Skidmore College
- Academics

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Skidmore College - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Full-Time Student Population 2,585
Part-Time Student Population 129
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 248
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 65
Total FT Faculty 249
Faculty with Terminal Degree 84%
Average Faculty Salary $74,623
Full-Time Retention Rate 95%
Graduation Rate 81%
Programs/Majors Offered 41
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 72%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 27%
  • 50 or More Students: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

One of the huge advantages of class size at Skidmore is that they are anything but huge. Classes average about 20 to 30 students and offer a tight-knit environment with a closer student-professor relationship than your typical state university. The professors are about as outspoken and quirky as the students. One professor that offers a course in fiction writing is actually famous for going off on tangents about how he “floated” through the ‘70s. Most of the professors willingly offer home phone numbers to ease panicked minds the night before a morning deadline. Trust is a big part of the Skidmore classroom, and students are expected to call only for “appropriate reasons,” so go ahead and squash the fantasy. The Honor Code, a signed agreement by all students, is always in effect in regards to exams and work. The best part about Skidmore professors is that they acknowledge the fact that college just simply isn’t all about academics. They know what you do outside the classroom (and many admit to their own indulgences). But don’t be fooled. If you want to stay on the good side of your professors, show up on time and hand in your work.

The unique charm of Skidmore is without a doubt its versatility—the school is home to both serious and apathetic students who successfully co-exist. In fact, Skidmore is a self-starting institution. If you can find a teacher willing to sponsor an independent study, the College has no problem allowing it. The SGA is very supportive to those who want to charter new clubs, or if you have an idea for a program or a speaker, a little elbow grease can make it happen. The atmosphere is shaped not by strict college-imposed regulations, but by the students themselves.

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Skidmore Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Skidmore College

skidmoreissuper

'12

Psychology

4.2
A-

Overall Academics

I really appreciate Skidmore's small class sizes. It's great to be able to establish close relationships with your professors as well as classmates. Most professors are extremely friendly and willing to help, advise, or chat outside of class. There will always be a handful of professors who...shouldn't be professors, but I think you will find that in any school. One of my complaints is that, in a small school many cool classes tend to overlap in their time slots.

Dec 14, 2011

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Academics at Skidmore College

dsalzber

'12

Studio Arts

4.2
A-

Studio Art

I'm a Studio Art major at Skidmore and it's been a wonderful experience. We have great classes, studio spaces and professors. The only thing making Skidmore not an A+ is that in some of the smaller studio areas we have one teacher for the subject so if you disagree with them, it can be hard.

Dec 12, 2011

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Academics at Skidmore College

fanatickid

'12

English

4.6
A

Small Vs Large Departments

The academics at Skidmore are quite good, though many departments are small. The English department, for instance, has many professors with many specializations, from creative writing to literature studies. But departments such as the various languages, American Studies, and others, have very few professors, and thus little variety in classes or subjects of study. It seems to me that even discussion must be somewhat limited within those smaller departments, as a few professors cannot possibly possess the same amount of knowledge as many who are just as successful, if not more, within their fields of study.

I give Skidmore an A because the departments that are very strong, such as English and Studio Art, but not forgetting departments such as sociology, biology, and music, are wonderful, although the smaller departments could probably use expansion. The professors are intelligent, willing to talk, and will almost always make time in their schedules for students even at their busiest.

Dec 12, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

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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 4 or 5
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Business/Commerce, General: 6%
  • English Language Studies: 4%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 4%
  • Psychology: 4%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Basement of the library
  • Dorm study rooms
  • Honors forum lounge
  • The quiet corners and private study rooms in the library
Did You Know?

Skidmore’s radio station, WSPN, boasts a ranking of eighth on a national survey of “Best College Radio Stations,” and has repeatedly been named “Best Local Radio Station” by Metroland. Check out the award-winning tunes online at www.skidmore.edu/wspn.

Students gather once a semester during finals in the Spa for Waffle Fest. This a chance for students to take a well-needed break from studying to fuel up at the dining hall. One of Skidmore’s a capella groups usually entertains, while students are treated to bagels, muffins, french toast, waffles, and ice cream for dessert.

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Most Recent Student Author

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Name: Emma Beckerle

Hometown: Stony Point

Major: Business Management

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