San Diego State University
- Academics

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San Diego State University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Full-Time Student Population 25,870
Part-Time Student Population 6,947
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 909
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 614
Total FT Faculty 909
Average Faculty Salary $84,223
Full-Time Retention Rate 81%
Part-Time Retention Rate 65%
Transfer-Out Rate 30%
Graduation Rate 61%
Programs/Majors Offered 96
Average Course Load 5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 19%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 56%
  • 50 or More Students: 25%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

San Diego State students seem genuinely pleased with the quality of the teaching at the University. Most of the professors are known for their openness to students and their willingness to engage in discussions outside class. For the most part, professors offer open office hours to help guide you in the class or discuss and answer questions about lecture. Professors generally want students to learn and succeed when the students are willing to meet them with willingness. Captivating a student’s attention in a classroom is brought through room size. When classes are set in huge lecture halls, students are less likely to attentively listen, and it becomes harder for them to stay engaged. Many lower-division courses are taught in much larger class settings than those of upper division. Students are generally more interested in their upper-division courses. Professors do their best to engage students, whether teaching in a small classroom setting or a large lecture hall.

Class size ratio at San Diego State is for the most part solid. The school could use improvement with the quality of teaching in its introduction and lower-division courses. Many classes are taught by graduate students rather than professors, and it is not a strong introduction to San Diego State University. The school needs to make sure that professors have passion— if they don’t, the students won’t. Since there are an excessive amount of students attending the school, the common majors are impacted. Therefore, students must have a certain overall GPA, making it competitive to get into your major. Overall, most of the professors know what they’re doing, love what their doing, and genuinely care about their students.

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San Diego State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at San Diego State University

SamBamDaMan

'15

Biology

4.2
A-

Chem 100

John Love taught this class in a simple and understandable way so that it was easier learn Chemistry. I love Chemistry now because of him.

Jan 02, 2012

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Academics at San Diego State University

aztec4life

'15

Business Administration and Management

5.0
A+

Local SD Businesses Support SDSU Students

I chose SDSU because of the numerous opportunities to make connections with real companies in San Diego with internships and career fairs. I'm only a freshman and I've already met hiring managers from 5 major companies who gave me feedback on my resume and great career advice.

Jan 02, 2012

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Academics at San Diego State University

cibrienbrody

'15

Film and Video Studies

4.6
A

Television, Film, and New Media Production Major

My major is not the easiest to get into - you have to have a 3.5 gpa and compete with hundreds of other students for very few spots in the major. However, the classes are very fun and interesting and all of the teachers have previous experience in the field and provide a major insight.

Jan 02, 2012

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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: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 4 or higher in higher-level courses
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Letters
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
  • College of Sciences
  • Undergraduate Studies
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Other
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 9%
  • Health, Outdoor, and Physical Education: 2%
  • Psychology: 3%
  • Rhetoric and Composition: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • The Living Room (off of College and 70th)
  • Love Library
  • Reserved Book Room
Did You Know?

SDSU is the only university of the California State University system to be designated a “Doctoral University II” by the Carnegie Foundation.

SDSU’s American Language Institute is the largest university-based English as a Second Language (ESL) learning program in the U.S.

SDSU ranks number two among doctoral institutions nationwide for students studying abroad as part of their college experience, according to the Institute of International Education.

SDSU is the largest university in San Diego, and the third largest in California.

KPBS, which is owned and operated by SDSU, is rated among the top 10 public broadcasting stations located in the United States.

SDSU is ranked among the nations best undergraduate business programs according to U.S. News and World Reports.

SDSU is ranked #19 in the nation among universities for entrepreneurs in the U.S. by Entrepreneurs magazine.

SDSU is ranked #10 in the nation for bachelors degrees conferred to ethnic minorities.

Sample Academic Clubs
Advertising Club, American Marketing Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Field Biology Club, Hospitality and Tourism Management Association, Linguistics Student Association, Organization of Women in International Trade, Political Science Research Club, Pre-Law Society, Public Relations Student Society of America (PSSR), Student Nutrition Organization, Undergraduate Social Work Association

Best Places to Study
Love Library, East Commons, the grassy knoll around Scripp’s Cottage

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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 SDSU

Name: Brennan Wasan

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Major: Communications

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