What is the difference between a liberal arts degree and a professional degree in the United States?

A liberal arts degree and a professional degree are two different types of academic degrees offered in the United States. A liberal arts degree is a general education degree that focuses on developing students' critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as providing a broad range of knowledge across various subjects, including literature, history, mathematics, and science. This type of degree is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in different fields, such as business, education, law, politics, and more.

On the other hand, a professional degree is a specialized degree that focuses on a specific field or profession. Examples of professional degrees include law, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, architecture, and engineering. These degrees require a more rigorous and specialized course of study that is designed to prepare students for specific professions.

Professional degrees often have specific prerequisites, such as undergraduate degrees in a related field, and require completion of a professional certification or licensing exam before students can practice in their chosen field. In contrast, liberal arts degrees do not have these specific requirements, and graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in various fields.