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Columbia University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler5.00

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Full-Time Student Population 20,476
Part-Time Student Population 3,712
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,422
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 902
Total FT Faculty 3,682
Faculty with Terminal Degree 100%
Average Faculty Salary $127,157
Full-Time Retention Rate 97%
Part-Time Retention Rate 82%
Graduation Rate 92%
Programs/Majors Offered 168
Average Course Load 5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 77%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 15%
  • 50 or More Students: 8%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

A college cannot be considered one of the best in the world without attracting top-notch faculty. Most students are impressed with the collective knowledge and academic rigor of the professors. The major problems that Columbia students cite are the huge egos of the senior faculty and the lack of individual attention. If a student is sincere and persistent, however, it is possible to find stimulating mentors among the faculty. And do not disregard the old drunk—he may very well be the best professor you ever had. Columbia is the kind of place where you must find out who and what works for you.

Sometimes, students have little choice in selecting a professor, especially if a course is offered only once a year. In those situations, you just have to bite the bullet. Students can ask around or use CULPA to learn about a specific professor. Many view the first week of school as a tasting menu. They go from course to course in order to find the professor who best fills their needs, and sometimes, they may even find an inspiring mentor in the process. Some students find their niche in their selected curriculum, while others are equally impressed by the diversity offered within the core requirements. One can find something of interest in a classroom at Columbia, but it takes more effort than just glancing through the course catalogue.

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Columbia Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Columbia University

bryanala1

Political Science and Government '13

0.0
F

Columbia is Crap

I was initially excited to attend Columbia because of its location and ostensible academic reputation. However, this tiny ugly little school which borders a very bad neighborhood in New York City has proven to be such a disappointment, I'm transferring out my senior year. I've had to many classes which are graded by T.A.'s that are completely unfamiliar with the material, to the point they actually look to students for the answers. Most of my classes exceed 100 students making the instructors completely inaccessible. Nobody gives a damn, especially the administration which is as corrupt as they get. Columbia is all about getting your money, and ripping you off with an inferior product. Worst of all, the campus is down right unsafe. Harassment seems to be the most common crime, but unless it is sexual harassment, the school will do absolutely nothing. As a student harassed by another student, I had to get a lawyer to resolve the issue, because the dean of Columbia College refused to follow his own rules as delineated in F.A.C.I.T.S., Columbia's policy guidebook given to all students. It is completely unacceptable that Columbia's unwillingness to do anything contributed to an atmosphere in which learning was impossible. This shameful excuse of a school is a national disgrace. You can obtain a far superior education at a fraction of the cost at your local community college. I can't wait to leave this dump!

May 17, 2012

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Academics at Columbia University

sapphire1223

Urban Studies and Affairs '15

3.5
B

Heavy Workload, but Manageable

My major, along with some others, is affiliated with Barnard, the women's college across the street. However, this doesn't change anything; there are still men in the program and it's not inconvenient at all. The workload at Columbia is tough mainly due to the Core Curriculum, which I'm sure you've heard about. It's no cakewalk, and you will have a tough workload in order to meet the requirements for graduation.

Mar 20, 2012

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Academics at Columbia University

herroimyerro

Political Science and Government '15

5.0
A+

Curriculum

Pretty challenge, but curves in most classes are fair. Gotta work hard and compete against lots of smart mofos

Mar 19, 2012

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User rating for Columbia University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 33 user reviews.

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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: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: No
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Placement with scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements 6 or 7 in higher level classes
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Columbia College
  • The Fu Foundation School for Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • School of General Studies
  • School of Nursing
  • School of the Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 5%
  • International Relations and National Security Studies: 2%
  • Law: 2%
  • Social Work: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
Best Places to Study
  • Butler Library's stacks
  • Hungarian Pastry Shop, at a corner table
  • Lerner Hall, in a comfy chair
  • School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Library
Did You Know?
  • Bring your swim suits because Columbia University requires all of its undergrads to pass a swim test in order to graduate. The test consists of swimming three lengths of the pool without stopping. It is the bane of all seniors trying to fulfill every last requirement.
  • Columbia offers a wide range of classes to satisfy the PE two-class requirement, from scuba diving to skiing.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Alexandre Millet
Hometown
Washington D.C., Geneva
Major
Economics and Computer Science

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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