Whitman College

Academic Programs

Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Whitman offers Bachelor’s degrees in 45 majors. Biology and Bio-med fields feature prominently in the catalog and approximately 40 percent of Juniors study abroad to gain additional insight into other regions and cultures, adding impact to the education. Their mission statement says “Whitman College is committed to providing an excellent, well-rounded liberal arts and sciences undergraduate education. It is an independent, nonsectarian, and residential college. Whitman offers an ideal setting for rigorous learning and scholarship and encourages creativity, character, and responsibility. Through the study of humanities, arts, and social and natural sciences, Whitman’s students develop capacities to analyze, interpret, criticize, communicate, and engage. A concentration on basic disciplines, in combination with a supportive residential life program that encourages personal and social development, is intended to foster intellectual vitality, confidence, leadership, and the flexibility to succeed in a changing technological, multicultural world.” This is evident in the many Signature Programs available to students during their time at Whitman.

Student Life

The 1,500 students have over 100 activities and clubs to fill their college experience as well as a popular Greek presence. There are 8 residence halls and “interest houses” where like-minded (or similarly focused) individuals can live together through the semester. Competing in NCAA Division III, Whitman fields teams in 9 sports and has 15 on-campus sports clubs and intramurals (for the non-varsity crowd). The student-run campus radio station, KWCW 90.5 FM broadcasts at 160 watts and has an online presence as well. Their Core Values reflect a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor; good-natured fun; a sense of adventure and an outdoorsy lifestyle. Whitman traditions embrace the distinctive qualities and sense of balance that characterize the campus and community. Another tradition is that new students receive a specially prepared box of onions before arriving on campus, reflecting the agricultural history of the region. Located in the ‘place so nice, they named it twice, ’Whitman provides a marvelous environment for education and personal growth and pursuits.