Whitman College

Whitman College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts and sciences colleges, with a vibrant, residential learning community. Here at Whitman College, 1,500 undergraduate students from 45 states and 30 countries gain broad experience in a variety of disciplines while acquiring depth of knowledge in any of more than 40 major fields. Whitman challenges students to write, debate, participate actively in classes and seminars, conduct independent research, think critically, and question established ideas. The academic curriculum begins with Encounters, a first-year seminar course required of all students that explores the formation and transformation of some western world views. In the senior year, all Whitman students must pass comprehensive exams in their major. Faculty at Whitman are passionate about their subject matter, committed to excellent teaching, and actively engaged scholars in their fields. They are experts in their disciplines, mentors, collaborators, and supportive critics. Whitman professors inspire in their students a serious devotion to learning. Students find balance at Whitman. Outside of class, they find an atmosphere of opportunity for leadership, sports and fitness activities, service to community, and development of lasting friendships. They also take advantage of the region’s rivers, mountains, and wilderness areas for vigorous outdoor adventures. In the small city of Walla Walla, they play important roles as volunteers and mentors as well. Students thrive at Whitman; the graduation rate is 86 percent, a much higher rate than at most colleges. Whitman fosters the self-confidence, intellectual vitality, open mind, and sense of social responsibility that prepare students well for a complex, rapidly changing, diverse world. In recent years, Whitman students have won scholarships and fellowships such as the Rhodes, Truman, Fulbright, Watson, Udall, and Goldwater. Back to school overview