How do liberal arts fit within a polytechnic model?

The study of liberal arts disciplines such as philosophy, ethics and sociology provides students with a deeper understanding of the ethical, social and cultural implications of technology and innovation. By integrating liberal arts education into applied learning, students are better equipped to consider the broader impact of their work on society and make ethically informed decisions. Employers often seek candidates with essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork which are central to liberal arts education.

The study of liberal arts is central to the polytechnic model in that it encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives. In a polytechnic setting, this can foster innovation and creativity by bringing together students and faculty from different backgrounds to tackle complex problems. Combining engineering expertise with insights from psychology and sociology, for example can lead to more human-centered design solutions.