Â鶹´«Ã½

students doing geology research at Vasquez Rocks north of L.A.

Academics

Â鶹´«Ã½ offers a transformational liberal arts education with a distinct approach. It is anchored by our world-class faculty and the resources of one of the world’s great urban centers.

You will receive a top-quality education through a wide range of undergraduate majors and academic programs, all designed to prepare you for leadership in today’s complex world. As part of a talented and diverse student community, you’ll develop the skills to address society’s biggest challenges learn how to think globally, collaborate across disciplines, and devise creative solutions.

Â鶹´«Ã½ programs sharpen your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach problems in new ways. You’ll learn from exceptional professors who are passionate about teaching as well as research. They believe in learning by doing, and they will help you connect ideas from the classroom to real-world experience.

 

Explore majors and minors at Â鶹´«Ã½

45
majors, minors, programs
8:1
student to faculty ratio

Distinctive Academic Programs at Occidental

You’ll gain invaluable experience through research with faculty, global study in over 40 countries, and unique, hands-on programs like Campaign Semester and the Kahane UN Program. You can intern across Los Angeles through InternLA and prepare for life after college with strong career support and fellowships like the Fulbright and Watson. 

With small classes and close faculty mentorship, Â鶹´«Ã½ gives you the freedom and guidance to turn ideas into impact. In addition to the interdisciplinary Core Program, every student completes a Senior Comps project, putting their learning into practice. You can also pursue pre-professional tracks like pre-health, pre-law, and our 3–2 Engineering Program with Caltech or Columbia University.

Step Inside Academic Life at Occidental

One-of-a-Kind Opportunities in LA and Beyond

Two female Occidental students stand together with clipboards, a megaphone and blue campaign tshirts
Campaign Semester

Every two years, Â鶹´«Ã½ students venture into the trenches of political campaigns as participants in Campaign Semester—the only program of its kind in the nation.
A group of Â鶹´«Ã½ students participating in the Â鶹´«Ã½ at the United Nations program in New York City
Kahane UN Program

Â鶹´«Ã½ is proud to sponsor the nation’s only full-time residential internship program available at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
an Â鶹´«Ã½ student presenting his undergraduate research project
Undergraduate Research

At Â鶹´«Ã½, students make original intellectual and creative contributions to their disciplines through undergraduate research and faculty-mentored projects.
Â鶹´«Ã½ Obama Scholars from the 2026-27 cohort, posing as a group on campus outdoors
Obama Scholars Program

Honoring the legacy of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s most famous student, this program provides a comprehensive experience for exceptional students who seek the opportunity to create meaningful change.
A Vantuna Research Group diver deep in the ocean, surrounded by deep blue
Vantuna Research Group

This long-running marine science initiative monitors coastal ecosystems across the Southern California Bight and integrates undergraduate students in all stages of research.
Â鶹´«Ã½ student intern with a clipboard in front of the Los Angeles Zoo sign
InternLA

This funded internship program allows talented Â鶹´«Ã½ students to spend the summer gaining real-world professional experience with LA-based organizations.
An Â鶹´«Ã½ classroom full of students and a professor around a square table

Spotlight on Â鶹´«Ã½ Faculty

Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty are enthusiastic teachers, accomplished scholars, and dedicated mentors who really get to know their students. They create a collaborative and engaging learning environment, and 97% of our faculty hold a terminal or doctorate degree.

Meet Our Faculty

Student Voices: the Liberal Arts Approach

Jazmin Calderon Arreola headshot
Jazmin Calderon-Arreola
Spanish major, public health and kinesiology minors; Portland, OR

Â鶹´«Ã½'s liberal arts education has shown me the interconnectedness of different disciplines, such as the relation between health and social justice, and has prepared me to think critically when solving problems.

Henry Kinskey headshot
Henry Kinskey
History major, geology and LLAS minor; Seattle, WA

The liberal arts gave me the freedom to experiment academically, allowing me to form connections between areas of study I am passionate about. This let me imagine how I could combine those interests to shape my future.

Tehreem Hai headshot
Tehreem Hai
Physics major, math minor; Karachi, Pakistan

An important part of being a scientist (and a science communicator) is being able to accurately convey your work to the public. This is not always fully explored at more STEM-focused schools, but at Â鶹´«Ã½ I have been able to take coursework to prepare myself for that.

Academic Resources & Support

Student Success

Support includes academic resources like advising, tutoring, and research help; personal wellness and counseling services; plus career guidance and opportunities for community engagement and leadership.
Career Exploration

The Hameetman Career Center offers personalized advising, career education, and access to internships, jobs, and alumni networks to help students explore paths and launch meaningful careers.
Registrar’s Office

The Registrar’s office manages academic records and services for students including course registration, degree audits, transcripts, and graduation applications.
View all resources & support

Most Popular Majors at Â鶹´«Ã½

Economics
Psychology
Biology
Diplomacy & World Affairs
Media Arts & Culture
Computer Science
Politics
Sociology
Music
Critical Theory & Social Justice

Most Popular Minors at Â鶹´«Ã½

Public Health
Urban & Environmental Policy
Art & Art History
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Media Arts & Culture
Sociology
Politics
Philosophy
Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture
Neuroscience
List of majors and minors at Â鶹´«Ã½

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