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Areas of Study

College of Arts and Sciences

Browse our more than 50 academic majors and 42 minors and concentrations to see what area of study fits your interests and goals. We’ve established a set of learning goals that outlines our commitment to academic excellence and your success as a student.

We also have developed a new multidisciplinary program in partnership with Oberlin Conservatory called StudiOC. Become part of a learning community, take courses across disciplines, and develop rich interactions with faculty and your peers. StudiOC is open to all students.

Browse our areas of study to see what each major, minor, and concentration has to offer.

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Africana Studies
- Major
- Minor
Africana Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Africana Studies
Africana Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Africana studies prepares students, not only as adept critical thinkers, presenters, and researchers, but also as valuable global citizens. Because Africana studies is a multidisciplinary department, we offer courses to students of any major—knowledge to expand your worldview and deepen understanding of people of African ancestry.
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Anthropology
- Major
- Minor
Anthropology
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology
Anthropology
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Anthropology concerns itself with the holistic study of the human condition—socially, culturally, linguistically, and biologically in space and in time. If you have traveled or are interested in travel, or have experienced different societies, cultures, and foods; if you consider yourself adventurous and willing to engage in intense, hands-on learning within a liberal arts setting, the study of anthropology may be for you.
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Archaeological Studies
- Major
Archaeological Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Archaeological Studies
Archaeological Studies
Program Type:
Major
Archaeological studies at Oberlin is an inherently interdisciplinary field that draws from methods and research practices in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
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Art History
- Major
- Minor
Art
College of Arts and Sciences
Art History
Art
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Art history investigates the main tendencies, major artists, and important works from around the world, including Africa and the Black Atlantic, East Asia, Islamic cultures and the West.
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Biochemistry
- Major
Chemistry / Biochemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
Biochemistry
Chemistry / Biochemistry
Program Type:
Major
Current. Foundational. Flexible. Interdisciplinary. Experiential. Rigorous. Collaborative. These are a few of the strengths of our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, which offers variable and interdisciplinary coursework within the foundational fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
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Biology
- Major
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Biology
Program Type:
Major
The Department of Biology prepares students in the principles, concepts, and methods of modern biology and develops analytical skills necessary for advanced study in a broad range of scientific and non-science disciplines.
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Book Studies
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Book Studies
Program Type:
Concentration
The Book Studies Concentration is designed to provide pathways for students interested in books as communication, material culture, and artistic media on a global scale. It encourages connections across the curriculum to let student choose from a range of courses based on their interests.
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Chemistry
- Major
- Minor
Chemistry / Biochemistry
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
Chemistry / Biochemistry
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers flexible and interdisciplinary coursework within the foundational fields of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
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Cinema Studies
- Major
Cinema Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Cinema Studies
Cinema Studies
Program Type:
Major
Oberlin’s Cinema Studies Program is one of the first established at a liberal arts college and one of few programs where students don’t just study films and filmmaking, they produce them.
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Classical Civilization
- Major
Classics
College of Arts and Sciences
Classical Civilization
Classics
Program Type:
Major
Our coursework in Classical Civilization covers literature, history, and society, as well as Greek and Roman contributions to philosophy, religion, and government. This program provides a broad foundation for students interested in all areas of literary, humanistic, and historical study.
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Cognitive Sciences
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Cognitive Sciences
Program Type:
Concentration
Cognitive science is the multidisciplinary study of the mind in order to understand such concepts as consciousness, perception, memory, reasoning, and problem solving. Our cross disciplinary program integrates the perspectives and methodologies of such parent disciplines as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics.
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Comparative American Studies
- Major
- Minor
Comparative American Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Comparative American Studies
Comparative American Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Comparative American studies examines the range and diversity of American experiences, identities, and communities. From interdisciplinary perspectives, students study social, political, economic, and cultural processes within the United States as well as explore the role of the nation in a global context.
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Comparative Literature
- Major
- Minor
Comparative Literature
College of Arts and Sciences
Comparative Literature
Comparative Literature
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Literary theory, literature, the arts, European languages, literatures, and translation represent the foundation for our Comparative Literature Program.
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Computer Science
- Major
- Minor
Computer Science
College of Arts and Sciences
Computer Science
Computer Science
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Computer science is taught within the context of a liberal arts degree, with emphasis on the lasting principles of the discipline rather than on specific training in particular tools and techniques. We stress the fundamentals of computer science while maintaining a highly current and relevant curriculum using advanced methodologies and tools.
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Creative Writing
- Major
- Minor
Creative Writing
College of Arts and Sciences
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Combining the breadth of a liberal arts education with rigorous studio training, our Creative Writing Program emphasizes individual mentoring at the advanced level through small, juried workshops, and independent projects directed by program faculty. We focus on five genres—fiction, poetry, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting—yet offer opportunities for cross-disciplinary work with other arts.
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Dance
- Major
- Minor
Dance
College of Arts and Sciences
Dance
Dance
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Dance focuses on four areas of study that allow students to pursue dance from different perspectives: creation and performance, critical inquiry, physical techniques, and somatic studies. We encourage students to create, perform, collaborate, experiment, and think about movement in a manner that is consonant with their experience in the other fine and liberal arts.
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East Asian Studies
- Major
- Minor
East Asian Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
East Asian Studies
East Asian Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Our East Asian Studies Program is one of the largest and most interdisciplinary fields of study, focusing on the region that includes China, Japan, and Korea. Students study languages coupled with East Asian history, literature, religion, art history, politics, and anthropology.
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Economics
- Major
- Minor
Economics
College of Arts and Sciences
Economics
Economics
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Economics has been described as the study of the issues arising from the allocation of limited resources to meet society’s unlimited human wants. In our economics program, you will acquire solid mathematical skills as well as strong research, data analysis, and critical thinking skills to address these issues A major in economics provides the first stage for those interested in graduate work in economics or business.
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Education Studies
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Education Studies
Program Type:
Concentration
An Education Studies Concentration integrates pedagogical approaches, conceptual approaches, and experiential components for students who are interested in engaging with understandings of education as a part of the liberal arts. It encourages them to work with diverse communities both as learners and as educators. The concentration includes student work in three areas: conceptual approaches, pedagogical approaches and experiential components.
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Engineering, 3-2
- Major
College of Arts and Sciences
Engineering, 3-2
Program Type:
Major
Our 3-2 Engineering program will develop within students not just the requisite grounding in science and mathematics, but also the creativity, effectiveness in communication and problem solving, and sensitivity to real problems that are hallmarks of successful engineers.
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English
- Major
- Minor
English
College of Arts and Sciences
English
English
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The English department balances the study of traditional fields of English and American literature with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary work. This involves the contemporary fields of Africana studies, postcolonial studies, cinema studies, comparative literature, creative writing, and gender, sexuality, and feminist studies.
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Environmental Studies
- Major
- Minor
Environmental Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Environmental Studies Program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of human interactions with the environment. We seek to equip students with the knowledge, intellectual tools, and learning experiences necessary to understand the causes and consequences of our environmental challenges. The program seeks to develop in students the creative problem-solving skills necessary to design and build a more sustainable relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world.
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French
- Major
- Minor
French and Italian
College of Arts and Sciences
French
French and Italian
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Mastery of spoken and written language, a critical appreciation of literature and cinema, and the study and analysis of culture are the hallmarks of coursework in the Department of French and Italian. Both areas of study are interdisciplinary allowing students to choose other courses that will broaden and enrich their studies of these world languages.
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Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
- Major
- Minor
Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies Program gives support and direction for disciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary scholarship in gender, sexuality, and feminist studies. This broad academic approach helps students explores how gender, race, class, and sexuality are represented in relation to ethnicity, nationality, politics, and other categories of human experience.
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Geology
- Major
- Minor
Geology
College of Arts and Sciences
Geology
Geology
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Oberlin’s Department of Geology explores some of the worldwide environmental, climatological, and geological questions of the day that will help students develop a high level of inquiry, field study, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
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German
- Major
- Minor
German Language and Literatures
College of Arts and Sciences
German
German Language and Literatures
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The study of German focuses primarily on the study of literature. Genres, literary movements, and individual authors and themes are examined with the aim of expanding the student’s capacity for literary analysis and appreciation.
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German Studies
- Major
German Language and Literatures
College of Arts and Sciences
German Studies
German Language and Literatures
Program Type:
Major
German Studies focuses primarily on the study of cultural expressions other than literature, such as music, art, film, and philosophy. Students learn to reflect on and analyze the nature and value of literary, cinematic, and artistic works as part of a larger inquiry into the meaning of life.
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Greek Language and Literature
- Major
- Minor
Classics
College of Arts and Sciences
Greek Language and Literature
Classics
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Greek Language and Literature offers courses in classical civilization that cover literature, history, and society, as well as Greek and Roman contributions to philosophy, religion, and government. Our coursework provides a broad background for students interested in all areas of literary, humanistic, artistic, and historical study.
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Hispanic Studies
- Major
- Minor
Hispanic Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Through coursework in Hispanic studies, you’ll develop a broad and intimate understanding of the rich and varied cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, built on a solid competence in spoken and written Spanish.
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History
- Major
- Minor
History
College of Arts and Sciences
History
History
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of History’s interdisciplinary focus engages students in numerous subjects approached through a variety of methodologies to help them become astute observers, practiced researchers, and critical thinkers. Rigorous coursework coupled with a research component helps our students gain deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
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Individual Major
- Major
College of Arts and Sciences
Individual Major
Program Type:
Major
Students who decide upon the Individual Major can focus their academic work on an interdisciplinary topic outside the framework of an existing department or program major. You define your own major program of study, drawing on courses from two or more disciplines within the college.

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International Studies
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
International Studies
Program Type:
Concentration
The International Studies Concentration prepares students for careers and pursuits spanning national boundaries. It is grounded in the social sciences and focused on contemporary issues to help students develop an understanding of the current dominant modes of international interactions, and the global nature and consequences of those interactions.
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Jewish Studies
- Major
- Minor
Jewish Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Jewish Studies
Jewish Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Jewish Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Jewish history and Judaism. Students will learn to read and comprehend core religious and historical texts, as well as methods for interpreting other materials relevant to Judaism as a religious system and body of thought; and Jewish history, literature, and culture.

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Latin American Studies
- Major
Latin American Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies
Program Type:
Major
Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary program that supports students with a strong interest in Latin America and the Caribbean: the peoples, cultures, history, language, and traditions. We emphasize Spanish-language competency, which is essential for anyone who wishes to study or function effectively in a Spanish-speaking environment.
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Latin Language and Literature
- Major
- Minor
Classics
College of Arts and Sciences
Latin Language and Literature
Classics
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Latin Language and Literature is one of three areas of study offered through the Department of Classics. Our programs in Greek and Latin Language and Literature develops a deeper understanding of the works of ancient Greece and Rome and enables students to make independent judgments about ancient society through the study of source documents in their original languages.
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Law and Society
- Major
- Minor
Law and Society
College of Arts and Sciences
Law and Society
Law and Society
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Law and Society Program explores philosophical, political, economic, historical, sociological, ethical, scientific, and religious issues that are central to understanding the role of law and legal institutions in society.
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Linguistics
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Linguistics
Program Type:
Concentration
Our Linguistics Concentration is interdisciplinary, taking advantage of Oberlin’s strengths in many academic areas that apply to our liberal arts philosophy and goal of ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. Students will gain multiple disciplinary perspectives on human language, in addition to a foundation in descriptive and theoretical linguistics.
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Literary Translation
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Literary Translation
Program Type:
Concentration
Students concentrating in literary translation will study the history and theory of literary translation, analyze specific cases and practical problems, and develop their own extended translation projects. The Literary Translation Concentration can be completed by any student with any major.
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Mathematics
- Major
- Minor
Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics
Mathematics
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Mathematics is both a technical and cultural field of study. We seek to introduce students to a central area of human thought; prepare them for graduate study in pure or applied mathematics; support students studying fields that use mathematics; and present the kinds of mathematical and quantitative thinking important in the contemporary world.
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Middle East and North Africa Studies
- Minor
College of Arts and Sciences
Middle East and North Africa Studies
Program Type:
Minor
Middle East and North Africa Studies focuses on this region broadly, including Africa north of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, Eastern Mediterranean, Iran, Turkey, and the Red Sea and Gulf Littoral states. Students should have a beginning knowledge of languages used in the region, namely Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi or Turkish.
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Musical Studies
- Major
Musical Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Musical Studies
Musical Studies
Program Type:
Major
The Musical Studies Program is designed for arts and sciences students with serious preparation for and interest in the study of music within a liberal arts context. Students will take courses in both divisions, which include musical foundations, music theory and aural skills, musicology, applied study, and private instruction.
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Neuroscience
- Major
Neuroscience
College of Arts and Sciences
Neuroscience
Neuroscience
Program Type:
Major
The neuroscience major is designed for students interested in the cellular, chemical, and structural organization of the brain and the relationship between the brain’s operation and perception, thought, emotion, and behavior. Opportunities are available for students to use multiple approaches at many levels of analysis including molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels.
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Peace and Conflict Studies
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Peace and Conflict Studies
Program Type:
Concentration
The Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration is an interdisciplinary concentration that studies the factors that lead to human conflict and aggression, including those that are psychological, sociological, anthropological, environmental, political, economic, religious, and historical in nature. Students will study not only the factors that lead to human conflict and aggression but also examine levels of conflict, both individual and group, and explore the potential links between issues of social and environmental justice and violent conflict.
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Philosophy
- Major
- Minor
Philosophy
College of Arts and Sciences
Philosophy
Philosophy
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Philosophy is an essential component of a liberal arts education. It develops skills necessary for all intellectual pursuits. Here, you will have the opportunity to grapple with “big questions,” and to think about the philosophers who are working on these questions today, and those who have shaped the history of philosophy. You will learn to think carefully, critically, and with clarity; to develop reasoned arguments of your own; and to evaluate the arguments of others.

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Physics
- Major
- Minor
Physics and Astronomy
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Our Department of Physics and Astronomy is designed to serve both students interested in science as an important part of a general education, and those desiring intensive training in physical science. Coursework ranges from fundamentals to electronics and astrophysics.
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Politics
- Major
- Minor
Politics
College of Arts and Sciences
Politics
Politics
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Politics encompasses a broad field of study and focuses on American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and international politics. Coursework will help students incorporate critical political viewpoints into their everyday experiences and future careers.
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Psychology
- Major
Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
Psychology
Program Type:
Major
The Department of Psychology’s curriculum prepares students for graduate work in psychology and for other academic and career goals where a background in psychology and its methods is relevant. Our scientific approach to understanding human behavior equips students with analytical, research, and clinical skills for careers in many fields with a human service orientation.
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Religion
- Major
- Minor
Religion
College of Arts and Sciences
Religion
Religion
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Religion offers a broad curriculum in the study of religion, and affords an opportunity for concentrated study in particular religious traditions and specific areas of religious thought and practice.
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Rhetoric and Composition
- Minor
Rhetoric and Composition
College of Arts and Sciences
Rhetoric and Composition
Rhetoric and Composition
Program Type:
Minor
The Department of Rhetoric and Composition supports the collegewide commitment to the teaching of writing, as it is one of the primary skills needed for almost any occupation to which a graduate might aspire. Beyond these practical values, writing serves as one of the most essential tools for inquiry in a liberal education. All Oberlin students are strongly encouraged to pursue the goal of writing well.
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Russian
- Major
- Minor
Russian Language, Literature and Culture
College of Arts and Sciences
Russian
Russian Language, Literature and Culture
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Russian Language, Literature, and Culture offers a wide range of distinctive courses, both in Russian and in translation, for majors and non-majors alike. Through our multiyear sequence of language courses, students can gain extensive training in speaking, reading, and writing Russian, and develop a working understanding of Russian culture.
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Russian and East European Studies
- Major
- Minor
Russian and East European Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Russian and East European Studies
Russian and East European Studies
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Russian and East European Studies prepares students for research or study in Russia or Eastern Europe. The curriculum is multidisciplinary, incorporating offerings in history, politics and sociology with courses in Russian language, literature, and culture.
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Sociology
- Major
- Minor
Sociology
College of Arts and Sciences
Sociology
Sociology
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Sociology reflects the breadth and rigor of the discipline, offering courses in the core areas of social organizations and institutions; social inequality and stratification; micro-sociology, individuals and society; and the historical and comparative study of social change. Students have many opportunities to participate in independent research, field internships, study away, and private readings.
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Statistical Modeling
- Concentration
College of Arts and Sciences
Statistical Modeling
Program Type:
Concentration
Statistics is the science of analyzing data, with these analyses often being based on models that are used to answer questions or reveal underlying relationships. Statistical modeling is applied across many disciplines to model human behavior and natural phenomena and to aid in decision making in the face of uncertainty.
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Studio Art
- Major
- Minor
Art
College of Arts and Sciences
Studio Art
Art
Program Type:
Major

Minor
Our Studio Art program is an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum, not a specialized technical field. Studio art majors will gain a solid educational foundation that will prepare them for graduate work or help them continue development as an artist on their own.
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Theater
- Major
- Minor
Theater
College of Arts and Sciences
Theater
Theater
Program Type:
Major

Minor
The Department of Theater offers students the opportunity to study acting, directing, design and production, theater history and criticism, and playwriting within the broader context of a liberal arts education. Theater students can acquire practical experience in all aspects of the theater by participating in departmental and community productions.
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Visual Art
- Major
Art
College of Arts and Sciences
Visual Art
Art
Program Type:
Major
Oberlin’s Visual Art program allows students to pursue an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the visual arts. Students might study art or architectural history within a particular social or historical context; urban or environmental studies; or art conservation. Creative arts projects might involve dance, theater arts, creative writing, or computer music.
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Areas of Study

More in This Section

More in: Areas of Study

College of Arts and Sciences

Africana Studies

Africana Studies

Anthropology

Anthropology

Archaeological Studies

Archaeological Studies

Art History

Art History

Biochemistry

Biochemistry

Biology

Biology

Book Studies

Book Studies

Chemistry

Chemistry

Cinema Studies

Cinema Studies

Classical Civilization

Classical Civilization

Cognitive Sciences

Cognitive Sciences

Comparative American Studies

Comparative American Studies

Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature

Computer Science

Computer Science

Creative Writing

Creative Writing

Dance

Dance

East Asian Studies

East Asian Studies

Economics

Economics

Education Studies

Education Studies

Engineering, 3-2

Engineering, 3-2

English

English

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies

French

French

Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies

Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies

Geology

Geology

German

German

German Studies

German Studies

Greek Language and Literature

Greek Language and Literature

Hispanic Studies

Hispanic Studies

History

History

Individual Major

Individual Major

International Studies

International Studies

Jewish Studies

Jewish Studies

Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies

Latin Language and Literature

Latin Language and Literature

Law and Society

Law and Society

Linguistics

Linguistics

Literary Translation