What makes us human? In the Anthropology program at Whitman, you’ll travel across time and space to find your own answer to this universal question.

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.

Are you fascinated by the stories and ideas behind the art and architecture of diverse cultures throughout history? The Art History program at Whitman will teach you to think deeply about the images, objects and built environments that capture our imagination and shape our lives.

As one of the only top liberal arts colleges with an Astronomy major, Whitman is an ideal place for you to explore the nature of the universe and satisfy your curiosity through scientific inquiry.

The Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology (BBMB) major integrates biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics to investigate some of today’s most critical life sciences questions in all their complexity and equips graduates with a strong foundation in research to answer them.

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.

Beginning with the 2023–2024 academic year, Whitman College will offer a multidisciplinary major for students wanting to study the intricacy of neural science. Whitman faculty announced a new major: Brain, Behavior and Cognition (BB&C), which integrates courses in Biology and Psychology, for a new focus in neuroscience.

With small classes, a hands-on approach to learning, and faculty who have a strong dedication to teaching and vibrant research agendas, Whitman is one of the best colleges in the Northwest for Chemistry majors.

As a student of Chinese at Whitman, you will explore a range of cultural, aesthetic, and analytical issues all while honing your language skills in a dynamic and supportive learning community.

With the Classics major at Whitman, you’ll unlock the riches of the past through the study of the ancient languages, literatures, histories, arts, cultures, and thought of Greek and Roman antiquity. Learn how these ancient cultures still influence the modern world.

Beyond fundamental programming and coding skills, the essence of computer science is problem-solving. As a Computer Science major at Whitman, you will develop the computational skills to create innovative solutions that truly help others.

The distribution of resources shapes our world in countless ways. The study of Economics at Whitman will expand your global perspective and help you understand economic behaviors in the real world.

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.

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 Film and Media Studies major at Whitman allows you to learn the basics of film editing and production, work with professional film equipment, and work closely with other students and faculty as you unpack the history and theory of global media communication.

When you major in French and Francophone Studies at Whitman, you don’t just learn a language. You discover the fascinating impact of the French-speaking world on global literature, history, technology, environment and culture.

What is gender? Explore the complex human experience of gender identity and sexuality with Whitman’s Gender Studies major. Informed by anthropology, history, language and literature, politics, psychology and more, you’ll learn to make sense of and positively influence the world we live in.

If you’re fascinated by the ground beneath our feet, enjoy hands-on learning outdoors, and want to study the impact of geological forces on human society, the Geology major at Whitman is one of a kind.

Discover the language, literature, culture and history of the German-speaking world. At Whitman, you’ll study canonical texts as well as diverse authors and thinkers often excluded from other German Studies programs.

The Hispanic Studies program at Whitman goes well beyond the typical college major in Spanish. Hispanic Studies is an exciting exploration of language, culture, ethnicity, gender studies, visual culture and popular culture.

How we understand the meaning of the past has crucial implications for our present and our future. As a Whitman History major, you’ll learn how to think critically about human history and develop an appreciation for its complexity.

As one of the only liberal arts colleges in the U.S. that offers a major in Japanese, Whitman is an ideal place for you to increase your understanding of Japanese language, literature and culture.

Mathematics holds the power to foster abstract thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to identify and communicate patterns. Those are also hallmarks of a liberal arts education. So it makes sense that the two blend perfectly at Whitman.

At Whitman, the Music major can help you unlock your full potential through comprehensive courses in music composition, history, theory, performance and production. By exploring a variety of genres, honing your performance skills and collaborating on original works, you’ll develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of sound as an art form—and the skills to prepare you for a successful music career.

Studying Philosophy at Whitman College will guide you in a rewarding pursuit of knowledge, ethics and the meaning of life that will whet your curiosity. On your way to a Philosophy degree, you’ll explore the answers to life’s great questions, like: What is a good life? What are our obligations toward others? And how do we create a just society?

Physics uncovers how the systems around us work—from subatomic particles to clusters of galaxies. As a Physics major, you’ll learn to leverage that knowledge to advance our understanding of the universe and solve everyday problems.

Understanding and using political power effectively requires a deep knowledge of our world. That’s why Whitman’s Politics degree encourages students to take full advantage of our liberal arts environment to explore politics from multiple perspectives for a broad intellectual foundation.

If you’re curious about the complexity of human behavior, Psychology may be a good major for you. Through critical analysis and creative scientific studies, Whitman’s Psychology program offers amazing insights into why we humans do what we do.

What do race and ethnicity mean? How do they intersect with gender, class, nation and religion? The Race and Ethnic Studies major at Whitman will give you the tools to understand social issues of the past and present—and to work toward a more just world.

Whitman is an ideal place to explore religion and the way it filters into every aspect of life. Your coursework will push you to be a flexible thinker as you explore the diverse ways people worldwide make meaning of their lives. In Whitman’s tight-knit Religion Department, you’ll benefit from professors and peers who will challenge and support you.

The Rhetoric, Writing and Public Discourse major at Whitman will sharpen your communication and critical thinking skills and give you tools for social change. You’ll learn to make persuasive arguments, speak confidently in public and understand power dynamics.

Sociology reveals patterns in the way we organize and interact as people. It sheds light on everything from the media to our criminal justice system to our connection with the natural world. In both the Sociology and the combined Sociology-Environmental Studies majors at Whitman, you’ll gain the tools to understand how your story intersects with bigger social forces.

Immerse yourself in South Asian and Middle Eastern philosophy, history, politics, art and religion. If you’re considering a future in these influential parts of the world, the South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies major at Whitman will give you the cultural understanding to be successful.

Whitman’s Theatre and Dance Program offers something for everyone. Whether your passion is performance, direction, choreography, theatrical design, technical production, or theatre history, you can explore it here in our supportive, tight-knit community.