Where Did Barack Obama Go To College?

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up primarily in Hawaii, but also spent a few years living in Indonesia as a child. For high school, Obama attended the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu from 1971 to 1979. After graduating high school, Obama moved to the continental United States to attend college.

Undergraduate Studies at Occidental College

In 1979, Barack Obama began his undergraduate studies at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. Occidental College is a private liberal arts college.

Obama started out studying political science, international relations, and English literature at Occidental. In his first year, he was fairly apolitical and earned middling grades. However, during his sophomore year, Obama got more involved with the campus activism surrounding apartheid in South Africa.

He also joined the Black Student Association and Coalition for Student Rights. Through engagement with activist groups and in his coursework, Obama began to develop his interest in politics and his racial identity during his time at Occidental.

In 1981, after two years at Occidental, Obama chose to transfer to Columbia University in New York City for his final two years of undergrad. The reasons for Obama’s transfer are not entirely clear, but may have included a desire to be in a larger city and attend an Ivy League school.

Key Points About Obama’s Time at Occidental College:

• Attended from 1979-1981
• Studied political science, international relations, and English literature
• Became involved in campus activism around civil rights and apartheid during his sophomore year
• Transferred to Columbia University after his sophomore year at Occidental

Completing His B.A. at Columbia University

In 1981, Barack Obama transferred to Columbia University in New York City, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a specialization in international relations. Obama graduated from Columbia in 1983 at the age of 21.

Not much is known about Obama’s time at Columbia since he has not spoken extensively about it. His performance at Columbia was strong, earning him induction into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. Classmates and professors described Obama as a serious, disciplined student who showed interest in social issues and public policy.

Obama lived off-campus in an apartment on 109th Street in Manhattan. He stayed involved with activism, joining anti-apartheid and divestment groups. He also claims to have spent a lot of time hanging out in neighborhood bars, cafes, and Central Park, taking in the eclectic culture and energy of New York City.

After graduating from Columbia, Obama worked for a year in the business sector at the corporate consulting firm Business International Corporation before moving to Chicago to work as a community organizer.

Key Points About Obama’s Time at Columbia University:

• Transferred to Columbia in 1981 for his junior and senior years
• Majored in political science with a focus on international relations
• Graduated with a B.A. in 1983 after earning strong grades
• Lived off-campus and enjoyed exploring NYC neighborhoods and culture
• Remained involved in campus activism around issues like apartheid
• Worked in corporate consulting for a year after graduation

Law School at Harvard

After spending three years as a community organizer in Chicago, Barack Obama decided to pursue a law degree. He was accepted to Harvard Law School, one of the top law schools in the country. Obama entered Harvard Law in 1988 at the age of 27.

At Harvard, Obama was elected as the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. This was a prestigious honor that helped open doors for Obama early in his career. Obama graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law with his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1991.

While in law school, Obama met his future wife, Michelle Robinson, who was also studying law at Harvard. The two married in 1992, after Obama had graduated.

In 1991, Obama accepted a two-year stint as a visiting law and governmental fellow at the University of Chicago Law School. He later taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago from 1992 to 2004, while also practicing civil rights law and working on local political campaigns.

Key Points About Obama’s Time at Harvard Law School:

• Attended from 1988 to 1991
• Elected first African American president of the Harvard Law Review
• Graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree in 1991
• Met his wife Michelle Robinson while they were both students
• Accepted fellowship at University of Chicago Law School after graduation

Teaching Constitutional Law at University of Chicago

Although Barack Obama never underwent formal Ph.D training, he held a distinguished teaching role at the University of Chicago Law School for over a decade.

After completing his Harvard law degree, Obama taught courses in constitutional law at the University of Chicago from 1992 to 2004. He first came to Chicago through a two-year visiting law and governmental fellowship after graduating Harvard.

In 1993, Obama joined the staff as Lecturer, and by 1996 he was promoted to Senior Lecturer, a full-time permanent teaching position. The University of Chicago utilizes the title Senior Lecturer for their full-time, contracted teaching faculty comparable to a traditional Professor role.

While at the University of Chicago, Obama focused on teaching current and historical topics around constitutional law and voting rights legislation. He integrated his experience in law and activism to engage students on the real-world applications of constitutional theory.

Students praised Obama’s inspiring teaching style that challenged them to think critically. His clear passion for the material and mentorship of students made his classes popular at the law school.

Key Points About Obama’s Time Teaching at University of Chicago:

• Taught constitutional law from 1992 to 2004
• Started as a visiting fellow, then promoted to Senior Lecturer
• Focused courses on constitutional issues and voting rights
• Known for inspirational teaching style that engaged students
• Maintained role while also practicing civil rights law

Conclusion: From Occidental to Harvard Law

In conclusion, Barack Obama attended several prestigious institutions of higher education over the course of about 15 years from 1979 to 1991. He started at Occidental College, before transferring to Columbia University where he earned his B.A. in political science with a focus on international relations.

After working as a community organizer in Chicago for several years, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School. He graduated magna cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree. He also met his future wife Michelle Robinson at Harvard.

Obama then spent over a decade from 1992 to 2004 teaching constitutional law courses at the University of Chicago Law School. His intellect and inspirational teaching style made him a popular professor among students.

Attending these highly selective universities equipped Obama with the knowledge to build his career in law, activism, politics and academia. His education played a major role in forming the skills and philosophy that would enable his history-making presidency.

FAQs About Where Barack Obama Went to College

What college did Barack Obama go to for undergrad?

Obama attended Occidental College for two years before transferring to Columbia University, where he completed his B.A. degree in political science in 1983.

What Ivy League school did Barack Obama attend?

Obama attended Columbia University for his undergraduate studies, then later went to Harvard Law School, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 1991.

What did Barack Obama major in at Columbia?

At Columbia, Obama specialized in political science with a focus on international relations. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in this field in 1983.

Did Barack Obama go to law school? If so, where?

Yes, Obama attended Harvard Law School from 1988 to 1991. He graduated magna cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree.

Where did Barack Obama teach law?

Obama taught constitutional law courses at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004, first as a Lecturer, then as a Senior Lecturer.