Final answer:
The central idea of the text is that while liberal arts degrees may not prepare for a specific job, they offer widely applicable skills that employers value.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of the text is: D. While liberal art degrees don't prepare students for a specific job, they give widely applicable skills that all employers value.
The text highlights that the purpose of selecting a college major is not always to prepare for a specific career, especially for degrees in the liberal arts and sciences. It emphasizes that liberal art degrees provide transferable skills that are valued by employers across various industries.
For example, the text mentions that graduates with degrees in humanities subjects have found rewarding work in humanities-related and business fields, as they possess skills in critical analysis, clear and concise writing, and understanding of human behavior.