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

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 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 849
Average Faculty Salary $84,211
Full-Time Retention Rate 86%
Part-Time Retention Rate 71%
Transfer-Out Rate 7%
Graduation Rate 66%
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

amandajtubbs

Communications '15

3.8
B+

Undeclared and Undecided

I personally have not declared a major, and being undeclared I find that i am often confused as to what classes to take in order to move forward.

Apr 30, 2012

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Academics at San Diego State University

amandajtubbs

Communications '15

4.2
A-

Wide Variety of Classes and Professors

Due to the fact that SDSU is such a large school, there are many options for classes to take and many classes are taught by multiple professors.

Apr 30, 2012

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Academics at San Diego State University

Kev221

Business Management '15

4.6
A

Business Major

My major is very active in helping students find what they are looking for. They often send out e-mails to inform students of internships or job opportunities that are being offered. Business fairs are held quite regularly on the campus and we have a whole advising center that is more than happy to help any student with any questions they may have about the major.

Apr 26, 2012

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Page 1 of 20
User rating for San Diego State University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 58 user reviews.

Photos of San Diego State University's Academics

College Students:
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San Diego State University - Hepner HallHepner Hall
Photo by MillieP
Hepner Hall Hepner Hall is the most photographed building on campus.
Link to this photo
Photo by MillieP
San Diego State University - Field tripField trip
Photo by MARGARETJARDIN
Field trip One course requires a trip to the San Diego Archaeological Center in Escondido, Calif. This place is a fabulous resource for neighborhood elementary schools, as well.
Link to this photo
Photo by MARGARETJARDIN
San Diego State University - Balboa Park Pow-wowsBalboa Park Pow-wows
Photo by MARGARETJARDIN
Balboa Park Pow-wows For American Indian studies majors, attending local pow-wows are not only informative but also enjoyable.
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Photo by MARGARETJARDIN

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
  • East Commons
  • 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.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Brennan Wasan
Hometown
San Diego, CA
Major
Communications

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.