Oberlin College

Oberlin College is the most national of all liberal arts colleges.  Its students consistently come from every state in the nation as well as from many foreign countries.  Oberlin is unique in that it combines one of the nation's foremost liberal arts colleges with a world-famous conservatory of music.  Moreover, the Oberlin Conservatory is the only one devoted entirely to the training of musicians at the undergraduate level.  The presence of the two divisions on one campus encourages a broad view of areas of interest and an awareness of their connection.  Students in one division often enroll in courses in the other.  Enrollment averages 2,300 in the College and 500 in the Conservatory. 

The College of Arts and Sciences awards the B.A. degree and offers strong programs in all areas of the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; the Conservatory of Music awards the B.Mus. degree in performance, composition, music history, music education, historical performance, electronic and computer music, and jazz studies.  A five-year, double-degree program leading to both the B.A. and B.Mus. is offered, and selected programs in both divisions award master's degrees.

Founded in 1833, Oberlin was the nation's first coeducational college and an early leader in the education of blacks.  By the turn of the century, one-third of the nation's black graduates of predominately white colleges had graduated from Oberlin. In addition, more Oberlin graduates earn Ph.D.s than do graduates of any other undergraduate institution.

Oberlin's size is a distinct asset -- it is large enough to offer some 900 courses, yet small enough for students to make contributions to the community.  Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their program of study and to spend at least one semester off campus.  Winter Term allows further time for individual projects.  Concerts and theatrical productions abound, and the Allen Memorial Art Museum is recognized as one of the nation's finest college museums.