Students in Liberal Studies receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of experiences and careers. Liberal Studies introduces students to diverse subject matter. In addition to this breadth of new knowledge, students will develop communication skills and the ability to think critically. Graduates who can think analytically and communicate effectively are in demand everywhere in today's job market.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Actuaries
Position Description:Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$110,560 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $110,560 per year |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Position Description:Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$70,030 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $70,030 per year |
Information Security Analysts
Position Description:Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$93,250 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $93,250 per year |
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Position Description:Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$69,130 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $69,130 per year |
Film and Video Editors
Position Description:Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$80,300 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 3 | $80,300 per year |
Hospitalists
Position Description:Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$197,700 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $197,700 per year |
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$64,460 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $64,460 per year |
Speech-Language Pathologists
Position Description:Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$76,900 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $76,900 per year |
Web Developers
Position Description:Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$70,660 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 3 | $70,660 per year |
Accountants
Position Description:Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$75,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,280 per year |
Customer Service Representatives
Position Description:Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$34,560 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 2 | $34,560 per year |
Fundraisers
Position Description:Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$57,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $57,170 per year |
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$113,610 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $113,610 per year |
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Position Description:Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$59,270 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $59,270 per year |
Editors
Position Description:Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$64,910 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $64,910 per year |
Lawyers
Position Description:Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$136,260 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $136,260 per year |
Administrative Services Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$94,840 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $94,840 per year |
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Position Description:Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$44,880 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $44,880 per year |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Position Description:Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$52,390 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $52,390 per year |
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Position Description:Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$45,320 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $45,320 per year |
Urban and Regional Planners
Position Description:Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$70,680 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $70,680 per year |
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Position Description:Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$54,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $54,170 per year |
Copy Writers
Position Description:Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$69,130 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $69,130 per year |
Photographers
Position Description:Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$40,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $40,280 per year |
Political Scientists
Position Description:Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$103,210 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $103,210 per year |
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Position Description:Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$54,080 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $54,080 per year |
Real Estate Sales Agents
Position Description:Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$58,410 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $58,410 per year |
Graphic Designers
Position Description:Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$51,640 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 4 | $51,640 per year |
Intelligence Analysts
Position Description:Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$79,620 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 4 | $79,620 per year |
Broadcast News Analysts
Position Description:Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$89,240 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $89,240 per year |
Labor Relations Specialists
Position Description:Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$60,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $60,930 per year |
Legal Secretaries
Position Description:Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$46,470 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $46,470 per year |
Desktop Publishers
Position Description:Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$43,900 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $43,900 per year |
Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Write advertising copy for use by publication or broadcast media to promote sale of goods and services.
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.
Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
Explore career information and other resources specifically tailored to Liberal Studies majors.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Summer Hours:
Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.