Johns Hopkins University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Hopkins students are generally pleased with academics. If you ask JHU students what the deciding factor was for choosing Hopkins, the school’s strong academic reputation tops the list. The medical school is regarded as the best in the world, and other majors, such as engineering, economics, and international relations, are nationally recognized. There is some contention between the engineering/science and the humanities/social science students, but this is only because Hopkins students thrive on competition. Some students are cutthroat, but for the most part, JHU students are willing to lend a helping hand. Humanities/social science students have more control over their schedules, and their classes focus less on memorization and more on critical thinking. Engineering/science students complain that their classes are tougher, but this is definitely up for debate. The only universal complaint Hopkins’ students have about academics is that some teachers are unapproachable and are only interested in their personal research. Underclassmen are turned off by large lecture courses, in which professors don’t really engage with any of the students, which makes some students feel as if the professors are not really there to help them. Courses with teaching assistants are great, because TAs are often more accessible than professors. The general belief is that teaching assistants have more interest in helping students learn than professors.

Academics at Hopkins would be stronger if there were greater camaraderie and individual attention in lower-level lecture courses. Students who need or want a lot of individual attention have to make the effort to meet the professor or teaching assistant outside of class. This is less true in small, upper-level seminar courses. Students also complain about the lack of grade inflation at Hopkins, which puts them at a disadvantage when compared with students who attend other top universities. This disadvantage is overpowered by the fact that Hopkins’ students have access to some of the best professors and researchers in the world. Hopkins provides ample opportunities for students to design independent studies and research. Overall, Hopkins is the perfect fit for hard working individuals who have a thirst for knowledge.

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Students Speak Out

JHUJG says: Johns Hopkins University 2016 Engineering

Hopkins is well known for its... Hopkins is well known for its sciences and certain engineering majors. The teachers know what they are doing, but many of them are not American, especially with mathematics, which makes it hard to decode a lecture. The workload is tough but doable. 12345 Academics: April 01, 2009 Report

JHUtb says: Johns Hopkins University 2016 Other

The teachers are very dedicated.... The teachers are very dedicated. They are dedicated to teaching and to their own research. The teachers own agenda can sometimes take away from their time to teach. 12345 Academics: March 30, 2009 Report

JHURP says: Johns Hopkins University 2016 Business

Obviously, it is very difficult,... Obviously, it is very difficult, but the workload isn't unbearable. Depending on your classes and schedule, your workload is different. 12345 Academics: March 30, 2009 Report

JHUZQ says: Johns Hopkins University 2013 Psychology

The workload is very tough. If you... The workload is very tough. If you don't want to work hard at Hopkins, be a poly sci major. Otherwise, welcome to hell. 12345 Academics: March 29, 2009 Report

JHUAE says: Johns Hopkins University 2013 Other

Some of the teachers are good, but... Some of the teachers are good, but others are just here for the research and not to teach. The workload is very low for some majors, but high for others. Exam weeks get pretty intense. We are known for our medical and engineering programs, which are very difficult. 12345 Academics: March 28, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Johns Hopkins has a covered grade policy for first-semester freshman. During this time, students are graded on a pass/fail scale, and you only need a C- to receive a passing grade. This is a great policy because it allows freshmen to assimilate to amount of work that is required to succeed in college, and it allows students to take an array of courses they may have been hesitant to take.

Many introductory courses are taught in large lecture halls. Graduate assistants lead sections once a week, which are discussion-based, and only 15 students are allowed in each, making them very interactive.

During Intersession, which occurs the last three weeks in January, Hopkins offers a mix of academic and entertaining classes, such as wine tasting, massage, and dance. If you choose to take these classes, you are not required to pay extra for the credit. Intersession is a great opportunity to take fun courses while also obtaining more credits.

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