The Whittier Scholars Program (WSP) was created for students who prefer an existence that is based on self-determination and who are open to change. The WSP is not an honors program, but rather is open to any student willing to meet program expectations. As an individualized liberal arts program operating within a community of scholars, the WSP is designed for students who are highly motivated, self-directed, independent, and fascinated by ideas.

The Whittier Scholars Program was created by the faculty of Whittier College in 1977 as an alternate degree path for students who have the courage to take responsibility for their educations. The first class of three students graduated from the WSP in 1981; now about 12 percent of Whittier students are members of the Program. Through the processes of reading, writing, and discussion, students in the WSP gain a better understanding of themselves and of the world around them. The WSP graduates self-aware, intellectually confident students who can see an academic and intellectual endeavor through to its completion.

The WSP allows students to design their own educations in collaboration with faculty advisors and peers. Throughout their years in the WSP, students take a series of interdisciplinary seminars designed to pique intellectual curiosity by considering a range of fundamental questions, most of which have no easy answers. With the exception of the four required seminars, WSP students complete the remainder of the credit requirements necessary for graduation by taking courses across the curriculum. In this way, they enjoy a shared experience with other students in the Program, but are also part of the broader campus community. The culmination of the WSP is a Senior Project, which is designed, presented, and defended by all students in close collaboration with faculty Sponsors. Working closely with a faculty sponsor, each WSP student designs, presents, defends, and then completes a Senior Project.

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