Before I enrolled in my desired courses at Oxford College, my parents asked me which classes I planned on taking this semester. When I told them that I was interested in taking courses in various subjects, they became confused. As soon as I explained to them that Oxford is a liberal arts college that encourages its students to obtain a well rounded education, the perplexed looks on their faces immediately flushed red with anger. “You’re going to attend a liberal arts college? Does that mean you’re going to major in liberal arts?” my parents asked.
There is a widespread belief that attending a liberal arts college means majoring in a specific field, especially in the humanities or social sciences, which is far from the truth. Liberal arts colleges enable students to take courses in various subjects and ultimately discover the fields of study they are most passionate about. For students who already know which major they want to pursue, the liberal arts education grant them the opportunity to take classes in subjects that pique their interest while fulfilling their major requirements.
For a student like myself, who is interested in double majoring in English and International Relations, attending a liberal arts college has been beneficial to my education and is preparing me for the demands of graduate school. My classes are often small in size due to the intimate nature of Oxford. This allows me to effectively communicate with my professors and articulate my ideas without fear. The academic intimacy has also enabled me to engage in interactive learning, adopt an intersectional approach to my work, and enhance my critical thinking skills, all of which are highly valued for my prospective major.
Even if I did not intend to major in certain subjects, liberal arts colleges offer an abundance of resources through contrasting departments. Oxford itself is a hub for those interested in entering the medical field, for instance. It offers numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the hard sciences, especially through research. Additionally, the science building on campus was constructed specifically for students to engage in laboratory work and hands-on learning.
Needless to say, receiving a liberal arts education is beneficial for individuals interested in any field of study. Contrary to popular belief, liberal arts colleges, especially Oxford, are ideal for students who want to study the humanities, engage in scientific research, or do both.