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Birmingham-Southern College
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Birmingham-Southern College - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Full-Time Student Population 1,492
Part-Time Student Population 57
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 110
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 60
Total FT Faculty 110
Faculty with Terminal Degree 72%
Average Faculty Salary $65,947
Full-Time Retention Rate 81%
Graduation Rate 66%
Programs/Majors Offered 45
Average Course Load 4 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 67%
  • 20 to 49 students: 32%
  • 50 or more students: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

If you’re looking for a place where you can bloom academically, then being at a small school is definitely a plus. Southern specializes in small classes, and there is a pleasantly small ratio of temporary or adjunct teachers. Most classes are discussion-based and require a sizeable amount of group work, and the academic curriculum is different from other colleges in the area in a variety of ways. For example, special courses for freshmen, called “1–Y” courses, are designed to enhance the freshman experience by providing more in-depth and personal classroom attention during the crucial first year. Outside of the classroom, students are required to attend at least 40 designated cultural events, such as speeches and forums, in order to graduate. Some students complain about the extra requirements, but by the time they graduate, they realize the value of having been exposed to some culture before being released into the real world. If you’re looking for a place where you can slip through the cracks without ever being challenged, then BSC is definitely not the college to attend. The academic standards tend to be fairly high, and while parties do happen, Southern isn’t really what you would call a “party school.” Faculty and administration are always stressing the importance of learning critical-thinking skills and being well-rounded and intelligent, which is the essence of liberal arts.

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Birmingham-Southern Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Birmingham-Southern College

ANbolton

'13

Biological Sciences

4.6
A

Bang for Your Buck

The academics at BSC are really worth every penny of your actual tuition. Class sizes are small, the largest I have ever been in was about 60 people, compared to class sizes of 400+ at state schools. The professors are always available to talk about papers or assignments, or just to talk. Interim term is amazing because you have a chance to travel abroad or just stay around campus focusing on one class. The curriculum is easy to understand, and registration is all online. In terms of workload, it depends on your schedule and your extra curriculars, but the whole point of college is to be learning so don't expect easy a's!

Aug 15, 2011

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Academics at Birmingham-Southern College

lorelaigilmore

'14

Business

5.0
A+

Academic Life Is Never Boring

Birmingham-Southern is definitely a work hard, play hard school. The academics are not a joke and you are held accountable for your efforts. The classes are smaller, so it is noticeable if you do not participate. Professors will challenge you and expect you to be better than what you consider to be your best. The professors are available to help you with anything and will often times invite you to have coffee or meet with them in their office to show you how you can improve. If you want to enter the work force or further your education, you can have faith that you will be better prepared than your competition after finishing 4 years at BSC.

Jul 18, 2011

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Academics at Birmingham-Southern College

ANbolton

'13

Biological Sciences

4.2
A-

English Major

The English teachers are awesome, they really encourage you to use their office hours if you need help or even just to talk. You can bounce ideas off of them for your papers, whatever you need. I love that the professors are not all scary and non-relatable. I suppose because of the small class sizes, you feel like you can go to them with a problem and not face back lash.

Jun 10, 2010

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Education
  • Fine and Performing Arts
  • Humanities
  • Science and Mathematics
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 4%
  • Business Administration and Management: 10%
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 3%
  • Psychology: 5%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Alumni Plaza (courtyard outside of Norton Student Center)
  • Computer labs
  • Library study rooms
Did You Know?

Need additional academic support? Visit the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for help with papers in the writing center, assistance with foreign languages in the Foreign Language Lab or guidance with oral presentations in the Speech Lab.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at BSC

Name: Kriti Mishra

Hometown: Hoover, Ala.

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school

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