Top Liberal Arts Specialisation in India
“The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.” - Albert Einstein.
Liberal art is a broad term, it refers to the study of subjects related to the humanities, social sciences, and pure sciences. Liberal studies aims to develop critical thinking, intellectual knowledge, and moral values and help students become better human beings. Liberal arts education prepares students to explore various fields instead of focusing on a specific specialisation.
The word ‘Liberal’ is derived from the Latin phrase ‘liber’ which means ‘to be free’. Liberal arts studies prepare students to select from various career paths apart from their specialisation. ‘Flexibility’ is one of the most important benefits of Liberal Arts. The main motive of Liberal Education is to promote critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills.
Also Read: What is a Liberal Arts Degree
Importance of Liberal Arts
Nowadays, there has been an increased focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education. Since traditional degrees focus on providing discipline-specific education, students are not well equipped with the skills required for today’s complex environment. At present, many students are applying for a Liberal Arts degree due to its broad scope and relevance in today’s competitive environment.
The benefit of a liberal arts education is not in learning diverse subjects but in learning something that cannot be taught through rote learning. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also recognises the importance of liberal arts education. According to the NEP 2020, engineering colleges must include subjects like humanities and social sciences, similarly, humanities or social science colleges have science and engineering.
What are the Top Liberal Arts Specialisations?
Liberal Arts education has changed a lot in recent times. Instead of subjects related to humanities and social sciences, it also includes subjects from diverse disciplines such as Biology, Psychology, Mathematics, Economics, and Physics. Mentioned below are the popular liberal arts specialisations along with their top colleges and career options. Liberal Arts will help them decide which liberal arts specialisation to choose and its career prospects.
1. BA Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts or BA Liberal Arts is an undergraduate degree programme in liberal studies. The duration of the course is three years spread across six semesters. BA Liberal Arts is one of the most popular degree choices for liberal arts aspirants. It provides a comprehensive knowledge of diverse disciplines such as social science, humanities, economics, and sciences.
The syllabus includes subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Finance, Political Science, and Economics. A BA degree in Liberal arts equips students with skills that can be applied to a variety of careers. Below, we have mentioned the popular BA Liberal Arts colleges along with their fee and top colleges offering the degree.
Top Colleges Offering BA Liberal Arts
Candidates can apply to some educational institutes in India. It is important to fulfil certain eligibility requirements before applying for admission. Some of the popular colleges offering BA Liberal Arts are mentioned below.
Career Options available after BA Liberal Arts
There are a variety of career choices for the BA Liberal Arts graduates. It is a diverse degree, therefore candidates have the flexibility to explore different careers. Some of the popular job roles are mentioned below:
Professor or Lecturer
2. BA History
BA History is a three-year-long undergraduate degree programme. BA History is a study of past events and their impact on today’s world. It is the study of societies, people, cultures, and events of historical times. Understanding history is very important, it helps us understand how the world was before and how it has evolved over time.
History is an important part of Liberal arts education. It provides students with skills such as logical skills, written and oral communication skills, and critical thinking abilities all of which are necessary for personal and professional growth. The course curriculum covers the History of India and Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World.
Top Colleges Offering BA History
Several colleges offer BA History in India. The eligibility criteria is almost similar. For more information, students are advised to visit the official website of the colleges.
Career Options available after BA History
A bachelor’s degree in History prepares the candidates for many job roles. Many people think of History as a boring subject, but it provides many interesting career opportunities. History graduates can work in various settings such as museums, universities, and government and private companies. Listed below are the popular job opportunities after a BA History degree.
Archivist
3. B.Sc Mathematics
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics or B.Sc Mathematics is an undergraduate degree programme. The course duration of a B.Sc in Maths is three years. Mathematics is the study of numbers, various theories and their applications. It provides skills related to quantitative reasoning and critical thinking.
Since mathematical skills can be applied to various fields such as finance, economics, psychology, and accountancy, it is also an important subject of Liberal Arts education. The major topics covered in the curriculum include Calculus, Algebra, Number Theory and Mechanics. We have mentioned a list of top colleges and career options below.
Top Colleges Offering B.Sc Mathematics
Listed below are the popular B.Sc Mathematics colleges in India. Students must fulfil the eligibility requirements before applying for admission.
Loyola College, Chennai
Career Options available after B.Sc Mathematics
Mathematics graduates can contribute to fields such as engineering, finance, accountancy and academics. Every industry requires qualified mathematicians to help with complex mathematical problems. Popular job roles are mentioned below:
4. BA Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism or BA Journalism is an undergraduate degree programme. The course duration is three years including six semesters. BA Journalism involves the practice of gathering and editing the news and conveying it to the general public. It can be through newspapers and magazines, or via news channels and radio.
Liberal Arts includes the study of interconnected disciplines. Therefore, Journalism helps the students to get a broad range of skills which can be applied to multiple disciplines. History of English, Travel Writing, and American Literature are the core topics of the course. Some of the leading educational institutes and popular job roles are mentioned below.
Top Colleges Offering BA Journalism
Many private and government colleges in India offer BA Journalism degrees. Students are advised to check the college website for other course details. Popular BA Journalism colleges are mentioned in the table below:
Career Options available after BA Journalism
There are a lot of options for a Journalism graduate. They can work for a newspaper, magazine, radio station or news channel. They can also work as a freelancer and sell their briefings to news agencies. Popular career options for a BA Journalism graduate are listed below:
5. B.Sc Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or B.Sc Computer Science is an undergraduate degree programme. The duration of the programme is three years. It equips the students with knowledge of various computer processes and functions, web development, and different programming languages and software.
Nowadays, technology plays an important role in every industry. Understanding of computer science has become crucial for a well-rounded education. Computer Science graduates can work at manufacturing companies, software companies, financial institutions, schools and universities. The average salary of a computer scientist in India is Rs. 39 LPA.
Top Colleges Offering B.Sc Computer Science
Many educational institutions in India offer a B.Sc in Computer Science course. Fulfilling the eligibility criteria is a must. Listed below are some of the colleges.
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore
Loyola College, Chennai
Career Options available after B.Sc Computer Science
Computer Science is a very broad discipline. The knowledge and skills can be applied to various fields. Due to technological advancements, everyone needs to know how to operate a computer. Some of the desired job profiles are listed below.
6. BA Psychology
BA Psychology abbreviated as Bachelor of Arts Psychology is an undergraduate level course. The course duration of BA in Psychology is three years. Psychology is the study of the mind and how people behave. Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Sports Psychology are some of the sub-disciplines. The work settings of a Psychologist are hospitals, clinics, colleges and universities, government offices, and private practice.
Psychology is an important liberal arts discipline. Every field requires the knowledge of psychology. Economics, mathematics, medical sciences, physics, and chemistry are the important areas where the principles and concepts of Psychology are applied. Some of the subjects studied in psychology are mental disorders, consumer behaviour, and human development.
Top Colleges Offering BA Psychology
BA Psychology courses can be studied at a variety of colleges in India. A list of popular colleges and universities can be found below.
Career Options available after BA Psychology
BA Psychology graduates can explore various career paths. Psychology is a very versatile degree with many applications. It can be applied to social sciences, pure sciences, and medical sciences.
Counselling Psychologist
Mental Health Counsellor
7. BA English
BA English is an undergraduate programme. The course duration is three years. It provides a detailed understanding and practice of written and spoken English. English is the most widely spoken language in the world. Therefore, knowing the correct grammar and usage is important for everyone and is an essential part of liberal arts.
BA English graduates learn about Literary forms and terms, the history of English literature, communicative English, and poetry. Candidates can contribute to administration, public relations, academics, print media, and news channels. English is a major part of liberal studies as it is helpful in all industries.
Top Colleges Offering BA English
The eligibility requirements for a BA English course are quite similar for every institute. Candidates can apply for admission once eligible. Some of the leading colleges are mentioned below.
Presidency College, Chennai
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore
Loyola College, Chennai
MCC Chennai
Career Options available after BA English
English is one of the most popular languages in the world. Therefore, having the correct knowledge is important. They can work at academic institutions, public relations, media, and administration.
Content Writer
Journalist
Teacher
8. MA Liberal Arts
MA in Liberal Arts is a degree programme at the postgraduate level. The course duration is two years and is spread across four semesters. Students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or related disciplines are eligible for an MA in Liberal arts.
Students pursuing an MA in Liberal Arts study Introduction to Liberal Studies, International Relations and Diplomacy, and Cultural Studies. Students can find a list of leading MA Liberal arts colleges and their popular career options below.
Top Colleges Offering MA Liberal Arts
Many educational institutes offer an MA degree in Liberal arts. Listed below are the leading MA Liberal arts colleges in India.
Career Options available after MA Liberal Arts
MA Liberal Arts graduates can contribute to many areas depending on their interests. Some of the popular career options are listed below.
Journalist
Social Worker
Lecturer
Artist
9. M.Sc Geology
Master of Science in Geology or M.Sc Geology is a degree programme at PG level. The duration of the course is two years. The course curriculum is spread across four semesters. Geology is a broad discipline which studies the interior structure and formation of the earth and its composition.
M.Sc Geology graduates can contribute to almost all the science disciplines due to their broad skill sets and understanding. The work settings of Geologists include private and government agencies, museums, labs, and colleges or universities. The average salary of a Geologist in India is Rs. 6.4 LPA.
Top Colleges Offering M.Sc Geology
To apply for a M.Sc Geology course, students should meet some eligibility requirements. After fulfilling the eligibility requirements students can apply for admissions. Popular colleges offering M.Sc Geology courses are mentioned below.
Presidency College, Chennai
Career Options available after M.Sc Geology
M.Sc Geology graduates can work in various areas. They can work at museums, labs, and government and private offices. They spend most of their time outdoors taking surveys and acquiring samples. The in-demand job roles are listed below.
Petroleum Geologist
Hydrologist
Palaeontologist
10. MA Music
Master of Arts in Music or MA Music is a postgraduate degree programme of two years. Students learn about the history of music, its interpretation, how it has evolved, and various styles and genres of music. The course covers all kinds of western and non-western music. The students are prepared in all aspects of music from singing to playing different instruments and composition.
Music courses help a person to express themselves emotionally and feel free. Furthermore, music is one of the most traditional subjects of Liberal Arts. Musicians can perform solo or in a group. They can also perform at concerts, clubs, malls, or auditoriums. The average salary of a music composer in India is Rs. 3.7 LPA.
Top Colleges Offering MA Music
In India, many private and government colleges offer MA Music degree programmes. Students must check the website of the college for more information. Popular colleges are mentioned below.
Career Options available after MA Music
Music is one of the most popular liberal arts subjects. Musicians can work at almost any place. Street performances, clubs, malls, art exhibitions, live concerts, educational institutions, and auditoriums to name a few.
Singer
Music Composer
Lyricist
Conclusion
To conclude, liberal arts education is very important in the current scenario. With a lot of changes happening in the world, liberal arts prepares students to explore a variety of career paths. Apart from traditional subjects related to humanities, arts, and social science, it also promotes subjects from pure sciences.
Some of the popular career options include Journalist, Painting, Computer Scientist, Actor, Business Analyst, Human Resource Manager, and Psychologist. Students also have a chance to contribute to various other fields and earn handsome salary packages.
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Questions related to B.A.
Hi Shikha,
A BA in Psychology (Hons) can be both intellectually enriching and challenging, depending upon your interests and aptitude. Here's an overview of what to expect and the prospects after the degree:
Is BA in Psychology (Hons) Hard?
1.Course Complexity:
- Content: The subject of psychology involves human behaviors, emotions, and thinking. The main areas included are:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Research Methods and Statistics
- Abnormal Psychology
- These topics are based on theory, research, and practical applications.
- If you are not afraid of reading, analyzing case studies, and memorizing concepts, the coursework is manageable.
2. Skill Requirements:
- Analytical Skills: To interpret research and data.
- Empathy and Communication: This is necessary to understand diverse perspectives.
- Writing and Reporting: You'll write essays, reports, and possibly research papers.
3. Workload:
- The subject can be highly reading-intensive, assignment-intensive, and experiment-intensive, but it is not as math-intensive as in the case of STEM fields. However, courses like Research Methods have statistics, which some students may find difficult.
4. Interest-Driven:
- If you are interested in understanding human behavior, it will feel interesting rather than hard. But if the subject does not interest you, it will seem boring.
Earning Income After a 3-Year BA in Psychology
While a bachelor's degree gives a good foundation, most of the high-paying or specialized jobs in psychology require postgraduate qualifications. Still, you can find entry-level positions:
Career Options After BA in Psychology
1. Human Resources (HR):
Jobs: HR Assistant, Talent Acquisition Specialist.
Average Salary: rupees 2.5–4 lakh per year in India.
2. Counseling Jobs (Non-Clinical):
- Positions: School Counselor, Peer Support Facilitator.
- Salaries: rupees 1.8–3 lakh a year.
3. Market Research Analyst :
- Apply skills of Behavior to Consumer Analysis
- Salary: rupees 3-5 lakh a year
4. Social Work and NGOs:
- Positions: Program Coordinator, Community Outreach Worker.
- Salaries: rupees1.5-3 lakhs a year
5. Freelance Opportunity :
- Content creation in mental health, psychology blogs, or conducting workshops on emotional well-being.
6. Psychometric Testing:
- Giving aptitude or personality tests under supervision.
Advancing Your Career
To access more lucrative and specialized roles:
1. Master's in Psychology(Clinical, Counseling, Organizational).
- Master's level careers like Clinical Psychologist or Counselor require a master's and often licensing.
2. Pursue specializations such as Industrial-Organizational Psychology or Educational Psychology .
3. Acquire certifications in areas like Behavioral Therapy or HR Analytics to enhance employability.
Conclusion
BA in Psychology (Hons) is not too tough if you are genuinely interested. After the degree, although high-paying jobs may not be many, entry-level jobs are available. To maximize the earning potential, consider further education or certifications. With increasing awareness of mental health, psychology is a promising field.
Hi Sandhya,
The BA LLB (Hons.) 5-year online application process for Xavier Law School, Bhubaneswar is due to begin soon. April 30, 2024, is likely the last date to submit applications for the 2024-25 session. The admissions are purely merit-based and will be done using scores from entrance exams, such as CLAT and AILET or the XLET (Xavier Law Entrance Test), coupled with academic performance in Class 10 and 12.
To apply, one has to visit the official Xavier Law School website, create an account and submit the required documents. Application fee is Rs. 1400 for one program, an additional Rs. 300 per extra program.
For a BA Hons degree, consider top colleges in india are Delhi University (DU), particularly colleges like Hansraj College, Hindu College, and St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, as they are widely recognized for their strong humanities programs; other good options include Christ University, and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) through CUET UG entrance exam.
Depending on your preferred specialization and location as you belong to uttar pradesh you can consider Banaras Hindu University (BHU) which is good in academics and placements too.
B. A HONS for more details
GOOD LUCK!!!
The cut-off marks for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) in India vary significantly depending on the institution, location, and admission criteria. Universities and colleges across the country consider different parameters like board examination scores, entrance exams, or a combination of both.
General Overview of Cut-Off Marks:
• Central and State Universities
Prestigious institutions like Delhi University (DU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) often have higher cut-off marks.
• Delhi University: Cut-offs typically range between 85% to 98% in Class 12 board exams for top colleges like Lady Shri Ram College and Kamala Nehru College.
• Jamia Millia Islamia: Admission is based on an entrance test, and scoring 60%–70% in the test is usually required for selection.
• Private Universities
Private institutions such as Amity University, Christ University, and Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication generally conduct their own entrance exams or interviews. For some, a minimum of 50%–65% in Class 12 is the basic eligibility criterion.
• State-Level Colleges
Colleges affiliated with state universities often have moderate cut-off marks, ranging between 50% to 75%, depending on the popularity and demand for the course.
• Entrance Exams
Some universities, like Symbiosis and IP University, require candidates to clear entrance exams like SET and IPU CET, where cut-off scores vary each year based on difficulty and competition.
It's essential to check the specific requirements of the institution you’re applying to, as they can vary widely. Preparing well for board exams or entrance tests and building a portfolio may increase your chances of admission to top JMC programs.
Hello aspirant,
Based on CUET exam results, AMU grants admission to a range of undergraduate programs. By completing the application and registering on the official website, applicants for admission to Aligarh Muslim University can participate in the AMU Counseling Process.
So, yes you can take admission in BA Psychology in AMU through CUET.
Thank you
Hope it helps you