Liberal Studies Degrees: Friend or Foe?

[@tjaytwostep]

Just finished my Liberal Studies degree at UMPI! I’ve been running my own business for 8 years but when I would visit my grandparents, they would always ask when I’m going back to school lol. I’m 31 now and I first came across your videos in February this yr and spent maybe 1.5 years at community college (2013ish) before grinding through Sophia courses and 10 courses at UMPI (1 semester!)

[@feliciafriend3954]

Congratulations 🎉🎊

[@CollegeHacked]

HECK YEAH! You’re a hacking all-star 😎

[@AlbatrossWhisper]

I got a business administration degree and people trash that program all the time. I work in supply chain management now. Starting salary is about $55k in my area and i get to travel the nation with fully paid business trips and nice dinners. Beats the heck out of stocking groceries. In a year ill see 70k as i finish my MBA soon and plan to move to the next level

[@0206-b8z]

Congratulations

[@AlbatrossWhisper]

@@0206-b8z Thanks man. Leave in 2 days to NYC on my first business trip ever.

[@mrmartywaring]

My undergrad is in Business Administration & it opened a lot of doors into a bunch of other specialties

[@RabbiJesus]

Well done.

[@heyisthatmichael]

I have a BLS degree (triple minor mgmt, project mgmt, poli sci) from UMPI and make a really nice 6-figure salary as a marketing director. I could've done any degree, but I love to learn across a myriad of topics, so liberal studies just made sense. The well-rounded experience and knowledge has been invaluable, plus I was able to graduate summa cum laude and went on to get my Master's from a top 30 business school. I love my BLS degree. It's all about your goals and how you use the degree.

[@CollegeHacked]

This is AWESOME! Thanks for taking the time to share, I think your story is important real life info for the hacking community to see 😎

[@heyisthatmichael]

@@CollegeHacked thank you so much for your amazing and inspirational channel! You're changing the lives of sooo many people!

[@TB4Jesus247]

As an Interdisciplinary Studies graduate, I 100% recommend, if it supports your goals, such as going to grad school. This type of degree will save you soooo much time and money; time and money you could use towards a Masters.

[@CollegeHacked]

Nailed it!!

[@coachlauren]

This is my favorite video you’ve ever made 😉

[@CollegeHacked]

Some of our conversations inspired it. Thanks for the idea!

[@ThomasSullivan3]

Georgetown BALS grad here, got into consulting, got up to a 250k comp package within 4 years, then went my own way into an executive MBA at University of Michigan Ross School of Business and transferred into Wealth Management. I credit my success to the holistic learning through Liberal Studies which has proven to be the best preparation for me post military in order to learn how to learn and learn how to interact with multiple disciplines in a socially complex society.

[@CollegeHacked]

Thanks for sharing! It’s awesome to hear real stories from those who have gone this direction very successfully. Congrats 🎉

[@AlexLopez-wy5kv]

I just finished my Bachelor of liberal studies in Management and Political Science in 3 weeks!!! Now I’m starting in September my master's in public health at WGU, thanks for your videos and everything.

[@MJM-q4b]

what is your plan? what industry are you planning to get into?

[@CollegeHacked]

AMAZING! You crushed it

[@AlexLopez-wy5kv]

@@MJM-q4b I’m in the US Air Force

[@AlexLopez-wy5kv]

@@CollegeHacked Thanks so much!!!

[@Atma-Isa]

Congrats what a great feat! Please where did you complete Bachelor of liberal studies?

[@portabull749]

What amazes me is how many people think they know my political beliefs when they hear I have a liberal arts degree.

[@CollegeHacked]

I'm dying laughing. Comment of the year for sure!

[@trekster9269]

The negative connotation is so real, people don't even realize why anymore and just make up their own reasons.

[@Watchingvideoz23]

Your videos have been helping me so much! I was about to go for the journalism communications degree before I saw the worst and best degree video and after seeing this, I’m doing liberal arts to build what I want! Thank you!!

[@CollegeHacked]

So happy to help! 😁

[@Rachel_1177]

Another piece is the advantage the liberal arts degree holder has in being a well-rounded person having learned to think analytically and possessing many of the soft skills employers seek. I've been re-reading "There is Life After College" by Jeffrey Selingo as I'm helping my son navigate his degree path. Selingo argues a liberal arts education is the best preparation for the working world. A LinkedIn article he wrote talks about how liberal arts majors are found in all fields and are thriving. Your video, along with the great comments, is helping me see my son's path. Thank you!

[@CollegeHacked]

Amazing! 👏🏼

[@rwinton7369]

I graduated with a liberal studies degree after spending way too much time figuring out what I wanted to do for a career and I agree with cliff the salary estimate are not applicable in the least

[@njmommie]

And this my friends is what separates a true professional from a KZbin hobbyist… There’s this “other” guy who pushes proctored WGU exams while hating on UMPI/Sophia and the infamous Chipotle degree; such a shame, I hope more and more people find your channel and seek your services. Cliff & Lauren kudos to you all for all that you do in this community. Loved LOVED all the screaming! 📢

[@CollegeHacked]

I'm not reliably a good screamer. But sometimes I just have so much to say that it just comes out louder. ;)

[@njmommie]

@@CollegeHacked It was loud enough for the people in the back to hear it! lol.

[@travisphillips2900]

Wow this was very insightful. Thank you for making this video.

[@DKudratt]

Love this! Just got accepted to LUO and have thought about switching from Psych to Interdisciplinary. Would I be allowed to co-enroll with Sophia while being an active LUO student?

[@CollegeHacked]

Absolutely! 😄

[@mrmartywaring]

You need to have a good plan if you have a liberal studies program. The true test of the degree is what career path you can go into with just a four-year degree

[@CollegeHacked]

Sometimes, but sometimes there are other reasons to earn a degree beside it leading to a career!

[@mrmartywaring]

@@CollegeHackedI totally agree! For my Bachelor's it was to advance in my career. For my MBA, it was more for vanity reasons

[@ericvigen]

If you are an intrinsic leader, choose Liberal Studies because its multi-lenses approach will hone your talent. A multi-lenses perspective is what a leader needs to solve complex problems.

[@eastcounty4605]

I want to see Shane and Cliff box in the Tyson vs Paul undercard. My money is on Cliff all the way baby.

[@CollegeHacked]

🤣 If Tyson doesn’t win that fight, it’s rigged.

[@CollegeHacked]

Also, the least exciting fight of all time: Pharmacist KZbinr vs. English Teacher KZbinr. I think the only true loser would be the poor viewers. lol

[@NickEden]

@@CollegeHackednope. Let’s do it and raise money to give people free months on Sophia lol

[@CollegeHacked]

@@NickEden If you can convince Shane, and if we can do it to raise money, I will box him. But I want the boxing gloves to be replaced with pillows.

[@RabbiJesus]

IRL the biggest critics of the degree don’t have one of their own in any field. HR just wants to check that box, unless it’s a specialized field.

[@CollegeHacked]

In most case, you're absolutely right.

[@RabbiJesus]

@@CollegeHackedwhat’s the graduation rate compared to other degree programs?

[@lawrenceq79]

I see these conversations all the time. I have a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies from Liberty. I graduated in 2012 at 32 years old and did it using my GI Bill. It worked for me but i already had an AAS and two trade certificates and work as a wastewater treatment operator. I completed my degree for me. It had nothing to do with landing a job. I already had a career and more than enough schooling and experience.

[@CollegeHacked]

You are one the OG's. The director of the program right before me turned it into Interdisciplinary Studies, and then when I got it I tried to level it up to better serve students.

[@CollegeHacked]

And it sounds like you nailed it!

[@d.rabbit7276]

I don't think Perry Mason could've made a stronger argument regarding this subject.

[@CollegeHacked]

That's 'cause Perry Mason didn't run the world's largest build-it-yourself degree program!!!! jk jk It was really fun yelling a lot in this video. ;) But thank you! That's high praise!

[@d.rabbit7276]

@@CollegeHacked No problem. I'm in my last 4 classes of my organizational leadership degree. And unfortunately I get the same crap regarding the value of my degree program. I'm glad that you made this video. 👍🏿

[@talkwithalana7489]

@@d.rabbit7276 Congrats. I am about to do the same degree in September. Please don't listen to anyone especially about this degree because it has many opportunities.

[@ROLOGamingOfficial]

Great video! Would you take a look at the AAS Board of Governors degree by Pierpont Community & Technical College? I know it's an associates degree, but it is pretty flexible and hacckable. Having this degree can help as motivation to continue on for a bachelor's degree.

[@NickEden]

Now you know the AAS isn’t really their thing. lol. I will say as a Pierpont graduate, I could give the CH team three great reasons the Pierpont AAS is totally worth it.

[@CollegeHacked]

We actually do recommend and build plans for the BOG! Just did a new one this week 😄 It’s more that an associates is rarely going to be the solution, so it’s not as mainstream content wise. But it’s something we offer as an option often in actual sessions :)

[@NickEden]

@@CollegeHacked nice! There really are a lot of us in the community that discovered the BOG after seeing your content. Kudos to you all. Plus it didn’t hurt to get invited to Phi Theta Kappa, which got me some scholarship money for my bachelors. 😉

[@CollegeHacked]

@@NickEdenOooo that’s a new factoid. What are your other 2 reasons for it?

[@NickEden]

@@CollegeHacked a lot of folks take breaks. Burn out is a real deal, and it can be disheartening to just build up more credits with nothing to show for it. The BOG imo keeps you motivated to finish because you have something to show for your work so far. Last reason is you can do it while gathering your additional credits once you get 60. Better bang for your buck to have two degrees instead of just one.

[@ThinkBeFree99]

Peope with it compnsci web dev degrees and experience cant even find a job nowadays

[@CollegeHacked]

Definitely more difficult

[@dragoon1027]

I get what you're saying here. Your main argument is that this degree is good if you just need a degree to check a box or move on to grad school. By that logic, every degree has the same value. I considered using my GI bill to go to Georgetown or Penn for Liberal studies or Applied Arts and Sciences just to finish up my last two years of college. I wanted the name on my resume, but I didn't want the degree type. Instead I went to a school similiar to Liberty U, UMGC. Then I got two masters, one from a T25 the other from a T10. Mainly this was because I was embarassed with my undergrad school name. I would highly advise against going to Liberty U (where they will think you're a hardcore christian and the only place you could work would be in the South or middle of nowhere) or a Liberal Studies degree (where they will think you're the opposite of a Liberty U grad). Sadly this is just how the world works. When I see Harvard on a resume I already have an established opinion of so that person. The same can be said for schools and degree type at lesser schools.

[@CollegeHacked]

This might be your opinion, but it isn’t everyone’s lived experience. This degree makes many people’s lives a lot better. It might not have been good for you, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good for anyone.

[@dragoon1027]

@@CollegeHacked yes but your main point was that it helps you get to graduate achool, which all degrees do.

[@bmartinez90s]

Given that I have an Associate of Science in Business Administration and over 100 credits from my previous studies, I’m trying to decide between completing a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies. I dropped out of school years ago but now see an opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree relatively quickly and affordably. I'm particularly interested in how each degree might impact my chances of advancing in government work. I feel a bit insecure about the Liberal Studies degree but I'm open to it if it won't negatively affect my career prospects. What do you recommend? I'm just trying to get the education chapter wrapped up in my life

[@CollegeHacked]

Sounds like you need to do some thorough research! Every pocket of government can be different, so we can’t say for sure whether Liberal Studies would work for you. But we’ve definitely seen it work in many government situations :) Check with HR/hiring managers about whether it matters to the trajectory you’re aiming for.

[@smvtttt]

Great video

[@Orangesare1ife1]

Two parts to my question 1, when you apply for city jobs in my state they ask for transcripts and the College should be regionally accredited. 2. Once I graduate from my regionally accredited school and I provide my transcripts will the Sophia credits show different on my transcript or will it be on a completely different transcript?

[@CollegeHacked]

When you graduate, all the sources of credit will be on your final transcript in different sections divided by institution. Usually Sophia/Study show up as “ACE” but sometimes (if you transfer directly from Sophia/Study and not jointly through Credly.com) it will say “Sophia.” The majority of city jobs are unlikely to know what they are looking at, and they typically just want to see the GPA/major, etc. They aren’t scanning to rule out those with ACE credits. :) But always good to check into that more, every situation/employer is different.

[@trekster9269]

I wanna see a KZbinr boxing match between Cliff and Jake Paul. Cliff could work the inside and wear him down.

[@CollegeHacked]

Only in competitions of the mind. Bro would crush me in the ring.

[@trekster9269]

@@CollegeHacked I used to box, the best in the ring are the feather weights. With training you actually stand quite a chance to punish him.

[@CollegeHacked]

@@trekster9269 Sounds like I found my coach.

[@trekster9269]

@@CollegeHacked Run 3 laps while eating these raw eggs.

[@CollegeHacked]

@@trekster9269 And now it sounds like it's time to end my boxing career.

[@cara2550]

I've got 100 credits from another university and SNHU took most my credits. I only need 30 credits, but I originally wanted to get a BA in Technology OR Business. I will need 50+ or so credits for that at SNHU. Is it a compromise to get a Liberal Arts degree? My end goal is to work from home as a programmer (I believe most learn from hands on experience outside of school) because I am in the middle of homeschooling and raising my kids. As they get older I can work more. As a back up if I can't work from home, is a Liberal Arts efficient? I'm also considering UMPI as an option. Context: I've been taking 1-2 classes a semester and moving slow as hell towards my BA. I'm definitely also feeling burnt out haha

[@CollegeHacked]

What kind of programming do you want to do? It’s not impossible to get into that right now, but there has never been a worse time to break in 😅 ChatGPT is really changing the landscape of tech (and everything) so it isn’t the safe and lucrative direction it once was. It’s now insanely competitive and the people who tend to make it are those who are obsessed with programming. As in, love building things in their free time and would do it even if they weren’t being paid. If that’s how you feel, then don’t let me discourage you. Just know the industry is MUCH different than it was even 5 years ago, and not in a good way. Happy to chat more if it’s helpful! [e-mail].

[@cara2550]

@@CollegeHacked Break my heart, why don't ya haha Ugh, the ChatGPT is definitely a road block. I am interested in Full Stack Development. The primary motivator is remote work and potential flexibility. Ultimately I want a degree that will open doors, whatever that may be. I understand that most people work outside the scope of their degree as well. Thank you for your feedback!

[@0206-b8z]

In your coaching do you give an outline on how to land a job after graduation and how to graduate within a year. I think umpi is the school for me

[@CollegeHacked]

We map the classes for the major you choose and break down the timeline and cost. If you’d like additional help beyond that, we offer executive coaching for a monthly subscription price where we can help with resumes/applications/etc. :) In general, we like to teach clients the skills they need to do things on their own rather than do the things for them. Some coaches/companies take a different approach, so choose what will work best for you 😄

[@0206-b8z]

Thanks :)​@@CollegeHacked

[@harrisonr5407]

I've seen so many negative reviews of National University (AKA North Central University). Could you please give some insight on that university in particular and if it's a decent online school? I'm trying to find busy-friendly online programs, specifically at the master or doctorate level.

[@CollegeHacked]

If you’re seeing a lot of negative reviews I’m surprised you’re still interested. Which degree are you trying to earn?

[@harrisonr5407]

@@CollegeHacked very fair point! I’m looking at online Ph.D. Computer Science programs. There a few out there that I’ve seen, but it looks like National offers the most forgiving program in regard to busy individuals. I work long hours and have a family, but I would love to become a professor someday so I’ve been looking at possibilities online. Have you seen any good programs or have any other recommendations/advice? Thanks!

[@CollegeHacked]

@@harrisonr5407 Color me impressed! That's tough stuff. I actually think National would be a great option for that topic at that level. They are a private non-profit, which is important. They have a solid program and a traditional dissertation and defense, which is super important for going into academia after :) But question about the end goal--if you want to teach undergrad students, you only need a masters degree. You may want to teach graduate students, which would justify the terminal degree, or you might just WANT IT. Which is also reasonable :) Just want to make sure you know you could teach without it!

[@aranbrifkani6648]

Is it possible to get into a high ranking master’s program with a BA in Liberal Studies from somewhere like UMPI? Have you seen examples like this?

[@CollegeHacked]

We’ve seen clients go to law school with a fully hacked UMPI BLS, so definitely. The person makes the degree, not the other way around! 🥳

[@SophiaEvie]

Just found your KZbin. What do you recommend to premed.

[@CollegeHacked]

One of two main pathways: a customized chipotle degree, or a standard biology/premed. which one is right for you depends on all the other aspects of your application.

[@SophiaEvie]

@@CollegeHacked I’m going to do a chipotle degree at umpi.

[@MJM-q4b]

what are the recommendations to leverage your degree (bog at pierpoint) and BLS at UMPI if one wants to work in TECH? Thank you

[@CollegeHacked]

Be really good at tech, because the degree is just a checkbox. You’ll need to be ready for interviews with whiteboard challenges and take home projects, as well as algorithmic coding tests. Especially now that basic things are being coded by ChatGPT, you can’t just be a code monkey to break in like a few years ago.

[@MJM-q4b]

@@CollegeHacked a code monkey lol. thank you! I'm thinking about completing the BLS and then doing a bootcamp.

[@YuShawStang]

9:47 that is me which is offensive and true😛

[@davidrobinson7260]

Most people think of things like gender studies when they think about liberal studies. Like is your only goal is to get a gender studies degree what are you going to do with that.

[@davidrobinson7260]

Mr Hummus is talking about people that go to college for four years just for the bachelor’s degree with no intention of going to get a graduate degree.

[@CollegeHacked]

Most people are incredible ignorant, unfortunately.

[@VarinderSingh-kx1oh]

This just proves that no degree is useless!

[@LordGlizzy341]

Would I need a masters in liberal studies to get into medical school?

[@CollegeHacked]

You do not

[@daltonyoungblood9755]

Do you know of any hackable construction related degrees? Im at a loss😮‍💨

[@CollegeHacked]

Purdue Global has a Business Administration Construction Management degree in ExcelTrack format :)

[@daltonyoungblood9755]

@@CollegeHacked Thank you!