Whittier College
Whittier, United States • Founded 1887
Overview
Established in 1887, the Whittier College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Whittier (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Whittier College (WC) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Whittier College (WC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 137-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Whittier College's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Whittier College's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Programs Offered
Whittier College's degree-level programme breakdown, with search. Industry-sponsored programmes often have bonded service or employment commitments — read the terms before accepting any sponsored place.
Bachelor's Degree
31 programmes
There are 31 programmes to choose from at Whittier College for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Education, General Education & Teaching
Engineering Physics General Engineering
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Mathematics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
1 programme
Whittier College's 1 programme at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Education, General Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Whittier College offers 1 programme at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
These 1 programme cover Whittier College's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
Education, General Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Whittier College
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Whittier College, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Whittier College runs 34 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Before applying to Whittier College, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Whittier College's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.whittier.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (562) 907 4200. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whittier College
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Whittier College, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
When did Whittier College open?
Whittier College traces its founding to 1887 (approximately 139 years ago).
In which city is Whittier College?
Whittier College is based in Whittier, United States.
What is Whittier College's control type?
Whittier College operates as a private institution.
How many students study at Whittier College?
Whittier College has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.
Is Whittier College officially recognised?
Whittier College is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
What is Whittier College's official website?
The institution's website is www.whittier.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United States universities. Whittier College's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Member institutions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Whittier College. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Programme-led research opportunities for Social & Cultural Studies students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with Whittier College
Peer cohort diversity — gender, nationality, socioeconomic background — varies more than rankings might suggest. Diversity affects classroom dynamics and post-grad networks.
