College of Charleston - AcademicsCollege Prowler3.46

Academics:

B

(explain this grade)

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Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Faculty with Terminal Degree

86 %

Full-Time Faculty

521

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average Course Load

15 credits

College Prowler Take

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 student-to-teacher ratio of fourteen to one, 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.

Probably the biggest issue facing Charleston academics at the moment is general education requirements. In order to graduate, students must fulfill these requirements, which, coupled with a student’s major requirements (most of which involve writing a senior thesis) can be very difficult for a student to complete. Compounding the problem is the fact that entry-level natural science courses are almost always over-packed, 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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Students Speak Out

Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:

Anonymous says:

This school is not easy, but I’ve...

This school is not easy, but I’ve learned that if you get help from your advisor and know what classes you’re getting yourself into, you should never find yourself in a situation that’s impossible to get out of.

Academics
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Anonymous says:

At first I was wondering about the...

At first I was wondering about the quality of education here, but since I’ve declared my major, I’ve gotten so many opportunities and so much encouragement that I know I wouldn’t get anywhere else.

Academics
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Anonymous says:

English teachers here are awesome....

English teachers here are awesome. In three years, I haven’t met one who didn’t change the way I view my major. They really want you to absorb as much information as you can while you’re here.

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Anonymous says:

The College is really devoted to...

The College is really devoted to the success of its students. The professors know you by name, and they are always available. There are programs here to help you if you’re struggling. There’s never a time when you can’t find help.

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81149514 says:

College of Charleston 2010

Other

Easy as Pie

C-

This school is way too easy. I skate through classes I've only attended five times. The work load is skant and the quality of teachers for the most part is pretty poor. The academic portion of this school is pretty weak.

Academics: December 01, 2009
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Interested in
College of Charleston?

Facts

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

Degrees Awarded

  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Post-bachelor's certificate

Most Popular Majors

  • Biology - 8 %
  • Business - 18 %
  • Communications - 12 %
  • Education - 9 %
  • Social Sciences - 13 %
  • Visual/performing arts - 10 %

Special Study Options

  • Interdisciplinary majors
  • Pre-professional programs: pre-medicine, pre-dentistry
  • Teacher certification

Class Sizes

  • 50 or More Students - 0 %

Undergraduate Schools

  • School of Business and Economics
  • 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

Graduation Rates

  • 4-Year - 42 %
  • 5-Year - 58 %
  • 6-Year - 61 %

Best Places to Study

  • Local coffee shops
  • Marion Square
  • Stern Center, third or fourth floor
  • The library

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!

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Robyn Burrows
Hometown: Sewickley, PA
Major: Historic Preservation and Community Planning

Fun Fact: Robyn loves yoga!

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