New York University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

NYU professors range from incredibly boring to absolutely inspiring. Most students have some of both. Large MAP lecture classes may have professors who seem to be born for the podium or those that seem more suited to the lab or library corners. Also, lecture recitations can leave you to deal with a sleepy, not-so-knowledgeable TA. In general, the math department is made up of professors who speak English as a second language, and this can prove frustrating and challenging. Biology and chemistry are usually taught by several professors over the course of the semester, and can result in a lack of overall cohesion. Writing the Essay is a required course for all freshmen, (except Gallatinos), and is taught by grad students. This class is probably the source of the most academic complaints since the quality of the grad students varies drastically. Typically, the deeper into specific majors you go, the professors become more engaging and classes more stimulating.

Overall, expectations at NYU are high, and professors are experts in their fields. The big difference in professor quality comes from whether or not their brilliant minds are as adept at teaching as they are at researching. Almost every professor on campus wants to hear what students think, and all are available in some capacity or another, be it e-mail or office hours. Generally, the more interest and effort students express in their classes and the more they establish personal relationships with professors, the more they get out of the class. As is true in many other areas of New York and NYU, you can sit and soak up whatever academic juice comes your way, or you can go out and drink up all you find.
 

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The ones I have had are great. I... The ones I have had are great. I was an anthropology major. They are really accessible and intelligent. My teachers were probably one of the major reasons why I loved NYU so much. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Honestly, the teachers and... Honestly, the teachers and professors vary. I have had some good ones, but I think the not-so-good may outnumber the good. But the TAs are generally good. They definitely help and are available whenever you need them to be. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

It depends. The CAS Web site of... It depends. The CAS Web site of teacher evaluations really, really helps. I had fantastic teachers this year and horrible ones during previous years. 12345 Academics Report

vgarcia12 says: New York University 2012 History

The only good schools here are... The only good schools here are Stern, Galliatian, and Tisch. As someone majoring in history in the College of Arts and Sciences, I found the academics to be incredibly overrated and constricting. I wish I had explored a degree at a smaller liberal arts college, where I would have received more attention and been more intellectually stimulated. 12345 Academics: December 02, 2008 Report

Anonymous says:

Most of the teachers are very... Most of the teachers are very knowledgeable and informed in their specific subject matters. The majority of professors and teaching assistants that I have come across are very willing to help students out outside of class. For the most part, my classes have been interesting and motivating, especially the ones I have taken for my major. The only negative aspect I see about classes are the amount of MAP (Morse Academic Plan) classes that we are required to take. I feel that sometimes they take away time from classes that we could take towards fulfilling our major. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

NYU offers 120 bachelor’s degrees and 12 Associate’s degrees.

Create Your Own Program
The Gallatin School of Individualized Study, a small innovative college within New York University, gives students the chance to create their own program of study by allowing them to take a multitude of courses within the different schools of NYU. In this way, students may focus on their unique interests. For more information on the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, go to www.nyu.edu/gallatin.

Worldwide Recognition
Each year, thousands of people from more than 80 countries worldwide apply for admission to NYU Stern School of Business, due to its prestige and notoriety.

Personal Attention
Many NYU classes are smaller, allowing for more intimate study and attention. In fact, 58 percent of classes have less than 20 students.

After Graduation
The graduate schools most often attended by recent NYU graduates are pretty impressive: Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and Columbia University.

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