What are the 7 Types of Liberal Arts?

Introduction

The idea of liberal arts was all about developing general knowledge and intellect, which has evolved to include several new elements and subjects to create an ethical and liberal society for all. Hence, the study of liberal arts picks from the various disciplines such as social science, humanities, mathematics, history, fine arts, biological science, physical science, philosophy, etc. 

When you study liberal arts, you will be met with the most obvious question: What are the 7 liberal arts? These 7 liberal arts were originally introduced by the infamous Greek philosopher Plato, in his work titled ‘The Republic’. In modern times, universities and colleges have started including more than seven liberal arts, broadening the spectrum of the traditional field. For a foundation in liberal arts, getting admission in a course and expanding your academic qualifications will benefit your career. 

What are the 7 Liberal Arts?

The traditional educational discipline of the liberal arts was based on 7 prime subjects, initially divided into two segments: trivium and quadrivium. The trivium consists of three subjects: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. On the other hand, Arithmetic, Astronomy, Music, and Geometry are the subjects featured within the quadrivium. These 7 subjects together form the very crux of the liberal arts. 

Grammar: Grammar is the foundation of sentence construction. It gives the sentence a structure, ascertains a meaning to it, and a tonality. Grammar is the most important thing in a language that eventually helps it become a tool for constructive communication. 

Logic: In liberal arts, logic plays a significant role in systematically creating reasoning for argumentation. The validity of a statement is important for establishing dependable communication and getting the point across to other individuals. 

Rhetoric: Rhetoric is often described as a rare and effective art, allowing humans to speak and write eloquently. Figures of speech and other compositional techniques are usually explored through rhetoric, improving the overall way of perceiving communication. 

Arithmatic: As a mathematical discipline, Arithmatic deals with numbers, and the basic mathematical operations such as division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition. Arithmetic is also concerned with the application of such operations and advancing into other major functions, such as roots, logarithms, etc. 

Astronomy: The celestial body and its basic science are popularly known as Astronomy. It is a specific discipline that deals with the stars, the solar system, and anything outside the Earth’s orbit, relating to the vast and infinite space. 

Music: In liberal arts, music is introduced for the purpose of understanding mathematical and structural elements present within music while also shedding light on the cultural, emotional, and historical perspectives behind musical compositions. 

Geometry: Geometry is considered to be an integral part of the quadrivium in the liberal arts. The interesting backdrop of the inception of geometry itself made it an art and a science for understanding the nature of the universe.  

In addition to these well-recognised 7 liberal art forms, there are other subjects that have gradually been included in the official programme, making it more dynamic than ever before. However, these are the foundational forms of liberal arts that must be explored to get to the core of the subject.

What Does a Modern-Day Liberal Arts Course Focus on?

Modern-day liberal arts studies build on these 7 liberal arts forms and include more subjects that add a dynamic element to it all. The modern-day liberal arts course takes a multidisciplinary approach to its subjects, adding more elements like fine arts, architecture, and much more. 

The Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts is all about practising critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical thinking, democracy, design, society, space, culture, and much more. With this dynamic approach, the liberal arts become a career that produces diverse opportunities. 

What’s the Relevance of Liberal Arts in 2025 & What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Liberal arts offers diverse career pathways and provides a broad spectrum of opportunities that can help you secure jobs in different sectors. One of the main reasons students choose this programme is the expanded worldview it offers. 

This specific discipline focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities that can be utilised in different settings. The bachelor’s course provides a foundation for the liberal arts. In contrast, the master’s course further expands on the 7 liberal and more liberal arts subjects with a specialisation toward a certain topic. 

How to Obtain a Liberal Arts Degree?

The liberal arts degree is obtained through formal education beginning with a bachelor’s degree, extending to other fields. The specialisations during master’s and PhD programmes allow a candidate to branch into other areas of the liberal arts, which can be translated into a professional outcome. 

One of the common requirements for the BA in liberal arts is a 10+2 board certificate, which is often referred to as the eligibility criteria for any bachelor’s programme. Many institutes or universities may have their own selection programme involving aptitude tests and faculty interviews, which is more relevant for master’s and PhD contexts. 

What Skills Will You Most Likely Learn From the Liberal Arts Course?

The liberal arts degree is special in a sense because of the skill sets it provides. The liberal arts-specific skills mostly revolve around problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, writing, etc. These skills are often considered common skills for other corporate sectors. 

The emphasis on soft skills is more constant during the programme, which is expected to pay off after graduation or during placements. A liberal arts degree can lead to an analyst, journalist, manager, human resources professional, writer, designer and much more.