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Gustavus Adolphus College
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Gustavus Adolphus College - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

B+
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Full-Time Student Population 2,443
Part-Time Student Population 35
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 215
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 43
Total FT Faculty 215
Faculty with Terminal Degree 85%
Average Faculty Salary $59,414
Full-Time Retention Rate 91%
Transfer-Out Rate 2%
Graduation Rate 83%
Programs/Majors Offered 39
Average Course Load 4 credit hours
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 51%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 46%
  • 50 or More Students: 3%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Gustavus likes to tout that there is an average of only 17 students in a classroom, and professor attention is one of the school’s biggest draws. Most professors genuinely care about the students, take time to learn more about them, and always have their doors open for questions or concerns. Virtually no classes, with the exception of a few science labs, are taught by TAs—many are around simply to answer questions and to make sure you don’t exceed a professor’s allotted number of absences. Small class sizes and individual attention means that professors notice when you are not there. Students are also encouraged to wait to declare a major and to take time with academic advisors; for many students, advisors become confidants during their four years in school.

Even so, recently, professors are less open to hearing new opinions and are more vocal about telling students that they are “wrong.” On a small campus where finding anonymity can be a challenge, students have been less likely to raise dissenting opinions for fear that their opinions will be called invalid in front of fellow classmates. Ideological hegemony seems to run rampant in certain departments, making students feel silenced. Gustavus seems to embrace the liberal standpoint in not only academic curriculum, but in politics as well. Though it is likely due to the changing world around us, openly conservative professors are virtually nonexistent.

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Gustavus Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

nsonderg

'15

Molecular Biology

4.6
A

Bio Major at GAC

The science programs at Gustavus are really impressive. The professors are mostly all involved with their own research, opening up opportunities for students to assist in that research. The classes, overall, are small (my largest being less than 50), so it's easy to get one on one time with professors. The lab TA's are all experienced in the sciences and very able to help with any questions concerning lab.

Jan 16, 2012

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

GACjunior

'13

Accounting

4.6
A

Willing Professors

I came to Gustavus mainly due to the small size of the campus. I liked the idea that professors would know me by name and not a number. Once I started classes at GAC, I was so impressed with the fact that profs not only know your name, but they want to get to know you personally and want to help you. No matter what, they're always willing to help. They'll meet with you during their office hours, but they'll also go out of their way to meet with you at a place that works for you. Ive met my profs over coffee and in the caf for lunch.

Dec 31, 2011

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Academics at Gustavus Adolphus College

nine37pm

'15

Legal Studies

4.6
A

Profs Really Care

The profs at GAC really truly care about what it is they're teaching. The curriculum is fairly difficult, since it's a pretty elite midwest school, but the profs make sure you understand what is being taught.

Dec 20, 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 or placement for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit or placement
Degrees Awarded Bachelor's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 5%
  • Business/Commerce, General: 5%
  • Psychology: 4%
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 3%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • The Arboretum
  • Courtyard Café
  • Folke Bernadotte Library
Did You Know?

Gustavus offers two general education choices for students, which they must determine at the beginning of their first year. While the majority of students opt for Curriculum I, which is similar to other University general requirement programs where the student picks from a number of courses to fulfill general education requirements, a handful of students choose Curriculum II. CII is made up of a series of predetermined classes completed throughout the 4 years, and aims to help students to “look at the development of Western cultures with comparisons to non-Western cultures, the examination of values, and the theme of the individual and community.”

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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 Gustavus

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