a liberal arts education. To develop new and innovative technologies, creative thinkers are needed. An education from the liberal arts gives students not only innovative minds for success in the workforce but also makes them into well-rounded citizens and prepares them for whatever journey life sets out for them.