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You’ll Matter Here

Welcome to Whitman

Grow. Think. Explore. Thrive.

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla, Washington, you’ll find a place like no other. Whitman College is a top-tier liberal arts school with accomplished and friendly faculty and passionate and curious students. Here, you can find endless support and opportunities in and outside the classroom—becoming your best self.

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Whitman by the Numbers

10:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

You’ll get to know your professors and they’ll get to know you—and support you along the way.

80+

Majors & Programs

With more than 80 majors and programs, students have the freedom to explore interests, connect disciplines and chart their own academic path.

1:1

Student-to-Tree Ratio

Whitman is recognized as a Tree Campus USA—it’s just one sign of how we care for our environment—a place where lives are changed.

Majors & ProgramsOur Perfect College Town
Faculty member Pat Spencer teaching geology with a student
About Us

What Makes Whitman Remarkable

From the moment you arrive on our beautiful campus, you’ll belong to a community that challenges you, supports you and wants the best for you. You’ll matter here—and you’ll make a difference.

About Whitman

Academic Programs

Hiking view of a mountain

Featured Majors

Environmental Studies

The natural world undeniably shapes and is shaped by humans. To understand and influence this interaction for the better, you need the intellectual and practical tools to study environmental issues from multiple points of view. The Environmental Studies majors at Whitman College brings science and the humanities together in a flexible, unique academic path that will give you the tools to make a difference as a global citizen.

Learn More

Majors & Programs

Looking at a city through a glass sphere held in a hand.

Anthropology

Anthropology is unique in its goal of bridging the humanities, natural and social sciences, and in its long view of human time.

Painting.

Art

Not all Art majors in college let students explore and experiment across different forms. But at Whitman, Art majors gain advanced skills in one concentration while making art in a variety of media.

Abstract painting.

Art History

In the Art History undergraduate program at Whitman College, you’ll learn from top-notch faculty to think creatively and critically about the art and architecture of diverse cultures throughout history.

Stars.

Astronomy

As one of the only top liberal arts colleges with an Astronomy major, Whitman College is an ideal place to explore the nature of the universe in our Astronomy classes.

Students in a biology lab

Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology

The one-of-a-kind Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology major at Whitman College prepares students to take their place in cutting-edge careers in genomics, biotechnology, biochemistry and structural biology.

Biology student.

Biology

As a Biology major at Whitman, you’ll study all forms of life, from the molecular to the ecological. You’ll do original research alongside amazing professors, and you’ll have lots of opportunities to put your knowledge to work outside the classroom.

Chemistry students working together.

Chemistry

Chemistry at Whitman combines a broad exposure to chemical principals with hands-on laboratory experiences using advanced instrumentation to explore the nature and composition of matter and the laws that govern chemical reactions. Students develop deep chemical intuition and the ability to apply these principles to solve a range of real-world problems.

Great wall of China.

Chinese

In the Chinese program at Whitman College, you’ll learn how to speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese while exploring ancient and contemporary Chinese culture.

Computer Science students.

Computer Science

As a Computer Science major at Whitman College, you will develop your computational skills through a dynamic course of study balanced with career-boosting activities in the close company of engaged faculty members and fellow students.

Creative Writing

Bring your ideas to life through poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama. At Whitman, you can publish in student newspapers and magazines, connect with visiting writers, throw down in the slam poetry club or write for Whitman’s One Act Play Festival.

Whitman pre-engineering students.

Engineering

Looking for a liberal arts college with Engineering? Whitman’s dual-degree program in Engineering combines the best parts of a liberal arts education with the technical training to launch your engineering career.

Graph.

Economics

As a Whitman College economics major, expand your global perspective and sharpen your analysis and communication skills with caring, knowledgeable professors — all while gaining practical experience and a solid foundation for your career.

Students talking in library.

English

As an English major at Whitman, you can give your curiosity free rein in a close-knit community of supportive faculty and fellow students. You’ll think deeply about a world of ideas in beautiful literary forms while honing your own writing and analytical skills.

Mountains.

Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major at Whitman College brings the sciences and humanities together in a unique academic path to inspire students to become global citizens.

Film reel.

Film & Media Studies

Learn the basics of film editing and production, while exploring the power of media from a uniquely global perspective with a Film and Media studies major at Whitman College.

Building with French flags.

French & Francophone Studies

At Whitman College, one of the best colleges for French majors in the Northwest, you’ll hone your language skills while discovering the fascinating impact of the French-speaking world on global literature, history and culture.

Students in front of a valley.

Geology

Study the impact of geological forces with a degree in Geology from Whitman College. Gain experience in the field and a variety of research opportunities, all while enjoying a close-knit campus and accessible faculty.

Red and black and white images of someone stepping differently and focusing on the shadow.

Gender Studies

The Gender Studies major at Whitman College explores how gender and sexuality shape our identities and institutions. Weaving together perspectives from a variety of different fields, Gender Studies can prepare you for a career on the cusp of social change.

An open book with an older style font.

German Studies

At Whitman, German Studies majors can explore the German-speaking world in wide-ranging courses that draw from literature, philosophy, politics and more.

Books.

Global Literatures

Courses in Global Literatures are designed to enable students to pursue their interests in literature beyond linguistic boundaries. Courses are taught by the members of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and the Department of Hispanic Studies, but all readings are in English, and classes are conducted in English.

Busy street.

Hispanic Studies

With a Hispanic Studies degree from Whitman College, you’ll learn the Spanish language as you deeply explore the rich variety of Hispanic cultures and get ready for a career in the global job market.

Old building.

History

As a Whitman College History major, you’ll learn how to think critically about human history and develop an appreciation for its complexity so that you can take your place as an informed global citizen.

Mountain

Japanese

As one of the only top liberal arts colleges to offer a major in Japanese, Whitman College is an ideal place to learn the language and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese literature and culture.

Temple.

Latin American Studies

Study the language, literature, history, politics, economics, society and culture of Latin America. This fascinating minor offers rich insights into an influential area of the world stretching from Mexico to Chile.

Writing on dry-erase board.

Mathematics and Statistics

Students looking for liberal arts colleges with good Math & Statistics programs will feel right at home at Whitman College. Our Math major offers a vibrant academic environment, accessible faculty and wide-ranging research opportunities.

Student playing a cello.

Music

At Whitman College, the Music major helps students unlock their full musical potential and develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexities of sound as an art form.

Student reading a philosophy book.

Philosophy

With a Philosophy degree from Whitman College, you’ll explore the answers to life’s great questions, build your critical-thinking skills and learn to tackle real-world problems at one of the best colleges for Philosophy.

Physics students in the lab.

Physics

Whitman College Physics majors explore the physical systems around us to advance our knowledge of the universe and solve everyday problems. See how Whitman can help prepare you for graduate school or careers in engineering, technology and more.

Student studying in the library

Politics

As a Politics major at Whitman College, you'll find a place to start making a difference in the world. Questions of power are central to the politics major. You'll grapple with differing perspectives on the most consequential, often controversial, issues of our times—and focus on real-world social change and community-based experiences to grow your knowledge, skills and networks.

Graphic of head and brain.

Psychology

Whitman College's Psychology program offers amazing insights into human behavior. If you major in psychology, you'll take fascinating psychology courses, do hands-on projects, have wide-ranging exploratory discussions and do original research in one of Whitman's psychology labs.

Candles.

Religion

The Religion program's objectives are to convey knowledge in Asian religions, modern Western religious thought, Near Eastern religion, and religion in America, and to develop students' analytical, interpretive and communication skills.

Student teacher talking.

Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse

In Whitman’s Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse major, you’ll learn to write effectively, make persuasive arguments, speak confidently in public and understand how communication shapes our world.

Crowd on street.

Sociology

If you wonder about the relationships, systems and conflicts that shape our world, come pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Whitman College, where you’ll gain the tools to understand how your story intersects with bigger social forces.

Statues Buddha.

South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies

Dive into the history, politics, literature, art and religions of South Asia and the Middle East. At Whitman College, the South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies major will allow you to make insightful connections between cultures.

Actors perform in The Winter's Tale 2024

Theater & Dance

Courses and theatrical productions are offered to provide the student with rigorous, demanding professional training and a cultural background with which to attain the highest standards in theater.

A photo of Lady Justice, a robed figure that is blindfolded and holding a sword and scales, symbolizing fairness and the power to punish.

Law, Culture & the Humanities

How do societies and cultures shape the law? In the Law, Culture and the Humanities minor at Whitman College, you will explore the law through the lens of diverse academic fields to gain a unique, human-centered understanding of how the law impacts our lives.

Fist raised in awareness from people in a gathering.

Indigeneity, Race & Ethnicity Studies

In the Indigeneity, Race & Ethnicity Studies program at Whitman College, you’ll get the tools you need to understand the origins and effects of social inequality. Great faculty and a supportive environment help prepare you for a life of passionate commitment to change.

Globe.

Global Studies Concentration

The Center for Global studies seeks to address historical and contemporary interconnections to enable Whitman students — future humanitarians, teachers, diplomats and business people — to interact effectively and meaningfully with people from all corners of the world.

Forrest.

Forestry & Environmental Management

Whitman College partners with Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment to offer coordinated pathways into the Master of Forestry or Master of Environmental Management. Students may enter after three years or upon graduating, completing Duke’s requirements to earn both the Whitman BA and a professional master’s degree.

Turtle swimming.

Oceanography

Whitman College partners with the University of Washington’s School of Oceanography to offer a five-year pathway in biological or geological oceanography. Students complete three years at Whitman and two at UW, earning a Whitman BA and a UW BS in Oceanography.

Image of two individuals hands working on a design.

Human-Centered Design

This concentration brings together diverse perspectives to help you understand how people interact with the designed world—and how to create solutions that put people first. It will supercharge your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

A photo of a courthouse taken from below.

Pre-Law

Law schools want students who can ask sharp questions, think critically and lead ethically. At Whitman, you’ll practice all of that from day one. Our liberal arts education isn’t just broad—it’s bold. You’ll learn to connect ideas across fields, tackle complex issues with insight and empathy, and communicate with clarity.
Student Highlight
“

Whitman encourages students to take risks with their learning. At Whitman, learning isn’t for the sake of passing a class but rather to critically challenge and understand the world around us.

”
Tayva A.

Tayva A.,
Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse major
from Colorado Springs, Colorado

A Whitman Magazine cover featuring Yahir Tzec-Carrasco (left) and Oliver Rodriguez Dickson (right) standing in front of a lowrider vehicle parked by a drive-in theater
WINTER 2026

Whitman Magazine

This issue highlights Whitties making an impact in their communities and around the world—from filmmakers to caregivers to coaches to entrepreneurs, Whitties shape the world in positive ways.

Read the Latest Issue

Next to a climbing wall, a student gets fitted to use an adaptive climbing chair.
Whitman Stories

Whitman’s Climbing Community Brings Students to New Heights

Whether your goal is to learn, teach, compete or just have fun, the climbing scene at Whitman has something for everyone—from Adaptive Climbing Nights to volunteer and leadership opportunities to a club climbing team.

Read the Story

More Stories

Rock formations in Mono Lake at sunset

Caring for Mono Lake: Alum Inspires Whitman’s Semester in the West Students

As Education Director for the Mono Lake Committee, Ryan Garrett ’18 welcomed the opportunity to introduce Whitman College students to the lake’s fascinating ecosystem and complex environmental issues during a visit from Semester in the West.
February 25, 2026

Walla Walla Mayor Gustavo Reyna, left, presents the Black History Month proclamation to Whitman College Black Student Union President Mahdee Kirkpatrick

Whitman’s Black Student Union Accepts Walla Walla’s Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month

Mahdee Kirkpatrick ’27, President of Whitman’s Black Student Union (BSU) accepted the City of Walla Walla’s first proclamation for Black History Month. The BSU will host Council Member Rodney Outlaw as keynote speaker for an event titled “We Are Still Here” on Feb. 21.
February 19, 2026

A black-and-white portrait of Preston Gannaway

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer Preston Gannaway To Deliver Hosokawa Journalism Lecture at Whitman

At this year’s Hosokawa Journalism Lecture, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Preston Gannaway will share stories and images from her long-term project “Remember Me” exploring family, memory, and community through documentary photography.
February 18, 2026
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