We asked our faculty what students gain from completing a liberal arts and sciences degree. As you'll see below, the possibilities are endless!
| Chemistry | Communication | Criminal Justice | English | Geology | History |
| Languages | Philosophy | Political Science | Social Work | Sociology |
Chemistry
A major in chemistry and biochemistry prepares students to conceptualize, describe, evaluate and even control matter at the atomic and molecular level. By gaining a thorough understanding of the invisible world of atoms, students develop sharp skills in observation, reasoning, and mathematical modelling. In the lab they conduct hypothesis-driven experiments to arrive at original and independent results and conclusions. Chemistry students regularly break new ground, from synthesizing a new compound to making a measurement that’s never been made, they are pushing the boundaries of today’s knowledge.
—Doug English, associate professor of chemistry
A chemistry degree builds scientists with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve real life problems in medicine, energy, and materials.
—Haifan Wu, assistant professor of chemistry
A liberal arts and sciences degree in communication can lead to a number of different careers. The ability to speak, write and tell stories visually enhances every job you could imagine! Our students become journalists, social media managers, non-profit and corporate marketers, commercial videographers, corporate communicators, ad agency copywriters, content creators, video editors, copy editors, web designers, and so much more.
—Jessica Newman, associate educator in communication
Criminal Justice
A liberal arts and sciences–grounded criminal justice degree equips students with a versatile skill set that translates across the justice system and many adjacent industries. Graduates enter fields such as law enforcement, corrections, courts, federal service, emergency management, intelligence, security, public administration, nonprofit advocacy, and corporate compliance. What makes them competitive is not just technical knowledge, but the durable skills shaped by the liberal arts: analytical reasoning, clear communication, ethical and civic judgment, cultural competence, problem‑solving, adaptability, and quantitative and research literacy. Together, these abilities allow students to understand the human and institutional dimensions of justice work, navigate complex environments, and move confidently across diverse career paths as their professional interests evolve.
—Michael Birzer, professor of criminal justice
English
I always compare having a liberal arts and sciences degree to having a lot of clay to work with. There are so many possibilities out there, and I think students need to keep an open mind and be receptive to those possibilities. At my end in the English department, I've watched our majors go into journalism, teach high school, write for magazines, become copy editors, and so forth. That's the beauty of a liberal arts and sciences degree!
—Kerry Jones, teaching professor of English
Geology
Geology is inherently interdisciplinary, combining methods from the other natural sciences and even social sciences and humanities when appropriate for understanding human interactions with the natural world.
—Will Parcell, associate professor of geology
Graduates of Wichita State geology are employed as:
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- exploration geologists (mapping areas to look for critical minerals that are needed for cell phones, computers, electric vehicles, etc.)
- mining geologists (mining aggregates to make concrete for roads/buildings/etc.)
- environmental geologists (documenting and cleaning up contaminated sites), petroleum geologists (working in the oil and natural gas industries),
- hydrologists (monitoring groundwater and surface water resources)
- spatial relations and GIS (using data to understand geologic and geographic trends)
- and more!
Other fields that use geology skills include emergency management and public policy, environmental law, forensic science, weather forecasting, hazard risk assessment, and engineering geology. Basically, if there is any interaction with the Earth then geologic knowledge can be a valuable career asset!
—Melissa Scruggs, assistant professor of geology
I formerly worked in the engineering and environmental consulting sector as a geologist.
I integrate my professional experiences into my classes so that students come out
of them having gained some experience in the type of things they will be doing as
a geologist. For example, I teach a class called environmental and engineering field
methods, where I take students out in the field and let them get hands on experience
doing the things that I did when I was working in the consulting field. This included
things like gauging groundwater wells, purging and sampling groundwater wells, surveying
in tops-of-casings, slug testing, soil descriptions using both the USCS and the USDA
methods, and soil sampling.
There are other avenues of employment for geologists. There's the oil and gas industry.
Geologists are also crucial in the mining industry, particularly because of the growing
demand for critical minerals. Geospatial specialists are employed in any industry
where mapping things is important. Geologists can also find employment in the government
at the county, state, and federal level.
—Andrew Swindle, associate professor of geology
History
I have students who have gone on to work in museums as documentarians, archivists, and preservationists. One was engaged in a career in banking. Another is a local businessperson who is also on a museum board. I know of a student who was a geographer and worked in the liquor industry, because knowing geography helps you sell wine.
—Jay Price, professor of history
Languages
Students can become interpreters/translators, language teachers or school/district administrators. They can go into international business, commerce, or service professions, or become executive managers of national language professional organizations. They can intern abroad at international aircraft or aviation industries, or work for an international industry in the U.S., serve international aid or rescue organizations. They can also have careers in journalism and media communications, work in the tourism or hospitality industry, and more.
—Brigitte Roussel, professor of French
Philosophy
Philosophy majors are trained to think deeply about fundamental aspects of themselves and the world around them. A degree in philosophy is personally satisfying, and it trains students in the crucial skills of careful reading, clear writing, effective arguing, ethical thinking, and logical analysis. These skills serve students well in any career. Philosophy also pairs very well as a double major, adding value to any degree. Some common career paths for philosophy majors include law, philosophy graduate school, and business.
—Pat Bondy, associate professor of philosophy
Political Science
A political science degree opens doors far beyond politics—it prepares students to lead, analyze, and communicate in a complex world. Our graduates build in-demand skills like data analysis, policy evaluation, public speaking, and collaboration, empowering them to succeed in careers across government, business, nonprofits, law, media, and more. Whether shaping public policy, driving organizational strategy, or advocating for change, political science students are ready to make an impact where it matters most.
—Alex Middlewood, associate professor of political science
A political science degree is not just about politics; it is about understanding people, organizations, and systems of power. Graduates use these insights across a range of careers, including government, law, nonprofit leadership, business, public policy, international affairs, communications, and education. They also draw on the skills they have developed in leadership, analysis, negotiation, research, critical thinking, and effective communication.
—Carolyn Shaw, professor of political science
Social Work
Social work is a professional, licensed discipline grounded in ethics, specialized knowledge, and evidence-based skills. Social workers serve across the full continuum of human services, including case management, clinical therapy, and organizational leadership. The scope of practice within the profession is extensive and includes areas such as forensic services, mental health, child welfare, education, advocacy and public policy, substance use treatment, adoption, and healthcare, among many others. At its core, social work is a profession centered on relationship development, service coordination, connection, assessment, intervention, and the promotion of individual and community well-being.
—Shaunna Millar, clinical professor of social work
Sociology
At its core, sociology is the study of how human society works, and students develop a nuanced understanding of how institutions like family, medicine, and labor intersect. If I had to point to the top two skills sociology graduates come away with that show the strengths of a liberal arts and sciences education for future careers, I’d say critical thinking and communication. This is because our core courses in the major focus on collecting and assessing data through rigorous research methods and communicating complicated information in a clear manner. These skills translate well into careers in social services, management, teaching, marketing, and research. Some example job titles that students graduating with a B.A. in sociology move into are program manager, research coordinator, user experience researcher, program evaluator, community organizer, and grant writer.
—Alyssa Lynne-Joseph, assistant professor of sociology
A liberal arts and sciences degree in sociology prepares students for a wide range of careers by developing durable skills in critical thinking, research, communication, data analysis, collaboration, and cultural competency. Sociology students learn how to analyze social systems, interpret human behavior, evaluate evidence, and communicate effectively across diverse communities. This makes them valuable in industries such as education, healthcare, social services, nonprofit leadership, criminal justice, public policy, marketing, human resources, community advocacy, media, and business. Through applied learning opportunities including research, leadership initiatives, recruitment and mentorship programming, public scholarship, and community engagement, students graduate with adaptable professional skills that prepare them not only for immediate career paths, but also for graduate study and long term leadership in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.