Westmont College: Top Christian Liberal Arts College in Santa Barbara

Westmont College, a premier Christian liberal arts institution located in Santa Barbara, California, blends academic excellence with spiritual development, reflecting its motto “Christus Primatum Tenens” (Christ holds first place).

Founded in 1937, the college has grown into a nationally recognized institution offering 29 undergraduate degrees across diverse disciplines, with a strong emphasis on integrating faith and learning. Its intimate 11:1 student-faculty ratio supports personalized education, while global programs, research opportunities, and pre-professional tracks enrich student experience.

The vibrant residential campus fosters community, spiritual life, and leadership through chapel services, student organizations, and athletics. Accredited and historically rooted in Christian values, Westmont has produced notable alumni across arts, theology, public service, and business, remaining dedicated to cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders.

Westmont College: A Deep Dive into a Premier Christian Liberal Arts Institution

Westmont College, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains in scenic Santa Barbara, California, stands as a distinguished Christian liberal arts college with a rich history and a commitment to holistic student development. Founded in 1937, it has evolved into a nationally recognized institution, consistently ranked among the top Christian liberal arts colleges in the Western United States.

A Legacy of Faith and Learning: History and Mission

Westmont’s origins trace back to 1937 when Ruth Kerr established the Bible Missionary Institute in Los Angeles. Over the years, it underwent name changes, becoming Western Bible College in 1939 and finally Westmont College in 1940 under its first president, Wallace Emerson. Emerson envisioned an institution that would “rival the best colleges nationwide” while remaining deeply committed to the historic Christian faith. This dual emphasis on academic rigor and spiritual growth remains central to Westmont’s mission.

In 1945, Westmont relocated to its current sprawling 130-acre campus in Montecito, a former estate featuring pathways, stone bridges, and gardens. The college achieved accreditation in 1958 and has since continuously expanded its facilities, including the Voskuyl Library, Westmont Art Center, A. Nelson Science Building, Murchison Gymnasium Complex, and the Ruth Kerr Memorial Student Center. Significant milestones include receiving a $75 million anonymous gift in 2006, one of the largest at the time for a national liberal arts college.

Westmont’s motto, “Christus Primatum Tenens” (Christ holds first place), encapsulates its core identity. The college is an undergraduate, residential, Christian, liberal arts community dedicated to cultivating “thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.”

Academic Excellence and Diverse Programs

Westmont offers a comprehensive liberal arts education, emphasizing both breadth of knowledge and in-depth study within chosen majors. The college’s academic philosophy focuses on integrating faith and learning, with professors encouraged to connect their discipline with Christian tenets.

With a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and over 66% of classes having fewer than 20 students, Westmont prioritizes personalized instruction. The college offers 29 distinct undergraduate degrees across 27 majors within 17 broad fields of study. Popular majors include:

• Arts: Art, Drama and Theatre Production, Music, Music Performance
• Business: Economics and Business, Managerial Economics
• Health Professions: Kinesiology, Nursing (Undergraduate Fast Track)
• Humanities: Communication Studies, English, History, Modern Languages (French, Spanish), Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology
• Science, Technology, and Math: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Engineering, Engineering Physics, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics

In addition to traditional majors, Westmont provides:

• Minor programs across most major disciplines.
• Pre-professional programs in fields like dentistry, law, ministry, medicine, nursing, osteopathy, physical therapy, teaching, and veterinary medicine.
• Combination programs for accelerated multi-degree pathways.
• Specialized academic programs such as the Augustinian Honors Program and Global Studies Fellows Program.
• Global education opportunities, including semester-long programs in Europe, Costa Rica, East Asia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and programs like “Westmont in Asia,” “Westmont in Cairo,” and “Westmont in Northern Europe.”
• An annual research symposium that enables undergraduate students to collaborate with faculty on research projects.
• Numerous internship opportunities for real-world experience and networking.

Westmont College is accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and holds memberships with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

Vibrant Campus Life and Community

Westmont’s residential campus fosters a close-knit and vibrant community. The Student Life Division is dedicated to students’ “whole person development,” emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.

Key aspects of campus life include:

Residential Living: A significant part of the Westmont experience, with most students residing in on-campus housing. Residence halls are designed to encourage community building, diversity, Christian discipleship, and personal development.

Spiritual Life: Central to the Westmont identity. Students are required to take biblical studies courses and attend chapel services three times a week. The college promotes a vital and personal relationship with Jesus Christ through various ministries and faculty integration of faith in the classroom.

Clubs and Organizations: Over 40 extracurricular activities are available, including performing arts groups, religious clubs, communication organizations, and student government. The Campus Life Office supports student-led ministries and leadership development.

Athletics: The Westmont Warriors compete with a reputation for athletic prowess, academic achievement, and service.

Santa Barbara Location: The college benefits from its stunning location, offering access to beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, and a wide array of cultural activities, year-round recreation, and dining options.

Student Support: Comprehensive services are provided, including health, wellness, and counseling, 24/7 campus safety and security, and dedicated support for international and first-generation students.

Notable Alumni

Westmont College boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:

• Arts & Entertainment: Tiffany Brissette (actress), Shane Drake (music video director), Robert King (film and television writer/producer), Ron Shelton (film director), Joshua Swanson (actor).
• Academia & Theology: Greg Bahnsen (theologian), Diana Butler Bass (historian of Christianity), David Allan Hubbard (president of Fuller Seminary), Kevin J. Vanhoozer (theology professor), Jim Taylor (philosophy professor).
• Politics & Public Service: Anita Perez Ferguson (former White House liaison), Bob Huff (politician), Kristin Olsen (politician).
• Sports: Allen Hopkins (sportscaster), Chad Kammerer (professional basketball coach), Jean-Louis Ravelomanantsoa (Olympic sprinter), Andrew Vasquez (professional baseball pitcher).
• Business & Entrepreneurship: Tyler Gibbs (SVP and GM of Toyota Racing Development), Heather McDowell (owner/CEO of Tickle Water), Wayne Siemens (co-founder of Santa Barbara Capital).
• Other Notable Alumni: Alvin O. Austin (president of LeTourneau University), Julie Cain (founder of Seattle SCORES), Joe Karabensh (president of Missionary Flights International), Bill Kliewer (former executive at World Vision), Sharon Koh (executive director/CEO of American Baptist International Ministries), Daniel Martins (Episcopal bishop), Lisa Norlander (clinical diabetes researcher and ER physician).

Westmont College continues to uphold its founding vision, providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students to lead purposeful lives and engage with the world as thoughtful scholars, grateful servants, and faithful leaders.

FAQs about Westmont College

What is Westmont College known for?
Westmont College is known for its strong Christian liberal arts education, small class sizes, global programs, and emphasis on integrating faith with learning.

Where is Westmont College located?
It is located in Montecito, a suburb of Santa Barbara, California, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

Is Westmont College accredited?
Yes, Westmont is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Westmont?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for personalized and engaging instruction.

What types of degrees does Westmont College offer?
Westmont offers 29 undergraduate degrees across 27 majors in arts, sciences, humanities, and business.

Does Westmont College offer graduate programs?
No, Westmont is an undergraduate-only institution.

What is the religious affiliation of Westmont College?
Westmont is a Christian college with a strong evangelical tradition, though it is non-denominational.

Do students have to attend chapel services?
Yes, students are required to attend chapel three times a week as part of the college’s spiritual life program.

Are there any global study programs at Westmont?
Yes, Westmont offers numerous global education opportunities in places like Europe, Asia, Cairo, Costa Rica, and more.

What is the campus like at Westmont College?
The 130-acre campus is a former estate with gardens, stone bridges, and scenic views of the ocean and mountains.

What are the most popular majors at Westmont?
Popular majors include Economics and Business, Psychology, Biology, Political Science, and Art.

Are there pre-professional tracks available?
Yes, Westmont offers pre-professional programs in medicine, law, ministry, teaching, nursing, and more.

Does Westmont have any honors programs?
Yes, including the Augustinian Honors Program and the Global Studies Fellows Program.

How many students attend Westmont College?
Westmont typically enrolls around 1,200 undergraduate students.

Is on-campus housing required at Westmont?
Most students live on campus, and residential living is a significant part of the student experience.

What student organizations are available?
There are over 40 student clubs and organizations, including academic groups, religious ministries, and leadership programs.

Does Westmont College have a strong athletics program?
Yes, the Westmont Warriors compete in the NAIA and are known for combining athletic excellence with academic and spiritual values.

What kind of support services are available to students?
Westmont offers health and wellness services, counseling, campus security, and dedicated support for international and first-generation students.

Is Westmont College expensive?
As a private college, Westmont’s tuition is comparable to similar institutions, but it offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students.

What is the application process for Westmont College?
Students can apply online through the Common Application or Westmont’s application, and must submit transcripts, test scores (optional), and a personal essay.

Does Westmont College offer financial aid?
Yes, a high percentage of students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, and need-based assistance.

Can students double major at Westmont?
Yes, students can double major or add minors in many disciplines.

What career support is available at Westmont?
The college offers internships, career counseling, resume workshops, and alumni networking to help students transition into their careers.

Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, Westmont hosts an annual research symposium and provides faculty-mentored research opportunities for students.

Who are some notable alumni of Westmont College?
Notable alumni include filmmaker Ron Shelton, theologian Greg Bahnsen, politician Kristin Olsen, and business leader Tyler Gibbs.

Does Westmont accept international students?
Yes, international students are welcome and receive dedicated support through orientation, advising, and cultural programming.

What is the campus community like?
The campus community is close-knit, faith-driven, academically serious, and deeply supportive of personal and spiritual growth.

Are there opportunities for leadership development at Westmont?
Yes, through student government, residence life, ministry teams, and leadership-focused programs.

What kind of internships can students get at Westmont?
Internships are available in various sectors including business, health care, education, nonprofit work, and government, both locally and through off-campus programs.

Is Westmont College LGBTQ+ inclusive?
Westmont adheres to traditional Christian teachings on sexuality, which may impact LGBTQ+ inclusion policies; prospective students are encouraged to review the college’s community life statement and code of conduct for clarity.

How competitive is admission to Westmont College?
Westmont has a selective admissions process, seeking students with strong academic records and a commitment to faith-based education.

How does Westmont integrate faith and learning?
Professors are encouraged to incorporate Christian perspectives into their disciplines, and students explore faith across the curriculum and campus life.