Degree Requirements
A degree from Whitman College represents more than just academic achievement—it signifies a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society.
All degree requirements must be met to obtain a diploma:
124 or more combined credits completed—a total of Whitman College, transfer, AP, and IB credits.
54 or more Whitman course credits completed.
44 or more Whitman course credits earned in regularly-graded courses (no P-D-F, CR/NC)*
2.00 minimum GPA for Whitman courses and combined credits.
Completion of First Year Seminars: General Studies 175 and 176.
Completion of Writing Proficiency: For students who started prior to Fall 2025 via RWPD-170 or passing the Writing Assessment.
Distribution completed (Note: AP, IB and P-D-F graded courses do not count toward distribution). For students who started prior to Fall 2024, no more than 8 credits from one department can be used to fulfill Humanities and Fine Arts collectively.
Major requirements met and Major GPA 2.00 minimum. Each part of a combined major must also have a minimum 2.00 GPA for each area of the major.
Senior assessment in major study passed or passed with distinction.
No more than one-third credits for any major are transfer credits (unless the specific department limit is lower).
No incomplete or deferred grades outstanding.
Minor requirements met (2.00 GPA, all transfer courses approved, and all credit and course requirements met), or minor will be removed.
Participation in Commencement is required. If all degree requirements will not be completed prior to Commencement, students must have no more than a semester worth of credits, 18 or less, left to complete or have petitioned the Board of Review for approval to participate.
If completing degree with transfer credit, must have at least 116 credits completed by the end of final semester and be in residence during the last two semesters. If needing 9 credits or more to complete degree, must have Board of Review residency waiver approved as well as approval to transfer remaining number of credits.
* P: Passing—credit earned for those courses completed under the P-D-F grade option in which the student has received the equivalent of a C- or better grade. CR: Credit for a course graded on a credit-no credit basis. NC: No Credit is granted for a course graded on a credit-no credit basis.