Occidental College’s mission “is to provide a gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational experience of the highest quality—one that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and pluralistic world”. This gem of a small liberal arts college does just that! Set on a beautiful campus in downtown LA, Oxy enjoys a culture of diversity and a focus on social justice. Students fulfill general education requirements in each of the following subject areas: Pre-1800, Global Connections, US Diversity, Math/Sciences with a Lab credit, Foreign Language, Regional Focus, and an Arts class. In addition to the “Open Core”, freshmen complete a first-year cultural studies seminar with an emphasis on college level writing. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged, and many participate in the summer on-campus paid research program. 75% of students complete internships and 66% of students study abroad. Urban and Environmental Policy and Diplomacy are the most popular majors, and many majors are built with a social justice focus. The academic culture promotes collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, and professors are readily available and involved. All seniors complete a Senior Comprehensive Project, typically a thesis or capstone project.

This residential campus offers themed housing and 15% of students participate in service oriented Greek life. When not studying, there is no shortage of activities on campus and spring and fall concerts featured artists 070 Shake and Flo Milli. Oxy offers a bike share program to ease mobility around campus and in the greater LA area.  For a college of just shy of 2000 students, there is an abundance of opportunity at Occidental.