Pitzer College

Pitzer College is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, and a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Founded in 1963, it was established as a women’s college and became coeducational in 1970. Pitzer emphasizes the social and behavioral sciences, environmental studies, media studies, and interdisciplinary programs. The college is known for its focus on social responsibility, intercultural understanding, environmental sustainability, and student engagement in community service and study abroad. As part of the Claremont Colleges, students have access to shared academic resources and courses across neighboring campuses. Pitzer typically attracts students interested in small classes, collaborative learning, and a socially engaged academic environment.

Pitzer College was founded in 1963 in Claremont, California, as the sixth member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Established with support from philanthropist Russell K. Pitzer, the college began as a women’s institution created to expand educational opportunities within the consortium and to emphasize the social and behavioral sciences. John W. Atherton was appointed as the first president in 1963 and oversaw the recruitment of faculty, development of curriculum, and construction of the initial campus buildings before classes began in fall 1964. Pitzer College graduated its first class in 1965 and became coeducational in 1970. Over the following decades, the college expanded its interdisciplinary programs, strengthened its commitment to environmental and international studies, and developed distinctive governance and curricular models. Today, Pitzer College remains a small undergraduate institution within the Claremont Colleges, continuing its founding emphasis on social responsibility and global engagement.