College of Charleston
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College of Charleston - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Full-Time Student Population 9,657
Part-Time Student Population 1,954
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 504
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 342
Total FT Faculty 510
Faculty with Terminal Degree 87%
Average Faculty Salary $64,679
Full-Time Retention Rate 81%
Part-Time Retention Rate 0%
Transfer-Out Rate 26%
Graduation Rate 66%
Programs/Majors Offered 57
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 27%
  • 20 to 49 students: 68%
  • 50 or more students: 5%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

One thing can be said about the College of Charleston: Students will experience a range of emotions when it comes to their professors. This is true no matter where you go, but what makes the College of Charleston unique is the relationship between professors and students. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, you can always be certain that availability and attention will be provided in abundance. The vast majority of students at Charleston feel that their professors view them as equals and sincerely care about how they are doing in class, whether it’s an advanced English class or an elective film studies. The SNAP (Students Needing Access Parity) program is a perfect example of this; students with disabilities receive assistance in meeting with their professors.

There's a lot of griping among students about the extensive general education requirements, which include math, science, and humanities courses for every student. Compounding the problem is the fact that entry-level natural science courses are almost always overcrowded, some by as many as 200 students. The system may have a few flaws, but the professors and the courses offered are above average, to say the least.

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College of Charleston Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at College of Charleston

LMG1503

Communications '15

4.2
A-

I Enjoy the Classes, but Loathe the Gen Eds

I really look forward to tackling the core curriculum after this year. But most of the classes have been interesting and fun.

Apr 25, 2012

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Academics at College of Charleston

Bhrickma

Physics '13

4.6
A

Teacher Avaliability

With the largest classes being just about 50 students, it is very easy to find time to get assistance from any teacher. The school hires both full research/ teaching faculty along with pure instructors to have a high student to teacher ratios. C of C is an undergraduate focused school, so there wont be labs taught by graduates.

Feb 08, 2012

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Academics at College of Charleston

eberharteb

Business Administration and Management '15

4.6
A

Business at Cofc

I am in the Business College at the College of Charleston, and I am very impressed with the overall stature and expectations that go along with this particular major. All of the professors expect high performance out of every student, and as a result one begins to expect the same rate of performance out of themselves. It is a great environment, and it drives me to desire to be successful.

Jan 19, 2012

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User rating for College of Charleston - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 41 user reviews.

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: Yes
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 or higher
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • School of Business
  • School of Education, Health, and Human Performance
  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs
  • School of Sciences and Mathematics
  • School of the Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 4%
  • Business Administration and Management: 6%
  • Psychology: 4%
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 6%
Graduation Requirements
  • English (including composition)
  • Foreign languages
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative (work-study) program
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Liberal arts/career combination
  • Semester at Sea
Best Places to Study
  • The library
  • Local coffee shops
  • Marion Square
  • Stern Center, third or fourth floor

Online Courses

Some online courses are available during Maymester and summer sessions, including "Culture Through Film."

Did You Know?
  • Charleston's graduation occurs on Mother's Day every year, and instead of caps and gowns, the girls wear white dresses and the guys wear tuxes. Not too shabby.
  • Charleston's campus, as well as being scenic and beautiful, is full of places for outdoor studying, like the lawn in front of Randolph Hall or the center of campus near the Physician's Auditorium.
  • During final exams, Addlestone Library plays host to a late night "rave" where hundreds of students rush into the library, pack themselves into the rotunda, and dance to techno music for a few exhilarating songs. Students crowd surf, and the Public Safety officers simply just shake their heads. The Student Government Association hosts this event in order to relieve the stress of exams.
  • In 1970, the College of Charleston's student body population was only 500 students!

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