Liberal arts colleges are the starting point of America’s leadership and relevance in the complex world of global interaction. But more than a decade into this millennium, our schools are no longer the golden launch pad to high-paying jobs — or often, any job.

Aside from the elite schools, many are struggling to survive. The tradition that equates a traditional liberal arts bachelor’s degree with job opportunity is deeply ingrained. Academics may still be invested in old-school views, but business is telling us the global economy needs a new kind of graduate. It’s time to modify curriculums.