A high-touch, personalized classroom experience is the signature of an Occidental liberal arts education. Hear what our students are saying about their professors.
And, read about why our professors love to teach.
“I had the pleasure of researching asset price bubbles with Professor Andrew Jalil for more than a year. The best part of the experience was building a relationship with and learning from an economist who shared the same passion for our research topic and the field of economics in general.”
Nelson Rayl
Economics major / Seattle, WA
“More than once I’ve had faculty send me job, internship, or research opportunities that they thought I would love, often not even related to their courses. There’s a holistic investment in me, which has made [feeling connected] much easier.”
Kayla Williams
Urban & Environmental Policy major / The Bronx, NY
“Every history class I have taken at Oxy has been punctuated by professors who are highly invested in their students and their academic development, have created dynamic and engaging classrooms, and have pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Henry Kinskey
History major / Seattle, WA
“Undoubtedly, one of the coolest aspects of our school is that, by the second week of classes, essentially every single one of your professors knows your name and sees you as an individual in the classroom, as opposed to one of many in a lecture hall. Due to this, I have built close relationships with most of my politics professors.”
Jazzy Chhabria
Politics major / Irvine, CA
“Geology professors are outstanding researchers in their respective fields and are passionate about what they do. They are very personable and listen to feedback from students to make sure that they are teaching their classes to the best of their ability.”
Jessie Salinas
Geology major / Phoeniz, AZ
“The religious studies professors create a culture of community where individuals matter holistically—not just as students or researchers but as people who embody a host of perspectives, lived experiences, and needs.”
Claire Kosek
Religious Studies major / Santa Clarita, CA
“The professors associated with Black Studies are truly amazing and what they have been able to turn this department into is inspiring. With the unique coursework requirements for the department’s major and minor, I am able to branch out and take courses from Black professors in other departments, too.”
Jazz Henry
Black Studies minor / Lakeland, FL
“Oxy professors really care about you, and not just in the academic sense. They want to get to know you and make sure you’re doing well, mentally and physically. I can’t think of one professor that didn’t help me. Every single one offered different levels of care, which is incredible for an international student.”
Sally Zhou
Cognitive Science major / Shanghai and Hong Kong
“The math professors believe in a supportive and rigorous education. As a math tutor and student, I have had the chance to get to know all of them. It might sound cliché, but some of these professors have truly changed my life for the better. And some of my classes have even defined my career path.”
Miles Smith
Mathematics major / Corvallis, OR
“What’s truly fantastic about the Group Language program is the supportive environment created by the professors. They are incredibly welcoming and eager to help you tailor your studies to fit your unique interests and aspirations. This flexibility allows you to make the major your own, exploring topics that excite you and connecting them to your personal experiences.”
Kiana “Kiki” Gonzalez
Group Language major / San Diego, CA
“My professors have served as incredible mentors, offering guidance on my career trajectory, listening to my wider struggles, and seeking to help me devise a course of action every time.”
Andrew Masciarelli
Economics major / Bellaire, OH