As a liberal arts college with an emphasis on the social and behavioral sciences, Pitzer presents a unique opportunity for self-expression and for exploring the world around us. Pitzer believes you should take an active part in formulating your individual plan of study, bringing a spirit of inquiry, and adventure to the process of learning.

In order to graduate, you are expected to fulfill the educational objectives of the College by designing, in coordination with your faculty adviser, a program of study that meets your intellectual needs and interests. You must complete 32 courses (usually translated into a normal load of four courses each semester), complete a concentration, and earn at least a 2.00 grade point average. At the beginning of your junior year you will consult with your faculty adviser and complete the process of choosing a major.

Cross-registration with the other Claremont Colleges offers Pitzer students even more academic opportunities. You may register here at Pitzer for courses open to you at the other colleges. With the signed approval of the instructor and faculty adviser, courses may be added or dropped during the first part of each semester.

Your Academic Adviser
Each student entering Pitzer is assigned a faculty member as an academic adviser. Academic advising is an integral part of faculty-student interaction and teaching at Pitzer. You and your adviser will meet during Welcome Week to create a program of study that meets your needs and fulfills Pitzer’s educational objectives. Our faculty represents a range of expertise and interests and will be glad to talk with you at any time.

In addition to your academic adviser, you will meet your student mentor during Welcome Week. Mentors are sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have received special training and are ready to give you any advice, assistance, or inside scoop you might need as a new student.

Independent Study
The option of independent study gives you the opportunity to create and develop your own course of study. Independent studies are intended to foster students’ intellectual and creative development. Projects are arranged between the student and faculty member who serves as a consultant and evaluator.

Independent study is most successful when the student and the faculty have a good working relationship and when the project falls in an area in which the student has had some prior familiarity. Students develop the capacity to plan and execute projects of their own interests and conception, researching and writing at a level beyond regular coursework.

Register for Classes
Upon check-in for Welcome Week, you will receive a personalized information packet that includes a 5-College Undergraduate Schedule of Courses, a Pitzer College Catalogue, your academic adviser information, as well as other helpful information. Class selection and registration will also take place during Welcome Week. You will have several opportunities to meet with your academic adviser to discuss your course of study. It can be helpful to look over the online 5-College Undergraduate Schedule of Courses, but you do not need to do anything else during the summer for class registration.

Placement Exams
To assist you in choosing the appropriate level of courses for math and foreign language, placement exams will be held during Welcome Week. If you are unsure which courses you are prepared for, the placement exams and/or your faculty adviser may assist you. All dates, times and locations will be available in your Welcome Week schedule when you arrive.

If you are interested in taking language courses, you will need to take a placement exam. Exams are offered and held during Welcome Week. Pre-registration is not necessary.

Your First Class: First-Year Seminar

One of the exciting things about a Pitzer College education is the opportunity to engage ideas in small, interpersonal and innovative classes. Each fall, Pitzer offers new students the opportunity to enroll in a small seminar class designed just for First-Year students.

These First-Year Seminars, required for new students, are limited to fifteen or sixteen students and are structured to encourage class discussions and to engage in intensive writing experiences. These are not lecture courses; the expectation is that you will be an important part of the learning process. A separate mailing will provide you with seminars offered and an opportunity to sign up during the summer.