Quick Links:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Attending a
Liberal Arts College
Choosing the right college is a big decision, and it’s normal to have questions, especially about what it means to attend a liberal arts college like Southern Virginia University.
You might be wondering what a “liberal arts education” actually is, how it aligns with your values, and what type of degrees you can earn.
Table of Contents
What is a liberal arts college?
A liberal arts college offers a broad, well-rounded education across multiple subjects. Students take courses that focus on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong learning skills.
The liberal arts approach is unrelated to the university’s beliefs, but rather to the course content and comprehensive educational style. At SVU, this means you’ll gain a strong foundation in many areas while preparing for your chosen career or graduate studies in a Christ-centered environment for Latter-day Saints.
.png "A woman with shoulder-length red hair stands outdoors, smiling and holding a closed laptop or book, with green trees and grass in the background.")
Exploring the Liberal Arts Approach
-
A liberal arts college offers a broad, well-rounded education across multiple subjects. Students take courses that focus on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong learning skills.
The liberal arts approach is unrelated to the university’s beliefs, but rather to the course content and comprehensive educational style. At SVU, this means you’ll gain a strong foundation in many areas while preparing for your chosen career or graduate studies in a Christ-centered environment for Latter-day Saints.
-
A liberal arts education includes courses across:
- Humanities (like literature, philosophy, and history)
- Sciences (biology, physics, and environmental science)
- Arts (visual arts, music, and performance)
- Social sciences (psychology, sociology, and political science)
- Mathematics
At SVU, these subjects are taught in a way that integrates faith, character, and academic excellence, helping you become a well-rounded leader ready for a variety of careers.
Interested in the majors you can pursue at SVU? Check out our academic programs here.
-
The word “liberal” in “liberal arts” comes from the Latin liber, meaning “free.” It refers to studies that prepare people to think critically, reason well, and participate fully in society, rather than aligning with any particular political party or ideology.
At SVU, a liberal arts education means developing your God-given talents to serve, lead, and excel, while learning in a community that honors Latter-day Saint values.
Exploring the Liberal Arts Approach
-
A liberal arts college offers a broad, well-rounded education across multiple subjects. Students take courses that focus on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and lifelong learning skills.
The liberal arts approach is unrelated to the university’s beliefs, but rather to the course content and comprehensive educational style. At SVU, this means you’ll gain a strong foundation in many areas while preparing for your chosen career or graduate studies in a Christ-centered environment for Latter-day Saints.
-
A liberal arts education includes courses across:
- Humanities (like literature, philosophy, and history)
- Sciences (biology, physics, and environmental science)
- Arts (visual arts, music, and performance)
- Social sciences (psychology, sociology, and political science)
- Mathematics
At SVU, these subjects are taught in a way that integrates faith, character, and academic excellence, helping you become a well-rounded leader ready for a variety of careers.
Interested in the majors you can pursue at SVU? Check out our academic programs here.
-
The word “liberal” in “liberal arts” comes from the Latin liber, meaning “free.” It refers to studies that prepare people to think critically, reason well, and participate fully in society, rather than aligning with any particular political party or ideology.
At SVU, a liberal arts education means developing your God-given talents to serve, lead, and excel, while learning in a community that honors Latter-day Saint values.
.png "Rectangle 146 (3)")
Are liberal arts degrees useful in today’s job market?
Absolutely. A liberal arts degree prepares you with the soft skills that employers consistently value, including:
- Clear communication
- Adaptability in changing environments
- Ethical decision-making
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Fields like business, technology, education, healthcare, and public service require these timeless skills, making liberal arts graduates highly competitive in today’s job market.
Are liberal arts degrees too general?
A liberal arts education is broad, but that’s where its strength lies. It provides a wide foundation while allowing you to specialize in an area that interests you through your major, minors, internships, and hands-on experiences. This balance of depth and breadth prepares you to adapt to new challenges in your career and to grow as your goals evolve.
Explore SVU’s majors and minors. See our academic programs here.
Does a liberal arts school offer many extracurriculars?
Yes. Liberal arts colleges often offer just as many extracurricular opportunities as larger universities, and sometimes even more space to get involved. You’ll typically find student organizations, clubs, intramural sports, arts and music groups, and leadership opportunities, all within a community that makes it easier to try new things, step into leadership, and build lasting connections.
.png "SVU Campus; A large brick building with multiple windows and a sloped roof, surrounded by trees, pictured at sunset.")
How does a liberal arts college differ from a university?
While both offer higher education, liberal arts colleges often focus on a broad, well-rounded curriculum that spans the humanities, sciences, arts, and social sciences, rather than prioritizing only technical or professional programs.
Class sizes at liberal arts colleges are typically smaller, allowing for more discussion-based learning and closer interaction with professors. This environment often means you’ll have more opportunities for mentorship and meaningful academic conversations, rather than sitting in large lecture halls.
What’s the difference between liberal arts and technical/vocational schools?
- Technical and vocational schools are designed to prepare you for a specific career path. They often focus on direct job skills with a shorter program length, and can be a great option if you know exactly what trade or technical field you want to pursue.
- Liberal arts colleges prepare you for lifelong learning and adaptability across different careers. You’ll develop skills in your field as well as critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving, which help you adjust as industries change and as your interests evolve throughout your life.
Are liberal arts students at a disadvantage in STEM fields?
Not at all. A liberal arts education can actually strengthen your success in STEM by building critical thinking, data analysis, research, and clear writing skills—abilities that are highly valued in science and technology careers.
Liberal arts students transitioning into STEM fields often bring a broader perspective to complex problems, communicate technical ideas clearly, and adapt quickly as technologies evolve, making them well-rounded contributors in their fields.
What degrees and liberal arts majors does SVU offer?
At Southern Virginia University, your liberal arts education comes alive through a wide range of majors, minors, career concentrations, and professional tracks that let you tailor your studies to your calling. Whether you’re interested in business, the sciences, the arts, education, or technology, SVU’s programs are designed to give you both a strong academic foundation and the practical skills to succeed in your chosen field.
Is SVU a liberal arts college or a religious school?
Both. At SVU, a liberal arts education and a values-based, faith-supportive environment go hand in hand. You’ll study literature, science, math, and the arts while developing your faith, character, and sense of purpose in a community that shares your values.
A liberal arts education here isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about preparing to lead a life of service and faith in your profession and community.
How does SVU prepare students for life after graduation?
A degree from SVU is designed to carry you forward, wherever you feel called to go. You’ll find:
- Leadership opportunities on campus that build confidence and experience.
- Faculty mentoring that helps you grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
- A strong track record of graduates entering careers, graduate schools, and service opportunities with confidence.
Is a liberal arts degree from SVU worth it?
At SVU, a liberal arts degree isn’t just a credential; it’s a foundation for a meaningful life and career. Students leave with the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that employers and graduate programs value. Here’s what our graduates say:
"[SVU] really did gather, lift, launch. Because of the instructors I’ve had here, I felt I was able to gain real competitive information, and I’ve already been launched into my career.”
There’s so much opportunity here. Try branching outside of your comfort zone and joining a program that you’re not familiar with, [because] there’s everything everywhere here to turn you into a well-rounded person.”
.png "Headshot of SVU 2025 Graduate; Benjamin Whitted")
There’s so much opportunity here. Try branching outside of your comfort zone and joining a program that you’re not familiar with, [because] there’s everything everywhere here to turn you into a well-rounded person.”
–Benjamin Whitted (‘25)
.png "Headshot of SVU 2024 Graduate; Alex Cox")
“What I wanted from an education, more than anything, was to enhance my ability to succeed in life. Philosophy has helped me to be able to analyze what I’m reading, create ideas and opinions, and then gather them into coherent statements. And that’s exactly what I needed for pursuing law.”
-
Our graduates step confidently into careers across law, government, business, design, education, healthcare, the arts, and the military, using the adaptability and critical thinking skills they developed here to thrive wherever they go.
Law and Government
The broad background and ethical foundation of a liberal arts degree enable graduates to succeed in law and government, serving as judges, attorneys, city managers, and public service leaders. Ricardo Jensen ‘10 was recently appointed as Superior Court Judge, NC 6th District, and Ben Burningham ‘09 serves as a Wyoming Chancery Court Judge.
Business and Computer Science
Graduates continually enter successful careers in business and finance, working in diverse positions such as financial consultants (Sarah Edwards ‘16) and investment analysts (Luis Ortiz ‘09). Alumni like Patrick Shafer (‘12) found high-level positions in their field (a Network Security Analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense) right after graduation.
Healthcare and Education
SVU also offers hands-on targeted preparation for careers in healthcare and education. Our alumni serve as optometrists, pharmacists, and professors, shaping the next generation (Michael Goering ‘15, Trager Hintz ‘13, Kenson Hiatt ‘12).
Design and Performance
SVU’s budding design program has sparked a number of high-level design positions just a few years after its inauguration (Natalie Yule ‘22, Aly Day ‘22). Our graduates find fulfillment in creative careers in performance and the arts, working for professional sports teams, creative agencies, and leading stages across the country (Kailey Simmons ‘17).
-
A liberal arts education taught from afar doesn’t have the same kind of impact on your life. At SVU, your professors know your name, your goals, and how to help you reach them. Our small faculty-to-student ratio means you’re never lost in a crowd, and your learning experience is discussion-based and deeply personal. This community-focused environment encourages you to think critically, ask questions, and grow in both your faith and academic pursuits.
-
Classes at SVU are intentionally small, with an average class size of just 15 students. You won’t ever find yourself in a lecture hall with 100+ other students. Instead, you’ll be in classrooms where your participation matters, your voice is heard, and your professors can mentor you closely throughout your degree.
-
Yes! We’re committed to making a values-centered liberal arts education accessible for every student. SVU awards more than $5 million each year in academic, talent-based, and need-based scholarships to students. We also guide students through federal and state financial aid opportunities to help them make college affordable.
Want the complete guide to financial aid at SVU? Download our free eBook, Private Scholarships vs. Federal Loans: A Financial Aid Guide for Latter-day Saint Students!
-
No, and we do this purposefully. SVU’s programs are offered in person, on a close-knit campus where learning extends beyond the classroom. Here, you can take advantage of in-person discussions, mentorship, and on-campus activities that build community and connection—something that’s hard to replicate online.
-
Yes! Liberal arts graduates from SVU go on to thrive in professional and graduate programs, with 90% of SVU students accepted into graduate schools in fields like law, medicine, education, and business.
-
SVU’s Launch Center provides personalized guidance and career services to help you plan for life after graduation. Whether you’re exploring career options or planning for graduate school, you’ll find personalized support, including:
- Career exploration to discover paths that match your interests and strengths.
- Resume building and interview practice to prepare you for opportunities.
- Grad school research and preparation support if advanced study is in your plans.
- Internship and job search guidance to help you find meaningful experiences.
- Networking strategies and LinkedIn tips to grow your professional presence.
- Connections to the SVU alumni network.
At SVU, career planning isn’t just about landing a job; it’s about helping you utilize your liberal arts education to make an impact in the world.
-
Here, bigger isn’t always better. SVU’s vibrant Knight life has something for everyone: whether you’re interested in athletics, the arts, esports, music, student leadership, or clubs, there’s a place for you to grow and connect.
With a close campus community and plenty of ways to find other students who share your interests, you’ll build lasting friendships and have opportunities to lead and serve during your time in Buena Vista.
.png "Aerial view of SVU Campus surrounded by trees, with a small town and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.")
