Welcome to the Objectivist Academic Center—the OAC—a program of the Ayn Rand Institute offering classes on Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism.

The first and only educational institution of its kind, the OAC offers a systematic program of instruction in the essentials of Objectivism and in the nature of objective thought and communication.

We seek individuals with an interest in Ayn Rand’s ideas and a desire to help effect cultural change by learning and spreading them. Our mission is to help develop the intellectuals of tomorrow: the lecturers, teachers and writers who will uphold reason in the culture. Uniquely valuable in today's intellectual climate, the training we provide at the OAC cannot be found elsewhere; no college or university currently offers a curriculum in Objectivism.

Most of the courses we offer are conducted live via teleconference, and recordings of each class are made available on the Web. Thus, anyone with telephone or Internet access can participate, and we offer a number of telephone scholarships to help students defray their phone expenses. Local students also have the option of attending classes at our headquarters, the Ayn Rand Institute in Irvine, California.

With its faculty of highly qualified experts in Objectivism—themselves alumni of ARI's training programs—the OAC offers classes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The undergraduate program of the OAC is designed to teach our students a proper conception of philosophy, the essentials of Objectivism as a philosophical system and the art of clear, objective thinking and writing. The undergraduate curriculum is meant to supplement, not replace, a standard college education. OAC students are enrolled in only one or two courses per semester. Each course includes graded assignments and exams, and some include one-on-one tutorials with the professor. The entire program can be completed in four years—though this is not a requirement. Completion of the undergraduate program is like earning a “minor” in Objectivism—if today’s universities offered such an option.

For those who complete the undergraduate program and intend to become the professors, writers and intellectuals of tomorrow, the OAC offers specialized, graduate-level instruction in Objectivism, philosophy and related fields. The program is again intended to supplement, not replace, graduate-level studies at a university.

In addition to our unique programs, the OAC has other important values to offer. Most full-time students receive tuition waivers and we make available many resources, including scholarships, internships and writing grants, to assist students in their intellectual studies and careers. And by enrolling in our programs students gain the enjoyment and benefit of having classmates who share their passion for Ayn Rand’s ideas.

To learn more about our programs, or to apply to the OAC, explore the links to the right of this page. We look forward to hearing from you!