Pre-Professional Information

Advisors in the academic departments and in the Career & Community Engagement Center (CCEC) talk regularly with students about advanced study, and about immediate and long-range occupational opportunities. In addition, the college has selected special pre-professional advisors, listed below, to help in those areas of interest which warrant particular attention because of their general appeal.

Please note that Whitman College does not offer degrees with licensure.

Business Management & Finance

The best opportunities for career advancement in modern business come to those who have acquired a knowledge of the underlying principles of economics, finance, accounting, statistics, data analysis, and communication with society. The business world embraces recent graduates with a liberal arts education especially because of their broad spectrum of knowledge and skills. Careers in business management and finance require strong analytical, quantitative, problem solving, leadership, organizational, and oral and written communication skills (including bilingual skills in the modern global economic environment) along with maturity, integrity, and curiosity. A background in the sciences with an emphasis on data management and analysis may be beneficial in the increasingly digital modern economy. An understanding of the relation of business to government and the position of business in society is also essential. Students with Off-Campus Studies experience as well as those who explore foreign languages and the socio-economic, political, and cultural diversity of other regions of the world are highly sought after in the business and finance careers. Whitman graduates with preparation in economics, business and finance, as well as data science and analysis have an extremely broad spectrum of potential careers in front of them starting from the private sector (commercial banks, investment banks, credit unions, corporations, insurance companies, brokerage firms, startups, venture capital, wealth management, consulting and auditing, etc.) to the government and public sector (government institutions and agencies like the Federal Reserve System, Treasury Department, Congressional Budget Office, Commerce Department, Labor Department, Education Department, Department of Defense, etc.; economist and financial analyst roles at public schools and universities) and finally to international organizations (like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, etc.)

Whitman College offers a diverse array of courses in economics and finance as well as in data analysis, which can prepare students well for the professional as well as graduate academic careers. The recommended courses are designed to give the students 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. Two websites that provide more insights into further academic and professional development in this field are www.mba.com and www.cfainstitute.org. 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, 114, 227, 327, 358, and 409

• Mathematics 124 or 125, and 126

• Computer Science 167

• Major study in economics, mathematics, computer science, politics, psychology and/or other sciences

Education

While Whitman does not have an education major or minor, a broad program in liberal arts and sciences can prepare students for graduate or professional work in education. The recommended majors for post-baccalaureate work depend on the desired age group, specialty, and profession within education. Students interested in educational practice, theory, pedagogy, policy, or administration are encouraged to take a broad range of courses and to include courses dealing with philosophy, social inequality, social group relations, psycho-social conditions of family/childhood/adolescence, and courses that may include community-based learning with local schools or educational organizations. Students interested in the field of bilingual education should visit both the Language Learning Center and the Office of Off-Campus Studies to find out more about opportunities to get experience in this area.

Master’s programs in teaching in the U.S. often have prerequisites that include a course in pedagogical theory and practice and a course in substantive areas, such as inequality in education, educational policy, or educational psychology. Whitman does not offer courses in pedagogical theory and practice (with classroom practice), but there are several courses that can serve as the substantive prerequisite, and there are some courses with applied components that may take place in local schools or educational organizations. Students interested in graduate school in education are encouraged to consult with the program of interest to see if particular courses at Whitman may count as a prerequisite.

Besides curricular offerings on topics in educational studies, Whitman offers numerous co-curricular opportunities for students who may want to gain practical experience in settings that are education focused. These opportunities include mentoring and tutoring local students, student clubs, and internship opportunities. Information about these opportunities is available from the advisors listed above, from student clubs, and from the Career & Community Engagement Center.

Because age group, specialty area, and geographic region influence the kinds of testing necessary to work in educational fields (and the timing of those exams), students are encouraged to investigate early the types of tests and majors that are required or recommended to meet their career or graduate school goals and to consult with the education advisors and Career & Community Engagement Center resources before deciding on a major.

Foreign Service

Many departments and agencies of the U.S. government offer a variety of overseas employment, both in career positions and in staff support work. Applicants 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 is the case 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

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 healthcare 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 “pre-nursing,” “pre-med,” “pre-vet,” or any “pre-health” 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 (Hispanic Studies, French and Francophone Studies), geology, history, music, philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, and heater.

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, occupational therapists, pharmacists, public health specialists, among others. 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.

In collaboration with Providence St. Mary Medical Center, Family Medical Center, the SOS Health Clinic, and Walla Walla Clinic, Whitman College facilitates the opportunity for students to gain exposure to the health professions through clinical shadowing/student observations in Walla Walla County.

Students considering a career in a health profession should attend the orientation meeting offered by the Office of Health Professions Advising (OHPA) during the opening week of their first year and meet with the health professions advisor once per semester before application. Additional opportunities to explore the health professions are available through enrollment in the the Interdisciplinary Studies-Health Professions courses attending Health Speaker Series lectures by healthcare professionals, and participating in advising workshops sponsored by the (OHPA). Students should consider joining one of the pre-health student organizations.

For additional information on becoming a competitive applicant and applying to a health professions graduate program, contact the Director of Health Professions Advising.

The following information applies to most of widely pursued health professions  However, there are additional career paths, such as athletic training, optometry, and speech-language pathology, that some students pursue as well.   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  dental observation or internship programs are required at some schools and highly recommended for all programs.The following courses will meet the admission requirements for most U.S. dental schools, prepare students for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and support the admission application process. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for courses and planning.  

• General Biology with lab: 8-12 credits

• General Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Organic Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Biochemistry 3-4 credits

• Physics with lab 8 credits

• English/Composition: 6-8 credits

• Mathematics: Often statistics and/or calculus

• Some programs require additional courses, such as anatomy, physiology, or microbiology.

• Note: Additional coursework in mathematics, statistics, behavioral sciences, and humanities is recommended.

Medicine

Allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools value diverse educational backgrounds. While a strong foundation in natural sciences is necessary, a science major is not required. Admissions committees seek candidates with a broad, liberal arts education that equips them to analyze data, update their knowledge and skills continuously, and address medical, scientific, and ethical challenges. Contemporary medicine's preventative and curative aspects underscore the need for excellent communication skills and significant exposure to social sciences and humanities. The focus is on the breadth and quality of undergraduate coursework, and students are encouraged to exceed the minimum course 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 or  the Association of American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) website: www.aacom.org.The following courses will meet the admission requirements for most U.S. medical schools, prepare students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and support the admission application process. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

• General Biology with lab: 8-12 credits

• General Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Organic Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Biochemistry: 3-4 credits

• Physics with lab: 8 credits

• English/Composition: 6-8 credits

• Mathematics: Often statistics and/or calculus

• Social Sciences: Anthropology, Sociology, or Psychology  

• Strongly recommended course include Ethics and Health Professions II

• Note: Some programs require additional courses in Biology (e..g., anatomy and  physiology, or microbiology), or English composition.

Nursing

Although Whitman College does not offer a nursing program, the majority of our students opt to complete a degree in their field of choice before enrolling in a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing program at an accredited institution. These programs lead to RN licensure and offer opportunities for advanced practice specialization and certification in areas such as family practice, midwifery, pediatrics, critical care, and infectious diseases, among others. Admission requirements vary significantly among schools. For more information, visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing website, https://www.aacnnursing.org.  Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

The courses most frequently required for admission include:

• General Biology with lab: 8-12 credits

• Anatomy & Physiology: 8 credits

• Microbiology: 4 credits 

• Nutrition: 4 credits

• General Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Mathematics/Statistics: 4 credits

• Psychology: 4-8 credits

• Note: Requirements vary. Some schools require organic chemistry, biochemistry, English composition, speech/public speaking, and additional humanities and/or social science courses.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) programs offer entry-level master’s or doctorate degrees and seek applicants with strong interpersonal skills, teamwork capabilities, and a commitment to helping others. Desired qualities include creativity in problem-solving, effective listening, resourcefulness, compassion, and an interest in health, science, and the arts. Most OT schools require documented paid or volunteer experience. Prospective OT students should research the specific requirements of their target schools, which are available in the OTCAS Program Directory. For more information, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) website at www.aota.org. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. Typical prerequisite coursework include:

• Biology with lab: 4-8 credits Anatomy & Physiology with lab: 8 credits

• Mathematics/Statistics: 4 credits

• Psychology: 4-12 credits

• Note: Requirements vary. Many schools require a medical terminology course. Some schools may require a chemistry or physics course or English composition.

Pharmacy

All pharmacy programs now award the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Requirements for U.S. pharmacy schools can be found in the Pharmacy School Admission Requirements (PSAR), available on the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) website at www.aacp.org. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

The following courses are typically required for admission to most U.S. pharmacy schools: 

• Biology with lab: 8 credits

• Anatomy & Physiology with lab: 8 credits

• Genetics: 3-4 credits

• Microbiology: 4 credits

• Biochemistry: 4 credits

• Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Organic Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Physics with lab: 4 credits

• Mathematics/Statistics: 4 credits 

• English: 8 credits

• Psychology/Sociology: 8 credits

• Note: Requirements vary greatly. Many schools require communication/speech, economics, or additional humanities.

Physical Therapy

The opportunity for students to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree after completing a bachelor's has grown over the years. Most DPT programs require three years to complete. Additionally, many schools require to have observed physical therapy practice in various settings before admission. Prospective physical therapy students should research the specific requirements of their chosen schools, which are detailed in the PTCAS Program Directory. For more information, visit the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) website at www.apta.org. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

The following courses generally meet the admission requirements for most U.S. physical therapy schools: 

• Biology with lab: 8 credits

• Anatomy & Physiology: 8 credits

• General Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Organic Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Physics with lab: 8 credits

• Mathematics/Statistics:  4-8 credits

• Psychology: 4-8 credits

• One additional course chosen from Anthropology, Sociology, or Psychology

• Note: Requirements vary. Many schools require  courses in English composition, exercise physiology, medical terminology, or ethics, or additional courses in anthropology, sociology, or psychology.

Physician Assistant

Pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, ideally in health sciences. Enrolled students in an accredited PA program then progress to earning a master's degree, typically requiring two years. This period encompasses both classroom learning and hands-on patient care experiences across various clinical settings. Graduation is followed by a national exam to achieve PA certification and state licensure for medical practice. Given their comprehensive medical responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications, PAs must excel in teamwork within healthcare environments. Prospective physician assistant students should research the specific requirements of their chosen schools, which are detailed in the PA Education Association (PAEA) Program Directory. For more information, visit their  website at https://paeaonline.org/. Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

The courses most frequently required for admission include:

• Biology: 8 credits

• Anatomy & Physiology: 8 credits

• Genetics: 3 credits

• Biochemistry: 3 credits

• Chemistry with lab: 8 credits 

• Organic Chemistry with labs: 8 credits

• Mathematics/Statistics: 4 credits 128

• English Writing: 8 credits

• Psychology: 4 credits

• Note: Requirements vary greatly. Many schools require a medical terminology course.

Public Health

Most of the approximately 259 accredited 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, in addition to others. 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. See the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) website: www.aspph.org. 

Whitman College has partnered with Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine’s Discovery Program, giving students the educational events, mentorships, and priority admissions.  Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for more information about the Discovery Program, course selection, and planning.

Veterinary Medicine

Schools of veterinary medicine value a liberal arts education underpinned by strong science fundamentals. Besides academic excellence, schools look for candidates with qualities such as compassion, strong communication skills, and animal handling experience. Specific admission requirements are detailed in the Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR), accessible via the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) website at www.aavmc.org.  Students are strongly recommended to work with the Office of Health Professions Advising for course selection and planning. 

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

• General Biology with lab: 8 credits

• Genetics: 4 credits

• Microbiology: 4 credits

• Biochemistry: 4 credits

• General Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Organic Chemistry with lab: 8 credits

• Physics with labs: 8 credits

• Mathematics 125, 126, 128 or 247

• Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse 170, 180, or 210

• Note: Requirements vary. Some schools require courses in cell biology (Biology 272), animal science, animal nutrition, or public speaking/speech (Rhetoric, Writing & Public Discourse 110) and additional courses within humanities or the social sciences.

Law

Law schools want evidence that applicants can think, read, write, express themselves orally, and understand forces that have shaped human experience, developed its institutions, and ordered its values. A wide variety of courses in the liberal arts 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, natural sciences, economics, and philosophy.

Accordingly, Whitman does not have and does not recommend a formal prelaw major as preparation for law school, believing that no specific series of courses is 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.

Students planning a legal career are welcome to discuss their plans with a prelaw advisor.

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 the Law School Admission Test by the end of the fall semester of their senior year in order to meet most law school admission deadlines; we strongly encourage students to take the LSAT by the end of October. Students looking ahead to law school are encouraged to meet with a prelaw advisor during their junior year to map out a timetable for exams and applications.

Library & Information Science

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, computing, database, and metadata skills are important areas of concentration. Many graduate programs offer opportunities to specialize in areas such as archives and record management, informatics, and data services. Archivist positions generally require the MLIS degree; some graduate programs may offer Master of Archives and Records Management degrees, while others offer concentrations or certificates in Archives together with a MLIS degree.

Penrose Library regularly offers student employment in circulation, cataloging, and archives; other opportunities are occasionally available. The librarian listed above is available to discuss graduate school preparation and career possibilities with interested students.

Our library for-credit classes offer an opportunity to learn about Archives and Special Collections (Library 150) and ethical issues in libraries and information science (Library 120).

Ministry

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, rabbinical school, or other ministerial training by setting ministry studies in a broad perspective.

Theater & Dance

Students planning a career in the performing arts will find that the program at Whitman College can provide them with a solid core of skills and knowledge as well as many opportunities to explore new facets of themselves and the art form. Our students gain skills that will prepare them for further study in graduate schools, professional training programs, and internships at major regional theaters and other arts organizations.  We strive to instill in our students a sense that the performing arts take place in the larger context of the world and tie into the overall liberal arts education provided at Whitman College.

Our program provides the following to our students:

• Rigorous training in a variety of performance, design, and technical disciplines.

• Hands-on opportunities in many areas to participate in performances during the course of our season at the Harper Joy Theater as well as access to resources to work on your own independent projects.

• Work study and paid employment in our shops and box office.

• A focus on Theater and Dance as collaborative art forms which respects the work put forth by everyone involved in the production process.

Public Service

To an ever-greater degree, federal, state, and local governments need professionally trained people to serve as researchers and planners as well as administrators. Expanding numbers and kinds of special interest groups as well as the increased degree to which these groups employ professionals, also have yielded new career possibilities for people with research, analytical, and political skills. New career opportunities can especially be found at the local level, in addition to the traditional public administration positions in federal and state agencies.

A person interested in a public service career should develop strong 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 helpful.

Suggested Courses:

• Economics 100 or 101, 102, 268

• Environmental Studies 120

• History 297

• Mathematics 128

• Politics 109,110, 117,124, 254, 287, 311, 325, 334, 365

• Sociology 207, 208

Sports, Recreation & Athletics

Whitman’s SSRA program offers a variety of activity and lecture classes, as well as intramurals, club and intercollegiate athletics. The broad-based 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.

SSRA courses are a broad array of activity courses designed to provide experiences and training opportunities within a diverse mix of physical education, recreation, fitness, and individual and team sport offerings. Additionally, SSRA offers a handful of theory Classroom activity courses designed to more fully inform students about certain aspects of physical activity and sport.

Suggested Courses:

• Sport Studies, Recreation and Athletics 137, 153, 200, 308, 390, 395

• Try weight training, speed and agility training, yoga, Pilates, swimming, or one of several sport offerings.