Oberlin College, an independent coeducational institution, holds a distinguished place among American colleges and universities.

Oberlin was the first college to grant undergraduate degrees to women and historically was a leader in educating black students; its heritage is one of respect for the individual and active concern for the larger society.

The college combines an outstanding professional school of music with a leading undergraduate college of arts and sciences. The two divisions reinforce each other. The Conservatory of Music provides flexible programs to prepare students as professional musicians and teachers of music. Deeply committed to academic excellence, the College of Arts and Sciences offers a rich and balanced curriculum in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Within that framework the college expects that students will work closely with the faculty to design an educational program appropriate to their own particular interests, needs, and long-term goals.