Among the most important notions of the ‘college experience’ is the idea that students should have the freedom to explore their interests. Students have the independence to take ownership of their schedules, goals and educational paths while making choices that will shape their college experience and life trajectory. Given this increase of autonomy, it’s worth questioning whether Occidental’s Core Program — which mandates a broad set of course requirements — truly enhances student learning.
Occidental should seriously reconsider its Core Program, as an open curriculum would better serve students, faculty and the college’s national standing. While the Core Program is intended to ensure a well-rounded education, it often limits students’ ability to explore subjects they are truly passionate about. Rather than fostering engagement, it forces students into courses they take only to check off a requirement, reducing overall motivation and academic enthusiasm.
According to the Occidental website, the following are core requirements necessary to graduate: First-year seminar, U.S. diversity, regional focus, global connections, arts, pre-1800s, lab science, math/science and foreign language. This equates to 8–10 classes for most students — about a quarter of a student’s total coursework.
Although these requirements may seem to offer a range of options, they each represent only a small fraction of the full course catalog. This restricts students from enrolling in classes that better align with their intellectual passions. Instead of exploring new disciplines by choice, students often have to prioritize courses that fulfill a requirement over ones they might have taken voluntarily. This limits students’ ability to craft an education that best suits their interests and career goals.
Some people may reflect on a favorite class they enjoyed but wouldn’t have taken if not for the core requirements. Unfortunately, this perspective overlooks the tradeoffs involved. The 8–10 courses they missed out on because of the requirements is often not considered. On average, the courses students voluntarily select tend to be more engaging and meaningful than those they take out of obligation. Thus, the core program causes the overall average level of interest and engagement in classes to decrease.
Lower engagement in classes caused by a lack of interest also harms faculty. One of Occidental’s greatest strengths is its diverse and high-quality academic programs. Hearing my friends talk about their professors, it is clear that they are benefiting from excellent, award-winning faculty in a variety of subjects. With an open curriculum, students would have more opportunities to connect with faculty members who share their passions, leading to deeper mentorship and more meaningful academic engagement.
One common concern about eliminating core requirements is that students will pigeonhole themselves into one field. However, this assumption underestimates the nature of a liberal arts education and the intellectual curiosity of Occidental students. Many students choose to attend a liberal arts college precisely because they value interdisciplinary learning and want to explore a variety of subjects. For those who prefer a more specialized education, attending an institution that focuses on a specific field — such as a technical school or a research university — often makes more sense.
Even without core requirements, students would still be encouraged to take diverse courses, whether out of curiosity, or to develop a well-rounded skill set. Since many fields of study overlap, students often take courses in different departments to supplement their major. Others choose to take courses outside their primary interest areas due to recommendations from friends and professors, which naturally fosters interdisciplinary learning.
Another issue with the core program arises in the academic experience of first-year students. Imagine being a first-year student unsure of your major. Your first instinct would likely be to enroll in 100-level courses across various subjects to explore your options. However, core requirements often prevent students from taking all the classes they are genuinely interested in, limiting their ability to make an informed decision about their major. As a result, many students feel pressured to commit to a major without fully exploring their academic interests.
With fewer students being required to take core classes, increased enrollment in 100-level courses among first-years would encourage departments to refine and prioritize these introductory classes, ensuring they are engaging, well-structured and designed to attract potential majors.
Beyond benefiting students, eliminating the Core Program would enhance Occidental’s national appeal. Few liberal arts colleges offer an open curriculum, with notable examples including Amherst College, Brown University and Colorado College. If Occidental were to adopt this model, it would become one of the few institutions in the region to offer such academic freedom. Many high-achieving students value having freedom and the chance to follow their passions. Therefore, more students will apply and choose Occidental, strengthening its applicant pool, increasing yield rates and enhancing the college’s reputation as a destination for self-motivated, intellectually driven students.
It’s time for Occidental to rethink its approach to education — academics should be about discovery, not mandates. Why not let students write their own story?
Contact Theodore Wilton at twilton@oxy.edu
