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Why Liberal Arts?

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Discover the power of a liberal arts education at Virginia Tech. From critical thinking to real-world impact, our programs prepare you to lead, adapt, and thrive in any career. Explore how the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences opens doors to endless possibilities.

Scroll down to meet some of our alumni and see where a liberal arts degree can take you.

Calvin Tran

Political Science ’19

Calvin Tran (’19) graduated with a degree in political science with minors in peace studies and violence prevention, and public and urban affairs.

Now a senior environmental markets manager for the American Forest Foundation, Tran uses carbon market financing to connect family forest owners with the resources and expertise they need to manage forests and fight climate change.

Tran, who concentrated in legal studies, said courses like environmental law helped him understand today’s policy landscape, and develop critical thinking skills.

“Political science is one of the hottest topics globally today," he said. "My education provided me with countless frameworks and concepts to holistically understand the world around me. It taught me not what to think, but how to think.”

Paula Yost

English '02

Meet Paula Yost (’02), a Virginia Tech graduate with degrees in English and microbiology.

Yost received her Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law in 2005, and is the owner and managing attorney of Country Law Shack in her hometown of Mount Pleasant, N.C. A member of the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, she is passionate about helping others.

Yost credits her English degree with giving her an edge in her legal career. “Eighty percent of being a lawyer is writing and responding to emails. I write all day, every day.”

Her advice to students? “Focus on what you are good at. Get a degree in what you love. Focus on what you enjoy.”

Andrés Morana

International Studies '16

Andrés Morana ('16), a summa cum laude graduate in International Studies with minors in Leadership, Arabic, and 21st Century Studies.

As an Army veteran, he now serves as a Policy Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State, managing U.S. foreign policy and bilateral relations for Mauritania and Nigeria in the Office of West African Affairs.

Morana, an Honors College graduate, credits his success to his tailored academic experience. “I was able to build a truly unique and enriching undergraduate experience that helped me succeed in my profession on active duty, in the private sector, and now as a federal civilian employee.”