Whitman College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Whitman encourages the exploration of academic diversity through its distribution requirements, according to students. These allow students to explore interests and discover new ones, consequentially finding their focus. The distribution categories allow for an eclectic mix by requiring the following: six credits in “alternative voices,” six credits in the social sciences, six credits in the humanities, six credits in the fine arts, six credits in the sciences, one lab credit, one quantitative analysis course, and Encounters, the full-year core course required for all first-years. Encounters could be best described as a blend of literature, politics, and philosophy.

Experiences can depend, of course, on what your personal interests are and what classes you take, but most students find their courses interesting and engaging, primarily because of their professors. Across the board, Whitman students name their professors as the greatest strength of Whitman academics and applaud them for their passion, knowledge, and care for the individuals in their classes. Professors are insanely intelligent, too, and 98 percent of tenure track faculty holds a PhD or other appropriate terminal degree in their field. Students consider Whitman to be a comfortable environment in which to discuss all facets of academia, and they generally find their professors to be approachable both in and out of the classroom. The faculty makes a genuine effort to get to know the students, although the small student-faculty ratio (10:1) probably makes it easier to learn names. It’s never uncommon for students to dine in professors’ homes, to watch course-related films together, or to just socialize with other students in their department.
 

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Students Speak Out

WhiRH says: Undecided

All the teachers I have had have... All the teachers I have had have been excellent. They are all very nice and easy to see outside of class for extra help. They do expect a significant effort on your part, and the workload is heavy, but that's what you expect. Check out the Geology, Environmental Studies, and Politics departments. 12345 Academics: May 28, 2009 Report

ejannar says: Whitman College 2015 Physical Sciences

Professors here are so excited... Professors here are so excited about helping you learn. Many of them emphasize learning over grades, though that doesn't mean the let up on the workload. You will get out of the classes what you put in. I know people who are constantly in the library and others who rarely do work. Obviously this is reflected in your grade, so I guess to do well, yes, you will have a big workload. But there is always time for other things. 12345 Academics: April 02, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

All of the teachers that I have... All of the teachers that I have had genuinely care about my well-being, and that has been a real treat. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Classes at Whitman are demanding,... Classes at Whitman are demanding, be it a class of two people or of 30. Classes require preparation and alertness. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Such a relationship allows... Such a relationship allows students to achieve a more well-rounded education because these positive relationships foster increased interest in learning and analytical thinking. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Whitman College offers over 40 majors and combined programs.

Whitman offers five-year programs affiliated with such schools as Columbia, the University of Washington, and Duke.

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