Emilio Maldonado ’20 celebrates final approval of his self-designed major.
Malory Henry ’19, receiving honors.
Kourtney Brodnax ’17 turing in her capstone research project.

Whittier Scholars define and customize their college path with guidance from faculty and peer mentors

College offers endless opportunities. Which are the best fit for you? Whittier Scholars courses scaffold the process of selecting and customizing your college experience. 

Whittier Scholars (WSP) offers students an open curriculum with very few predetermined requirements. WSP students work closely with faculty mentors to select their courses and key learning experiences to advance their aspirations and goals. A rigorous design and review process ensures the academic merit of each student’s individualized pathway. WSP pathways include courses, majors and minors, and may include studying abroad, campus leadership, internships, and research and creative projects. WSP students can create their own majors or minors, or pursue any major at the college, or they can double major.

If you have a diverse array of interests and are an independent learner who enjoys being intentional about your choices, you will thrive in the WSP!

Learn about WSP

Already a WSP student? Here are some useful resources for you:

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WSP Peer Mentors

SCHOLARS in the SPOTLIGHT

Whittier Scholars create pathways through college that can include campus and community leadership roles, international study, intensive summer research experiences, a public presentation of a capstone project demonstrating their expertise.

Josh Morales ’20 presents his research.
Emerson Little ’21 on location at a film shoot.
Brianne Estrada connects marketing and environment preservation

Josh Morales ’20 designed his major in Neurobiology and plans to complete an MD/PhD to continue his research while also practicing medicine.

Emerson Little ’21 worked on location at a film shoot for his off-campus experience.

Brianne Estrada ’20 completed an internship in Costa Rica, where she put her marketing and graphic design skills to work building a campaign to support an animal refuge.

Maya Eylon ’19 published her first research paper in her senior year.