Duke University
- Academics

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Duke University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler5.00

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
Full-Time Student Population 13,870
Part-Time Student Population 480
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,284
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 67
Total FT Faculty 3,398
Faculty with Terminal Degree 96%
Average Faculty Salary $112,716
Full-Time Retention Rate 97%
Graduation Rate 95%
Programs/Majors Offered 72
Average Course Load 12–15 credits (4–5 courses)
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 71%
  • 20 to 49 students: 23%
  • 50 or more students: 6%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Students at Duke seem to have found the academic experience pretty satisfying on the whole, thanks in large part to the teachers. This is not to say that everything about Duke academics is perfect; some of the math and science professors certainly sound like they could liven up a little, and some English and history professors can lose touch with modern reality and campus life. There is also the age-old problem of distinguished faculty who are there for the research facilities more than the students. However, researching professors can be a remarkable asset if they choose to keep students involved—which many do. Even lecture classes are not exclusively impersonal, weed-out programs; many lecturers are thrilled to get to know students after class or during open office hours and appreciate the time students put into getting extra help. Most large classes will also have smaller lab, recitation, or discussion groups with TAs to help clarify the information from the lecture. 

All Duke professors are well educated and established in their field, and most do their best to relay their expertise in a simple yet challenging manner. Faculty members are excited about their fields and strive to pass that excitement onto their students. Students subsequently appreciate that professors are hands-on and that they regularly emphasize the practical, real-world applications of their subject matter. Duke’s professors play a vital role in the quality and success of the University's academics.

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Duke Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Duke University

cchristinaax3

'15

Economics

4.6
A

Popular Majors

Pre-med, BME, economics. Competitive but not cut throat; great working environment. Study groups and tutors are readily available, and office hours are offered by the majority of, if not all, professors.

Dec 25, 2011

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Academics at Duke University

moominluv08

'12

French Language and Literature

4.6
A

Amazing Professors

At Duke University I have had some of the most amazing professors - professors who can take your mind on a journey so that when it's time to pack up, you almost forgot you were in a classroom. Such an amazing experience learning here. Only complaint I have is that the site used for course registration can be non-user friendly. Workload is high but that's part of why it is such a respected school - you will learn to work hard!!

Oct 06, 2011

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Academics at Duke University

dukedevil1111

'14

Law and Legal Studies

4.6
A

Public Policy

The work load is intense. You may have been top of your class in college, but you won't be here. Do not come to this college just because your family wants you to go to a top ten school. You will end up really unhappy.

Sep 24, 2011

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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: No
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 Possible credit for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 6 or 7.
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Nicholas School of the Environment
  • Pratt School of Engineering
  • Sanford School of Public Policy
  • Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 9%
  • Economics and Econometrics: 3%
  • Law: 4%
  • Public Policy Analysis, General: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • English (including composition)
  • Foreign languages
  • 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
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
Best Places to Study
  • Bryan Center, in a comfy corner
  • East or West Campus Quad
  • Lilly Library (East Campus)
  • Perkins/Bostock Library (West Campus)
  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens
  • Your room

Online Courses

Duke's Continuing Studies offers online courses in more than 17 topics, including project management, leadership, communication, finance, management (strategic and marketing), and business writing.

Did You Know?

The Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies works with faculty members and administrators across the University to support interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and instruction on Duke’s Strategic Plan: “Building on Excellence.”

The Center for Civic Engagement has coupled with the Program in Education to create service-learning courses, which combine traditional classroom learning and community service projects in the Durham area. 

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Duke

Name: George Carotenuto

Hometown: East Hanover, NJ

Major: Economics

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school