Careers and Professions

While social trends and economic pressures may bring emphasis on “job training” in many types of institutions, Whitman remains confident that its role as a liberal arts college meets many crucial needs of society.

For students who can identify their own interests and abilities, inform themselves about opportunities, and do some careful planning, an educational foundation in the liberal arts has proved to be the best of resources.

A large percentage of Whitman graduates continue their education in graduate or professional schools. For those who seek careers immediately after graduation, positions have been found in such fields as journalism, sales, teaching, library work, publishing, radio and television, research, advertising, personnel, public relations, insurance, banking, transportation, production and manufacturing, retailing, and government.

Advisers in the academic departments and in the Student Engagement Center talk regularly with students about advanced study and about immediate and long-range occupational opportunities. In addition, the college has selected special preprofessional advisers, listed below, to help in those areas of interest which warrant particular attention because of their general appeal.

Business Management

R. Pete Parcells (Economics)

The best opportunities for career advancement in modern business come to those who have acquired a knowledge of the underlying principles of economics, finance, statistics, and communication with society. A background in the sciences to prepare for the changing world may be beneficial. An understanding of the relation of business to government and the position of business in society also is essential. Strong oral and written communication skills are important.

The recommended courses are designed to give the student a general rather than a technical preparation. The guiding principle of the program is the recognition that technical training in the field of business administration is best achieved in graduate school or through on-the-job training. (A website which provides additional information is www.mba.com). Such a preparation qualifies Whitman graduates for many forms of business management training programs and provides a foundation for study in graduate schools of business.

Suggested Courses:

• Economics 101, 102, 227, 268, and 327
• Mathematics 125, 126
• Major study in economics, politics, and/or the sciences

Foreign Service

Chair, Department of Politics

Today many departments and agencies of the U.S. government offer a variety of overseas employment, both in career positions and in staff support work. Positions may be secured through general entrance examinations for the public service, through special recruiting (as is generally the case for the intelligence services, the Peace Corps, and aid and technical assistance programs), or by special examinations, as those for the Diplomatic Service and the Consular Service of the Department of State and the Information Service of the U.S. Information Agency.

No special set of courses is recommended, but demonstrated aptitude in foreign language study, history, and politics generally is essential for overseas career positions. Information on recruitment procedures and examinations is available, as is information on employment with private organizations abroad.

Health Professions

Jim Russo (BBMB: Health Professions Adviser)

Careers in the health professions demand more than just achievement in the life sciences. Maturity, compassion, leadership, ethical practice, integrity, communication skills, and knowledge of health care policy are essential for the health-care professional. Since the health professions seek individuals with a broad liberal arts and science education in conjunction with a rigorous major area of study in the natural sciences, arts, humanities, or social sciences, Whitman College does not offer “premed,” “prevet,” or any “prehealth” major. Although many students choose one of our life science majors — biology or biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology (BBMB) — more than one-third of our successful matriculants in medical or other health profession schools enter with majors beyond the life sciences, including anthropology, art, chemistry, English, foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, Japanese), geology, history, music, philosophy, psychology, religion, and theatre.

Whitman’s liberal arts curriculum provides students with both the breadth and depth necessary to excel as physicians, nurses, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and public health specialists. Clinicians must have the ability to communicate by speaking and writing effectively, to gather and analyze data, to continually update knowledge and skills, to work with a team of professionals, and to apply new information to the solution of scientific, clinical, and public health problems — all skills that can be acquired from a liberal arts education.

Students considering a career in a health profession should attend the health professions orientation meeting during the opening week of their first year and meet with the health professions adviser once per semester prior to application.

For more information on becoming a strong applicant and making an application, see the Health Professions Web page: www.whitman.edu/content/healthprofs or contact Professor Jim Russo.

More details about select professions are given below:

Dentistry

Schools of dentistry recommend that students acquire a broad, liberal arts undergraduate education. Students interested in the study of dentistry should become familiar with the specific requirements of the schools to which they plan to apply. These requirements are contained in the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools. See the American Dental Education Association website: www.adea.org. Participation in a dental observation internship program is required at some schools and highly recommended for all programs.

The following courses will satisfy the requirements for admission to most U.S. dental schools:

• Biology 111, 112, 205, 310, 339
• Chemistry — One year of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory (Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136; or 140). One year organic chemistry with two credits of laboratory (Chemistry 245, 246, 251, 252)
• Physics — Two semesters of physics with laboratory (Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166)
• Biochemistry BBMB 325

Note: Requirements vary. Courses in English and anatomy are required by some schools.

Medicine

The allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medical professions seek individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds. Although a strong foundation in the natural sciences is essential, a major in the sciences is not. A broad, liberal arts education should enable future physicians to gather and assess data, to continually update their knowledge and skills, and to apply this new information to the medical, scientific, and ethical problems they will face. Because much of the practice of contemporary medicine is preventative as well as curative, medical school admissions committees also look for well-developed communication skills and an ample exposure to the social sciences and humanities. They are concerned with both the breadth and quality of the undergraduate coursework. Students should strive to complete coursework beyond the minimum requirements.

The requirements for U.S. and Canadian allopathic medical schools are provided in the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR). See the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website: www.aamc.org. The requirements for osteopathic schools are provided in the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book. See the Association of American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) website: www.aacom.org.

The following courses will satisfy the requirements for admission to most U.S. medical schools:

• Biology — (Biology 111, 205); one additional 300-level course; two semesters of laboratory
• Chemistry — One year of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory (Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136; or 140, 240). One year organic chemistry with two credits of laboratory (Chemistry 245, 246, 251, 252)
• Physics — Two semesters of physics with laboratory (Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166)
• Mathematics — Two semesters of college mathematics (Mathematics 125, 126 Calculus I and Calculus II, and Mathematics 128 Elementary Statistics or 247 Statistics with Applications, are recommended)
• English — Two semesters of English (110, 210, 310, or any English writing or literature course)
• Biochemistry (BBMB 325)
• Social sciences — Two semesters in anthropology, economics, sociology or psychology are recommended

Nursing

The opportunity for students to enter B.S.N. and M.S.N. programs with a bachelor’s degree has expanded tremendously. Most of the programs are two years and lead to the RN certification and the opportunity to pursue advanced practice specialization in such areas as family practice, midwifery, pediatrics, critical care, infectious diseases, or Doctor of Nursing programs. The schools vary greatly in terms of courses required for matriculation. The courses most frequently required for admission include:

• Biology — Microbiology + Lab; Human Anatomy and Physiology + Lab; Nutrition
• Chemistry — Two semesters, to include general, organic, and biochemistry
• Mathematics — Statistics (Mathematics 128 or 247)
• Psychology — Developmental Psychology throughout the Lifespan

Pharmacy

All pharmacy programs now result in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The requirements for U.S. pharmacy schools are provided in the Pharmacy School Admission Requirements (PSAR). See the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) website: www.aacp.org.

The following courses will satisfy the requirements for admission to most U.S. pharmacy schools:

• Biology 111, 205, 310, 339
• Chemistry — One year of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory (Chemistry 125, 126, 135, 136; or 140, 240). One year organic chemistry with two credits of laboratory (Chemistry 245, 246, 251, 252)
• Mathematics — Calculus (Mathematics 125, 126) and Statistics (Mathematics 128 or 247)
• English — Two semesters of English (110, 210, 310, or any English writing or literature course)
• Social Sciences — Three semesters, to include psychology

Note: Requirements vary greatly. Many schools require courses in human anatomy, biochemistry, physics, speech, and economics.

Physician Assistant

Similar to nursing programs, many PA programs have expanded to select students completing bachelor’s degrees. Most programs require two to three years to complete certification. The courses most frequently required for admission include:

• Biology — 107, 111, 120, 205, 310, 339
• Chemistry — Three semesters, to include inorganic, organic, and biochemistry
• Mathematics — Statistics (Mathematics 128 or 247)
• English — Two semesters of English (110, 210, 310, or any English writing or literature course)
• Social Sciences — Two semesters in psychology

Public Health

Many of the approximately 45 schools of public health offer M.H.S., M.P.H, or Ph.D. programs for students to enter directly with a bachelor’s degree. Others require one to two years of health-care experience, which can include service in the Peace Corps, international health programs, internships with county/state public health departments, or work with the CDC. The five core academic disciplines of public health are biostatistics, epidemiology, health services, health education and behavior, and environmental health, with many schools offering additional focus in international health, maternal and child health, nutrition, and public health policy and practice. Since each program and track sets its own requirements, it is difficult to list a recommended set of prerequisite courses. Majors in mathematics, chemistry, or the life sciences are beneficial for students interested in environmental health, epidemiology, or biostatistics, while anthropology, psychology, or sociology are good preparations for health education and behavior and global health. Economics can provide a sound background for health policy.

Veterinary Medicine

Schools of veterinary medicine recognize the importance of a liberal arts education with a strong foundation in the sciences. The requirements are provided in the Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR). See the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website: www.aavmc.org.

The following courses will satisfy the requirements for admission to most U.S. veterinary medical schools:

• Biology 111, 112, 205 required. Biology 259, 310, 329, 339 recommended.
• Chemistry — One year of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory (Chemistry 125, 126, 135,136; or 140). One year organic chemistry with two credits of laboratory (Chemistry 245, 246, 251, 252)
• Physics — Two semesters of physics with laboratory (Physics 155 or 165, 156 or 166)
• Mathematics — Three semesters of college mathematics (Mathematics 125, 126 Calculus I and Calculus II and 128 Elementary Statistics or 247 Statistics with Applications)
• English — Two semesters of English (110, 210, 310, or any English writing or literature course)
• Biochemistry (BBMB 325)

Law

Patrick Frierson (Philosophy) and Noah Leavitt (General Studies)

Whitman does not have and does not recommend a formal prelaw major as preparation for law school, believing that no specific series of courses can be considered correct for every student who intends to enter the legal profession. Major law schools and the Association of American Law Schools agree that a broad liberal arts program is the best general preparation.

Law schools want evidence that its applicants can think, read, write, express themselves orally, and have some understanding of the forces which have shaped human experience, developed its institutions, and ordered its values. A wide variety of courses in the social sciences, history, literature, philosophy, and rhetoric deal with such matters, though in different ways and with different emphases. The study and practice of law also requires analytical reasoning skills which are fostered by certain courses in mathematics and the natural sciences, economics, and philosophy.

Students planning a legal career are welcome to discuss their plans with a prelaw adviser. Those interested in the combined program with Columbia University that will permit them to obtain a law degree and a bachelor’s degree at the end of six years rather than the normal seven should read provisions for such a program in the Special Programs section of this catalog. It is essential to plan for this program as early as possible in order to meet all requirements.

The P-D-F grade option should be used by prelaw students with caution. Students who hope to attend law school the fall following graduation should take either the October or December Law School Admission Test during their senior year in order to meet most law school admission deadlines. A reason to take the earlier October test: Scores will be reported prior to most law school admission deadlines, an advantage when judging one’s chances for admission to various schools.

Library and Information Science (LIS)

Lee Keene, Head of Instructional and Research Services (Penrose Library)

A Master of Library and Information Science degree from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association is a prerequisite for a professional career in librarianship, and a broad liberal arts education is excellent preparation for the master’s program. While librarians have traditionally been educated in the humanities, a background in the social, physical, or computer sciences is increasingly sought after by employers. Because of the growing emphasis on digital programs and resources in libraries, students interested in applying to MLIS programs should be prepared to focus on information science in a variety of research and instructional contexts. Successful applicants to MLIS programs also demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to service.

Penrose Library offers student employment, and the librarian listed above is available to discuss graduate school preparation and career possibilities with interested students.

Ministry

Melissa Wilcox (Religion)

The American Association of Theological Schools recommends a broad liberal arts education as the most desirable undergraduate preparation for the ministry. English, history, philosophy, and the social sciences are all appropriate as undergraduate majors. Some experience in the sciences and in the fine arts is recommended. A religion major or a religion minor, while not an essential prerequisite for graduate study, would provide a solid basis for seminary or graduate school by setting ministry studies in a broad perspective. Foreign languages (especially French, German, and possibly Greek or Latin or Chinese or Japanese) are highly advisable for students contemplating doctoral work in religion.

Music

Susan Pickett (Music)

The department of music at Whitman College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with possible special emphases in performance, theory/composition, history, or jazz. Recognizing its role in a liberal arts institution, the department offers applied lessons and curricular choices for majors and nonmajors alike. More than 60 percent of the student body participates in the music program through performance, individual lessons, or academic classes.

The major ensembles on campus — Whitman Chorale, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble — are open to all students by audition. Opera productions have included Bizet’s Carmen, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe and Gondoliers, Mozart’s Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro, Puccini’s La Boheme, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, and Bernstein’s Candide.

Public Service

Chair, Department of Politics

Careers in public service have increased as a result of recent developments. To an ever greater degree, even county and city governments have realized they need professionally trained people to serve as researchers and planners as well as administrators. The expansion in the numbers and kinds of special interest groups and the increased degree to which these groups are employing professionals also have meant new career possibilities for people with research, analytical, and political skills. These new career opportunities are in addition to the traditional public administration positions in federal and state agencies.

A person interested in a public service career should develop good research and analytical skills and an ability to write and speak effectively. A broad background in American government and society is necessary, with emphasis on politics, economics, and sociology. Statistical and computer skills are essential.

Suggested Courses:

• Economics 101 or 177, 102, 268
• Environmental Studies 120
• History 297
• Mathematics 128
• Politics 109, 179, 219, 287, 309, 311, 325
• Sociology 110, 207, 208

Social Work and Human Services

Helen Kim (Sociology)

Whitman College provides the basic social science training required for careers in social work and human services. There is a continuing demand for trained social and human services workers in such fields as child and family welfare work, neighborhood recreational and health service, and rehabilitation of youth offenders. Advanced positions in social work and human services require training at graduate school. However, the present demand for social workers makes it possible for students to obtain positions upon completion of their undergraduate training. The American Association of Schools of Social Work and leading schools in this field recommend a sound foundation in the social sciences with a background in other areas of a liberal arts education. Also recommended is some orientation to the specific problems dealt with by these fields.

Students interested in careers in social work and human services are well advised to major in psychology or sociology, though majoring in some other social science field is not inappropriate. In addition to major preparation in a particular field in the social sciences, there are specific social science courses which contribute to preparation for a career in social service, depending in large part on the particular area of social service work in which the student is interested. The best program is one worked out with the preprofessional advisers.

Suggested Courses:

• Economics 101 or 177, 102
• History 368
• Philosophy 127
• Psychology 110, 210, 230, 240, 260
• Sociology 117, 230, 257, 267, 300

Sport Studies, Recreation and Athletics

Dean Snider (Director of Athletics andChair, Sport Studies, Recreation and Athletics)

Whitman’s program of activity and lecture classes, intramurals, and club and intercollegiate athletics is broad-based and flexible. The program is designed to meet the physical and recreational needs of the college community and to enhance the quality of life and learning of all who participate.

Courses in sport studies, recreation and athletics are divided into two categories: theory and activity. Theory courses are designed for students who wish to study issues and theory in sport and recreation. Activity courses are designed to provide experience and training within a diverse mix of physical education, recreation, fitness, and individual and team sport offerings.

Suggested Courses:

• Sport Studies, Recreation and Athletics 200, 308, 328, 329, 357, 380, 385, 390, 395
• A broad range of activity courses

Theatre

Nancy Simon, Fall (Theatre); Christopher Petit, Spring (Theatre)

For the student planning a career in professional theatre, the opportunities at Whitman are threefold:

I.   A strong liberal arts background, necessary because the theatre may deal with anything and everything about being human.

II.  Rigorous training in a variety of theatre disciplines, necessary because theatre is collaborative, and the quality of our work depends on understanding that of our colleagues.

III. Frequent opportunity to participate in performance, necessary because performance is the language of theatre.

In addition to its courses of study, the theatre department annually presents eight major productions in its two theatres as well as numerous informal performances. Participation in theatre productions is open to all Whitman students.