Dickinson College
- Academics

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Dickinson College - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Full-Time Student Population 2,340
Part-Time Student Population 36
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 208
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 62
Total FT Faculty 210
Faculty with Terminal Degree 96%
Average Faculty Salary $75,590
Full-Time Retention Rate 90%
Graduation Rate 82%
Programs/Majors Offered 39
Average Course Load 4 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 68%
  • 20 to 49 students: 32%
  • 50 or more students: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Dickinson’s status as a prominent liberal arts institution rests on its challenging and enriching learning environment. The College demands excellence from each student, and the faculty and administration go to great lengths to see that this is achieved. Through cross-curricular learning and emphasis on a global education, the College ensures that its students walk away with more than just a degree—students are given all the tools they'll need to accomplish their academic and career goals, regardless of their chosen field of study.

So don’t be surprised to find yourself assigned with relatively large amounts of work. At Dickinson, class doesn’t end in the classroom. Many professors feel that it is important for students to be immersed in subject material and often assign readings and projects outside of the syllabus to further students’ understanding of the course matter. Professors also expect students to be able to think critically about what they are learning—discussion and debate are much more common in the classroom than lectures. Learning at Dickinson isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. When you come to this school, expect to be included in every step of the academic process, from course selection to class discussion, because no student succeeds here by sitting back and watching their four years float by.

 

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Dickinson Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Dickinson College

duncanlennon

English '10

3.5
B

Great Study Abroad

The term abroad options are amazing. Being in the UK for my junior year taught me a lot and helped me to appreciate the college more when I returned.

Dec 01, 2011

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Academics at Dickinson College

kgregory

Neuroscience '14

5.0
A+

You'll Get a Great Education

Dickinson takes a lot of pride in its academics. If you choose Dickinson you'll get a really good education. Just like any school some professors and amazing and some are worth avoiding, but overall I've been learning a ton from some really great teachers. Be warmed though, Dickinson can be really challenging and you should come to the school being ready to push yourself.

Oct 16, 2011

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Academics at Dickinson College

crt

Biology '13

4.2
A-

Professors Are Great

For being a liberal arts school, Dickinson has a really good science program. The main science building, Rector, is one of the newest buildings on campus and very high tech. All the professors I've had are brilliant, really passionate about their subject, and always willing to talk to students. We also have a good career center and alumni networks that help students prepare for and find jobs and internships.

Aug 23, 2011

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User rating for Dickinson College - Academics is 3.5 out of 5 based on 31 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: 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 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5 or better at the higher level
Degrees Awarded Bachelor's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • English Language Studies: 4%
  • International Business/Trade/Commerce: 6%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 3%
  • Psychology: 3%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Library
  • Rector/Tome
  • Underground
Did You Know?
  • Dickinson runs 35 international programs in 25 countries on six continents. These include learning centers in Cameroon, China, England, France, Italy, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Russia and Spain. Dickinson has a study abroad rate of over 65%, with the majority of students spending a whole year overseas.
  • In 2004, Dickinson was ranked 8th nationally for study abroad participation by the Institute of International Education, in addition to being number one in Pennsylvania and the Northeast. Over one third of students go abroad for a full year, and 65% are science majors, compared the national average of 13%. Also, more Dickinson students study in Africa than most schools, with approximately 10% of abroad students studying in Cameroon, West Africa.
  • In 2003, NAFSA: Association of International Educators selected Dickinson as one of six schools in the country that has best internationalized its campus.
  • Dickinson was the first college chartered in the United States after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.
  • Dr. Benjamin Rush, the college's founder, signed the Declaration of Independence, while John Dickinson, the college's namesake, was a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Three members of the U.S. Congress are Dickinson alumni: James Greenwood, Bill Shuster, and Jim Gerlach.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Rachel Warzala
Hometown
Somerset, NJ
Major
English/Political 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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