At a recent speaking engagement I was asked to discuss the role of liberal arts in a well-rounded education. I enjoy discussing this topic because it gives me a chance to do some myth-busting on the misconceptions about a liberal arts education.

Myth No. 1: Science, technology, engineering and math are not “liberal arts.”

With an appreciative nod to my colleague at the New College of Florida, Dr. Donal O’Shea, I can dispel this first myth by stating that today’s liberal arts include Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities. A liberal arts education is simply a well-rounded education that prepares a graduate for a career, not just a job.

As Dr. O’Shea has written in the past, the liberal arts originated as the essential subjects and skills required for an ancient Greek or Roman citizen. Today, the word “art” has become narrowly interpreted. A two-year associate in arts degree from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, is a not a degree in drawing, painting or acting, although any of these activities could contribute to the well-rounded education our students receive to prepare them to transfer to a university.

Myth No. 2: STEM students don’t need to take liberal arts courses.

Some will complain about the requirement to take humanities or social science courses in pursuit of a STEM degree. Instead of thinking only about the content of the subject, consider the activities that occur through these courses—classroom discussions that expose students to new or opposing ideas, writing assignments and presentations to develop communication skills, the study of unfamiliar topics to broaden thinking, to name just a few.

Education must expose us to new things and different viewpoints if we are to develop as people. Graduates must be prepared for the human dynamic in the workforce, not just the skill requirements. Today’s employers value graduates with critical thinking skills, strong verbal and written communication skills and analytical ability. A liberal arts education exposes students to opportunities to develop these skills in addition to the technical skills required to join the workforce. We learn and develop more outside of our comfort zone than tucked safely within.

Myth No. 3: A liberal arts education will not lead to a STEM job.

This myth is easy to knock down. As I stated above, math and science are key components within the liberal arts. Students that embrace the opportunities provided by a well-rounded education on a college campus can even learn the skills employers value in their new employees.

Planning too narrowly can leave graduates vulnerable to an uncertain labor market in which disruptive technologies are a making jobs obsolete. Today’s employment trends indicate that multiple job and career changes over time are the new normal. Graduates need an educational background that will open multiple doors in the job market and prepare them to learn new skills.

Buying into the myths of the liberal arts can limit a student’s opportunities and their ability to adapt to future job markets. At SCF, we want students to gain the skills they need to become employed in their field, the knowledge to be successful over time and the adaptability to navigate the future.

Dr. Carol Probstfeld is president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota