Management 345

William M. Wood Jr.
MGMT 345U
Final Exam
November 21, 2010

Where does MGMT345 fit in to Liberal Arts major?
Before the question of “where does MGMT345 fit in to liberal arts major”, can be answered, we should first look at why people study the Liberal Arts. Also, we should look at the reasons why people study business and management. Once those two questions have been answered, a discussion on how the two disciplines overlap should be had. And finally, a brief discussion on how MGMT345 will assist the liberal arts major in making career choices is also in order.

Study of the liberal arts can be traced back to the early Greek and Roman philosophers. These ancient philosophers studied the seven pillars of wisdom; logic, rhetoric, grammar, math, geometry, astronomy, and music. An educated man of their day was considered a free man, and not a slave, because of their free education (Lahav, 2008). These pillars became the foundation for a general well rounded education. During the renaissance the studies of humanities became prevalent as there was an increased focus on scientific inquiry. The focus on humanities added theology, spirituality, and physicality to the seven pillars. Liberal arts began to decline during the industrial revolution as the need for more skilled labors increased. In the 1950’s liberal arts began to become popular once more.
Today people study liberal arts for a variety of reasons. Many are seeking to discover themselves. Some pursue liberal arts to find careers in art, history, education, archeology, literature, and other humanities related subjects. The traditional career options for the liberal arts major are taking a backseat to a more diverse variety of careers. Today’s liberal arts majors are using their critical thinking skills to move beyond academic careers and enter into the professional job market. Before elaborating on this, we must look at why people pursue an education in business.

In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, as the industrial revolution grew, scientific methods for management were becoming prevalent (Courtland Bovee, 2007). As a result of these scientific methods, there became a need for trained professionals. Specifically, professionals were needed in the areas of accounting, marketing, operations management, human resources, production, strategy, organizational behavior, and related subjects. Business schools began to emerge as early as 1900. The MBA or Masters of Business Administration is the program designed to give the student the culmination of the various areas related to business and management.

Students who complete their undergraduate in business or go on to pursue their MBA, find work in a business related field. The number one business career is finance (Badenhausen, 2010). However, since the recent financial crisis, students planning a career in financial world are finding fewer opportunities (Sider, 2008). The landscape is changing. Employers are looking for more. Employers are looking for problem solvers, critical thinkers, and creativity. Today’s Liberal Arts programs such as Leadership and Interdisciplinary studies are offering these things and more by including elements of the business world to their programs without the traditional business education tract. These programs offer an overlap and combination of the two distinctly different fields of study.

When liberal art overlaps with business the results can only be positive. Liberal arts provide a core of basic knowledge that the college graduate needs to survive in today’s job market. The liberal arts student learns writing skills, critical thinking, historical perspectives, reading and interpretation skills, time management, communication skills, and research skills.

When business literacy is added, the student learns how to, analyze data, customer service, economics, global relations, management skills, record keeping, and how to run a business. Learning business skills is essential for career paths. Today’s employers want highly motivated, well rounded, critical thinkers who can work independently or on a team. Combining business with liberal arts meets this. Combining the two teaches the student how to; administer programs, advise people, maintain a budget, calculate numerical data, design ads, evaluate programs, interview people, make presentations, generate ideas, handle complaints, persuade others, keep good records, run meetings, and sell products.

From the university to the board room, the skills learned by combining liberal arts and business give the graduate the tools to make a difference. I intend to use my new found skills to change careers. Management 345 has taught me several skills that I will need to make this happen. Although I have long term aspirations of becoming a teacher I feel that this is the time in my life to explore all options. I plan to use what I have learned about resumes, cover letters, references, and interviews in my endeavors.


In conclusion I would like to reiterate my main points. First today’s need leaders need more than a specialized area of study can provide. Second, even those liberal arts majors who seek traditional employment in academia must understand how businesses are run. Lastly, in our capitalist society liberal arts and business are a perfect union.

William M. Wood Jr.

Works Cited

Badenhausen, K. (2010). The Best Places For Business And Career. Retrieved 12 1, 2010, from Forbes.com: http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/13/best-places-for-business-beltway-business-places-10_lander.html
Courtland Bovee, J. T. (2007). Excellance in Business Third Edition. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Lahav, O. (2008). The Liberal Arts are no random, modern concept. Retrieved November 29, 2010, from Nuvvo Learning Communities: http://liberalarts.nuvvo.com/lesson/3284-history-of-liberal-arts
Sider, A. (2008, 10 21). Economic crisis affects job market for graduating class. Retrieved 12 1, 2010, from Chicago Maroon: http://www.chicagomaroon.com/2008/10/21/economic-crisis-affects-job-market-for-graduating-class


I