Where will an Occidental College education take you?
Los Angeles, California
Occidental College is about discovery.
Occidental’s liberal arts education offers the flexibility to go where your curiosity leads while also preparing you for a future you might not have envisioned yet. It’s a fouryear expedition to pursue new ideas, learn from diverse perspectives, and try new things.
Occidental’s social opportunities will energize you. Our rigorous academic programs will challenge you. Our faculty will connect you to the boundless resources of Los Angeles. At Occidental, the campus community is collaborative. We embrace diversity while encouraging each other to make a meaningful impact in the world.
It’s all part of your intellectual journey.
“Occidental’s liberal arts approach allowed me to take classes I might not have otherwise considered and to learn in new and different ways. Every class, across every discipline, emphasizes the importance of critical thinking.”
Ahladini Veerina Politics and sociology double major Los Altos Hills, California
Location
292 sunny or partly sunny days a year
40 years the studentrun Bengal Bus has provided a free service driving students to SoCal attractions and on local errands
100 days that marine biology students spend each year on one of the College’s four research vessels
“Occidental’s location encourages faculty to think about how our teaching can reach beyond the walls of the classroom.”
Sharla Fett Professor of History
Schedule a campus visit to experience it yourself:
Liberal Arts in Los Angeles
LYNN HE
Chemistry major
Art History minor
Superior, Colorado
Lynn He can’t begin to estimate how her liberal arts education transformed her life. “Exploring departments and experiences that I didn’t initially identify with or expect to encounter has created so much richness in my education,” says Lynn, who won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Sichuan University in China following her time at Occidental.
HER LABORATORY FAMILY
After taking a chemistry class with Professor Mike Hill, Lynn spent the following summer working in his lab researching non-invasive alternatives to cartilage surgery using electrochemistry. “His mentorship made me want to be a chemistry major,” she says. “The students in the lab were so close. It was almost a familial bond.”
ART HISTORY IN ITALY
A course in the preservation landscape of Rome and Florence opened Lynn’s eyes to the field of art conservation science a perfect marriage of her background in materials science and growing passion for art history.
DELVING DEEPER
A two-week summer program at the prestigious Getty Conservation Labs in Los Angeles included conservation workshops, field trips, and meetings with collections managers and curators.
We Love L.A.
average high temperature in February
hiking trails spanning three mountain ranges
18 miles from Occidental to Venice Beach
FUN FACT
As if! The Occidental campus was used as Beverly Hills’ fictional Bronson Alcott High School in Clueless the classic 1995 comedy based on Jane Austen’s Emma
Expand HorizonsYour
TRE’SHUNDA JAMES
Physics major Houston, Texas
Tre’Shunda learned about the Jet Propulsion Laboratory internship through Occidental’s COSMOS scholarship program — short for Creating Opportunities in Science and Mathematics for Occidental Students.
Occidental students enjoy opportunities for undergraduate research that rival those of many graduate programs. In addition to participating in Occidental’s Summer Research Program, Tre’Shunda spent three semesters learning alongside scientists at JPL, a federally-funded space research and development lab just a 15-minute drive from campus.
“My project looked at ways we can characterize exoplanets planets outside of our solar system,” she explains of her work as a participant in JPL’s Student Independent Research internship program. Using a theoretical model developed by her mentor, a renowned nuclear physicist, to look for biosignatures–or signs of life–the two published a paper to the scientific community online.
Now she’s earned a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Texas at Arlington, with plans to pursue a career in planetary science. Having launched her career at Occidental, the sky’s the limit for Tre’Shunda.
Building Community
JAISHRI
VIDYARTHI
Psychology major
Music minor
Durham, North Carolina
Jaishri was drawn to Occidental because of its top-ranked music program and tight-knit community. “Going to a smaller college eased my transition into the city while still offering me the opportunities I desired in the music industry.“
FINDING A BEAT
Jaishri hooked into the campus music scene on day one when KOXY, the student-run campus radio station, played a song by a favorite artist during move-in. “When KOXY began hiring, I knew I wanted to join the staff and help out with their on-campus concerts.”
In her first year, Jaishri attended events and club meetings connecting with people through KOXY and the South Asian Student Association (SASA). “It was always a welcoming space for me,” says Jaishri, who joined the SASA leadership board.
IN THE MIX
As the events manager and station manager, Jaishri and KOXY support student bands and build a strong campus community through radio shows, DJ mixers, and concerts with artists like Rebecca Black. “KOXY is a core part of the music community here at Oxy.”
The connections she made through KOXY also opened up professional opportunities. “I got the opportunity to network with other professionals in the music industry and learn more about live music in Los Angeles.”
Spaces at Oxy
1. Athletics Center home to McKinnon Tennis Center, Kemp Stadium, and De Mandel Aquatic Center
2. Thorne Hall campus auditorium and home to many Occidental traditions
3. Johnson Student Center houses the Marketplace, Green Bean coffee shop, and more
4. FEAST Garden a student-run community garden
5. Academic Quad the oak-shaded heart of the 120-acre campus
6. Keck Theater state-of-the-art performance space
7. Solar Array its 4,886 panels generate 12 percent of the College’s electrical usage
8. Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences home to cutting-edge instructional and lab spaces
9. Hameetman Science Center houses the physics and geology departments (the lobby houses a Foucault pendulum)
10. Intercultural Community Center a meeting place that supports multiculturalism on campus
Places of Interest
11. Eagle Rock neighborhood you’ll find an array of restaurants, coffee houses, and shopping (including Target)
12. Griffith Park (8 miles) the city’s largest urban park offers hiking trails, the L.A. Zoo, and Griffith Observatory
13. Downtown Los Angeles (7 miles) your gateway to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Dodger Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, and L.A. Live
14. Highland Park neighborhood a vibrant mix of old and new, “L.A.’s Coolest Street” (York Boulevard) is teeming with eclectic eateries, art galleries, and vintage shops
15. San Gabriel Mountains the nearby mountains offer great hiking and even skiing options for outdoor enthusiasts
16. Pasadena (5 miles)
the L.A. suburb is the host site of the Rose Bowl and is a local favorite for great shopping and restaurants
Academic Community
250 students supported by the Undergraduate Research Center annually
17 average class size
19 consecutive years that Occidental has been one of the country’s top producers of student Fulbright Awards
“Expect to be challenged, be humble, and embrace difficult topics and areas of study. You never know what might inspire your imagination and how a class or event on campus could change your future!”
Amy Holmes-Tagchungdarpa Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Students work on a printmaking project in Weingart Hall for their Spanish class.
Academics at a Glance
Occidental offers a transformational liberal arts education anchored by our exceptional faculty and the resources of one of the world’s greatest cities. Our rigorous curriculum produces graduates who are well-equipped to address society’s biggest challenges—globally-minded thinkers who draw from multiple disciplines to work toward solving complex problems.
AREAS OF STUDY
American Studies
Art and Art History
• Studio Art
Asian Studies
Biochemistry
Biology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
Black Studies
Chemistry
Chinese Studies
Classical Studies
Cognitive Science
Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture
Computer Science
• Computational Mathematics
• CS+X
Critical Theory and Social Justice
Diplomacy and World
Affairs
Economics
Education
English
• Creative Writing
Food Studies
French Studies
Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Geology
• Environmental Science
German Studies
Group Language
History
Interdisciplinary Writing
Japanese Studies
Kinesiology
Latino/a and Latin
American Studies
Linguistics
Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics
Media Arts and Culture
• Critical Media
• Media Production
Music
• Foundations of Music Creation
• Instrumental Performance
• Music Composition
• Music Production
• Music Studies
• Vocal Performance
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
• Renewable Energy
Politics
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Health
Psychology
Public Health
Religious Studies
Russian Studies
Sociology
Spanish Studies
• Culture
• Linguistics
• Literature
Theater and Performance Studies
Urban and Environmental Policy
Explore our academic programs:
Community-Based Learning
GRAHAM LUETHE
Urban and environmental policy major Seattle, Washington
An interest in sustainability led Graham to major in urban and environmental policy (UEP). “I knew that I wanted to focus my studies on something that would allow me to address our changing climate,” he explains. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications provided him with a framework to explore sustainable initiatives and tangible actions for engaging the community in the fight against climate change.
As a sophomore, Graham conducted an independent study project to replace the lawn of the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI) building with a native habitat garden, merging his love for native plants with sustainability initiatives. A summer internship with UEPI allowed him to work with an urban farm in Los Angeles, inspiring him with the community’s efforts to combat climate change through localized food systems. “This opportunity provided a crucial context for the rest of my education at Oxy and its relationship to the broader L.A. community.”
Intimate Scale, Infinite Scope
45 majors and minors (including an option for a selfdesignated course of study)
9:1 student/faculty ratio
Distinctive Programs
Undergraduate research, global engagement, and close mentoring relationships with faculty epitomize the academic experience. Take advantage of Occidental’s one-of-a-kind offerings.
Getting Out the Vote
Every two years, Occidental students earn a semester’s worth of credit by working on political campaigns in battleground states through the Campaign Semester program. “This is an awesome opportunity to become involved in the process that you study in the classroom,” explains Madeline Scholtz, a politics major from Denver. “For 10 weeks, you get a chance to completely immerse yourself in campaign life. After the election, you get to reflect on your experience and analyze the results of the elections all across the country. You get both the real-world experience out in the field and the academic component back on campus.”
Extra! Watch a video about the Campaign Semester experience:
Madeline Scholtz, left, and Koyote Fee canvass a neighborhood in Apple Valley, Minnesota, on behalf of a campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Working to Support Global Unity
As a diplomacy and world affairs major at Occidental, Malcolm Sowah jumped into the Kahane Oxy-at-the-U.N. program, which offers students the opportunity to live in New York City and do hands-on work with agencies or diplomatic missions. Malcolm spent a semester interning at the United Kingdom mission, “which is quite unthinkable for an undergraduate,” he says. “Occidental enabled me to become more confident in myself,” says Malcolm, who hails from Ghana and later was hired as a policy adviser for the U.K. mission. “That’s quite relevant in the world we live in—to be able to learn new things and take on new challenges.”
Leadership in Training
The Barack Obama Scholars Program empowers future leaders pursuing public good. Inspired by President Obama’s time at Occidental, it offers curated experiences to propel exceptional students toward impactful careers. Liliana Madrid Larrañaga, a biochemistry major and public health minor from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is passionate about health equity. At Occidental, she interned with Essential Access Health as a family planning health worker and plans to pursue a career providing prenatal and postnatal care to women of color in rural New Mexico. “The Obama Scholars Program provided me with talks from professionals, leaders in their fields, and opportunities to learn and grow as a leader at Occidental.”
26 students participated in Campaign Semester in fall 2024
16 students participate in Kahane-at-the-U.N. each fall
16 current Obama Scholars
Global Exploration
Looking for perspective, experience, and skills to become a leader in an interconnected world? One-third of all Occidental students study abroad for a full semester, typically during their junior year. With international partners on six continents, Occidental offers multiple routes to global leadership. Our extensive study abroad and research programs foster intensive cross-cultural learning and collaboration through language and cultural immersion, independent fieldwork, and community-based learning projects. Get your passport ready to become a Global Tiger!
Read student blogs about study abroad experiences on our International Programs Office website:
IAN VAN DUSEN
Geology major Olympia, Washington
Ian found it “surprisingly easy” to get his hands dirty studying ecosystem and climate change. During his time at Occidental, he took two research trips to Iceland alongside Associate Professor of Geology Darren Larsen. Digging around the clock for 10 days, the team sampled mud from an ancient lake that covered the last 12,000 years of time.
HANNAH HOEFS
Marine biology major Saint Paul, Minnesota
Joining the Vantuna Research Group—Occidental’s marine lab—prompted Hannah to start earning her diving certifications. She studied five key species of macroinvertebrates that live in the rocky reefs and kelp forests of Southern California. She also surveyed coral reef growth and recovery in Jamaica with Assistant Professor of Biology Amber Stubler.
THE AMERICAS
Argentina
Chile
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Mexico
Peru
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Botswana
NATALIA GUERRA
Critical theory and social justice major Chicago
Natalia explored social justice dimensions in both the Netherlands and Mexico, making the most of Occidental’s opportunities to learn about the world in an active, global context. She joined Associate Professor of History Alexandra Puerto in Chiapas for an interdisciplinary research project exploring autonomous education in indigenous communities, work that was rooted in archival research and oral history.
Study Abroad Locations
ASIA/OCEANIA
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Nepal
Rwanda
South
Tunisia Turkey Uganda
New
Samoa
South
Taiwan
Vietnam
EUROPE
Austria
Czech Republic
France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
The Netherlands
Serbia
Spain
Switzerland
United
Kingdom
Why I Teach
Occidental’s faculty are committed teachers, dedicated mentors, and engaged scholars. Our 9:1 student/faculty ratio means that students get to know professors well during their time here, in many cases engaging in graduate-level research and creative endeavors. Faculty members serve as academic advisers, career mentors, and lunch companions.
NO EASY A’S
Barack Obama ’83 fondly remembers his undergraduate days at Occidental (he spent two years at the College)—even if his favorite professor, Roger Boesche, gave him a B in his political theory course. (The two reunited at the White House in 2009.)
“What we really do is we foster a student/professor collaboration in terms of research and scholarship, both in the classroom and in the laboratory. And it allows students to pursue their own ideas. And I think this is unique at the undergraduate level. It’s not uncommon for a student to find their own research question, and pursue that from very early in their career, all the way through their majors and their comprehensive exams. I tell all my students: You’ll never be a number at Occidental.”
Kerry Thompson Professor of Biology
“Having been a first-generation college student myself, the mentorship I received from my professors was pivotal to my academic and personal development. When I first visited Occidental as a professor, one of the first things that made me feel connected to the values of the campus was the importance that was placed on mentorship.”
Patricia Cabral Assistant Professor of Psychology
Professor Amy Lyford meets with Isabel Nortsen, an art and art history major from Minneapolis, at a coffee shop near campus to discuss Isabel’s research project.
Cheyenne Orozco and Assistant Professor Raul Navarro work together in a Norris Hall chemistry lab during the Summer Research Program.
Professor Brody Fox advises Brendan Galbreath, a media arts and culture major from Sacramento, California.
Student Experiences
100+ student clubs and organizations
20 NCAA Division III varsity sports
“Occidental
students are utterly idiosyncratic. They have this crazy constellation of interests and abilities—like a student who plays the violin, majors in biology, and saves the world through baking challah bread. There’s no making this up.”
Clair Morrissey Professor of Philosophy
Students play frisbee on the quad between classes. Occidental’s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Club competes at the national level.
My Oxy Experience
“Occidental has taught me to think both critically and unconventionally to create ethically based solutions. This kind of thinking will allow me to successfully pursue a career in marketing, despite the obstacles that may come my way.”
ANDREA DEVRIES
French studies and media arts and culture
double major Medford, Oregon
THE CLASS THAT CHANGED ME
“Transnational Cinemas: Borders, Walls, Difference was one of the most eye-opening courses I have taken. Throughout the course we grappled with topics stemming from transnationality and worked to dissect the ways in which we perceive the term ‘borders.’
This class challenged me and encouraged a deep level of selfreflexivity.”
MY STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE
“My study abroad experience—a fully immersive media theory program in Paris—was incredible and challenging. I was consistently pushed out of my comfort zone and grew more tenacious and independent. I had the opportunity to learn about media through an international lens, which paved a path for both a Global Crossroads Young Student Grant project and my senior comps in French studies. I still keep in contact with my host mom and friends in Paris!”
WHAT I MISS THE MOST AFTER OXY
“The energy in the classroom. My classes were very collaborative. Students pushed each other to think critically while still leaving space to engage with one another in a respectful way. I hope to bring this energy into my future endeavors.”
Residence Life
Occidental students live on campus for at least three years, which contributes to a close-knit and supportive community of diverse scholars.
EVERY OXY ROOM INCLUDES:
Good Eats
MARKETPLACE
aka “the MP”—cafeteriastyle meal enjoyed in the dining hall or to-go
TIGER COOLER
a fast-casual cafe with booths for study or hangout
SATURDAY DINNER
a buffet-style community meal GREEN BEAN the student-run coffee house
17 residence halls and houses on campus
9
Themed Living Communities, which center on specific interests or identities
5 Occidental’s rank for best college food in California by Niche.com
Student Involvement
At Occidental, community and service are core values, woven into the curriculum as well as extracurricular activities. There are many ways for students to get involved that can have a real impact on their lives, the lives of fellow students, and the community at large.
One of these opportunities is the Food, Energy, and Sustainability Team (FEAST) Garden, a student-run organic garden that acts as a teaching and learning space for issues of sustainability, environment, and food. Student volunteers grow produce, tend to the hens, mitigate waste through composting, restore native plants on campus, host educational workshops, and engage with the surrounding community.
Join in on the Action
SLICE
Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) consolidates leadership, clubs, activities, and community engagement initiatives in one office, enriching the student experience both on and off campus.
AFFINITY GROUPS
SLICE oversees affinity groups, which encourage networking, personal development, and a sense of belonging among students with shared identities.
ASOC
Associated Students of Occidental College (ASOC) advocate for the student body by promoting discussions on College improvements and organizing activities that enhance students’ educational, recreational, and social experiences.
ICC
The Intercultural Community Center (ICC) is a student-centered hub that encourages dialogue, organizes inclusive programming, and nurtures community bonds at Occidental.
CULTURE OF CARE
Culture of Care is a College-wide support network that identifies and assists students who are struggling to cope with the challenges of college life.
The StudentAthlete Experience
ZANDER GRANATH
Sociology major with an emphasis on gender studies Salt Lake City, Utah
Zander Granath was captain of his high school swim team, but he wasn’t set on being a student-athlete at Occidental. When he walked on to the swimming and diving team as a first-year, “I was thinking ‘Maybe one year,” says Zander, who grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah. But he ended up loving the team culture and the novelty of swimming outside in winter. By his senior year, Zander was team captain and broke two school records as a member of the 800 and 200 free relay teams. For his senior comps project in sociology, he interviewed more than 20 gay men in Los Angeles in a study of queer and hyper-masculinity in online spaces. Zander ultimately hopes to work in social policy or foundations, using qualitative processes and data science to optimize social programs. With the discipline he honed at Occidental, he has a strong foundation to pursue his goals.
“It’s really cool to be part of the athletics family, and I’m definitely a better student when I swim.”
Occidental’s women’s basketball team defeated Cal Lutheran to claim the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championship in 2024.
25% students involved in varsity athletics
ALL IN FOR OXY
Occidental competes at the NCAA Division III level as a charter member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). Occidental’s student-athletes participate in 20 intercollegiate sports (9 for men, 11 for women) and numerous club and intramural sports.
“Occidental fit my academic needs, and the soccer being played was progressive. Once I arrived I realized that the team culture was really the difference between Oxy and the other schools I was interested in attending.
Evan Karp Soccer | Psychology major Portland, Oregon
Student Organizations at a Glance
DISCOVER YOUR PASSION
Whether you’re a social activist with a few hours to spare, a dancer waiting to show the world your moves or a budding birdwatcher, there’s something for you on campus. With more than 100 active student organizations, you’re bound to get inspired. But why stop at what you already are? Consider what you can become—and the beauty of Occidental is that if it doesn’t exist yet, anyone can create something new.
Each spring in Keck Theater, Occidental’s New Play Festival brings working professionals (many of them alumni) in to work with student playwrights in staging their one-act plays. All students, regardless of their major, are encouraged to submit their original works.
15 club and intramural sports
1906
Glee Club founded: It’s Occidental’s longest-running performance group
Trained or amateur dancer? All levels are welcome to participate in Dance Production, Occidental’s wildly popular student-led dance club, which stages its annual show at Thorne Hall.
TATIANA RAMOS-GALLARDO Group language major Ashland, Oregon
Tati Ramos-Gallardo moved from Mexico to Oregon with her mother when she was 5. She didn’t speak any English at first and was regularly pulled out of her classrooms for language tutoring—an experience that left her feeling “different” and isolated from her peers. Those memories motivated her desire to empower others through communication.
While at Occidental, Tati co-founded Comparte, a student organization that offers English language workshops to local day laborers and College employees. “We are founded on a belief in popular education—we’re guided by what the workers need and want,” she says. Workshops place an emphasis on conversational skills that support imminent needs, such as negotiating wages and building job skills.
Now, Tati is working as a bilingual speech language pathologist, focusing on children with communicative disorders. “I want to empower others to be able to communicate their needs,” she says, “ because I know what it’s like to not be able to.”
Switch things up with Oxy Gaming, a student organization focused on video games and esports. The club hosts weekly game nights and tournaments.
Careers
88% students in the Classes of 2021-23 who held at least one internship and were employed within nine months of graduation
90+ employers recruit Occidental students annually for internships and full-time jobs
1,400+ career advising appointments held by Hameetman Career Center annually
“I first visited the Career Center as a first-year. Little did I know that I was beginning a four-year relationship with a family of mentors who would guide me over the course of my college career.”
William Huang Economics major Westminster, California
Occidental’s annual Career Fair is open to all students and alumni seeking full-time jobs, internships, fellowships, and advanced degree programs. It’s one of the many events hosted by the College’s Hameetman Career Center.
The Advantage of Advising
KIRA ELLIOT Economics, diplomacy and world affairs double major La Mesa, California
As a high school senior, Kira didn’t have a strong sense of what she wanted to major in, let alone pursue as a career. But her liberal arts education allowed her to explore subjects she was interested in as well as others with which she was unfamiliar. “I always knew that I wanted to embark on a career that aligned with my interests and would challenge me, and the liberal arts
education that Occidental offered me allowed me to figure out what that could look like.”
Now Kira works as a manager in the economic litigation consulting industry—a field that she had never even heard of before, but one she finds both challenging and enjoyable. She credits the dedicated staff members at Occidental’s Hameetman Career Center with helping her prepare for and ultimately land her first job three months before graduation. Her best advice for students? Take full advantage of the career center.
“The Career Center advisers are so passionate about what they do and will do everything in their power to help you succeed. They have so many incredible connections to Occidental alumni and friends around the world—the possibilities are endless.”
Pre-Medicine Perspective
BESHER ASHOURI
Cognitive science major San Dimas, California
Growing up in Syria, Besher Ashouri was eager to attend medical school in the United States—but he had to go to college first. “I developed a great appreciation for American undergraduate education,” he says. “It made sense that I should grow as a person and widen my perspectives before trying to help others. I learned much that is applicable to medicine from every course, even art history.”
Professors in the cognitive science department and his pre-health adviser helped prepare him for applying to med school, and now he’s a student at Stanford University School of Medicine. “Coming in I
72% med school admission rate of Occidental students guided by the pre-health advising program
didn’t know about the plethora of services available to us as students,” he says. “The med school application cycle and the MCAT can be very time-consuming and stressful, but Occidental has the right resources to guide every student through the process.”
Job Finders
It’s never too soon to start thinking about life after Occidental. The College’s Hameetman Career Center connects classroom learning to postgraduate opportunities. From individual career counseling to job-shadowing programs and internships, Occidental’s expert advisers help clarify academic and professional goals and develop strategies to achieve them. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready for any challenge.
INTERNLA
InternLA is a unique summer internship program that funds more than 50 students to intern in Los Angeles-based organizations and companies in six sectors: business, policy, media, research, advocacy, and the arts.
SOME INTERNLA PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:
ARRAY Filmworks
Children’s Law Center of California
Downtown Women’s Center
Grammy Museum
Office of Los Angeles Mayor
An economics major from Cupertino, California, Phillip Wong served as a summer intern at the Data Science Federation—the information technology agency for the city of Los Angeles –through InternLA.
Where Oxy Graduates Work
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Dreamworks Animation
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Justice Corps LA
Morgan Stanley
NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Netflix
Paramount Pictures
Southern California Grantmakers
Teach for America
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of Justice
Warner Music Group WHO HIRES OXY GRADS?
Alumni Excellence
Occidental encourages our students to see the world as an endless set of possibilities. Our faculty and curriculum prepare you to be a global citizen in the 21st century—someone who feels at ease crossing boundaries and borders, and approaches life’s questions with a strong moral and ethical compass.
75% students from the classes of 2021-23 secured a postgraduate opportunity within nine months after graduation
59% were employed full-time within nine months of graduation
16% were enrolled in graduate school immediately following Occidental
Bombas co-founder and CFO/COO
Andrew Heath, who majored in economics, talks to Occidental students about the success of his premium sock company. Since its founding in 2013, Bombas has sold over 100 million clothing items and given away 74 million more.
Where can your Occidental education take you?
A liberal arts education prepares students with versatile skills and knowledge to adapt to a rapidly-changing workplace. Occidental College alumni thrive across a range of jobs and industries, spanning startups, Fortune 500 firms, biotech, screenwriting, investment management, medical research, law, product development, and coding. Here what a few of our amazing alumni are currently up to:
TOR MYHREN
English major Vice president of marketing communications at Apple
“I really got my first advertising job from the short stories and poetry I had written at Oxy. I guess that proved to my boss at the time that I could at least write.”
DHYANDRA LAWSON
Art and art history major Curator for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
“Occidental exposed me to new ideas. During my time at Oxy, I grew as a critical thinker, arguably the most important asset to my curatorial practice.”
MICHAEL GONZALEZ
Diplomacy and world affairs major U.S. Ambassador to Zambia
“The skills I learned [at Oxy]—tight and compelling writing, strategic analysis, inferences from incomplete information, a compulsion to dig deeper to identify what motivates people—have been fundamental to my career success.”
Check out more Oxy Outcomes on our website:
“Make and remake the world and you will make and remake yourself without even trying. You’ve got this. And we’re counting on you.”
Diplomacy and world affairs
alumna
Sara El-Amine
, national director of training for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign
