Birmingham-Southern College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Teachers at BSC are like friends... Teachers at BSC are like friends who know a lot, and when they lecture, it’s sometimes like sitting down with a cup of coffee and listening to your friend talk about his favorite hobby. 12345 Academics Report

dwgeorge says: Birmingham-Southern College 2015 History

For the most part, the faculty is... For the most part, the faculty is great. They're qualified, motivated, and student-oriented. You definitely can't "just get by" at BSC. You are going to have to do some hard work, but it's not back-breaking, and you'll have plenty of time to socialize and party, as well. It's often described as a "work hard/play hard" kind of place, which I would say is pretty accurate. 12345 Academics: June 05, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I find that the teachers at BSC... I find that the teachers at BSC are very different from one another for the most part. Some of them are wonderfully adept at involving the students and making the classes interesting, while others are boring and do not seem to be able to stay on track or make the class challenging. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The teachers are close to the... The teachers are close to the students and they actually keep an eye on how you’re doing. Classes just depend on the teacher, but usually, there’s some unique trait that a teacher has that makes class fun. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

No matter where you go, you’re... No matter where you go, you’re going to find a class that you just don’t like and a professor that isn’t your favorite. But I’ve found that most of the teachers at Southern are willing to listen to what you have to say, help you when you’re struggling, and even talk to you about other subjects. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

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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