Southwestern University
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Southwestern University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Full-Time Student Population 1,280
Part-Time Student Population 21
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 125
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 44
Total FT Faculty 125
Faculty with Terminal Degree 97%
Average Faculty Salary $70,004
Full-Time Retention Rate 86%
Transfer-Out Rate 26%
Graduation Rate 74%
Programs/Majors Offered 53
Average Course Load 12–15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 78%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 21%
  • 50 or More Students: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Southwestern derives much of its academic strength from personal attention, small class size, and accessible/accomplished professors. Southwestern students are not likely to feel neglected by professors, nor are they likely to feel that they are in bad hands—93 percent of SU faculty has their doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in their field. According to most of the students, it is the professors that make their educational experience at SU a worthwhile one. The school goes to great lengths to tailor their academics to each individual student—making SU students feel welcomed and appreciated by the school. The lack of TAs is a huge selling point as well. Southwestern’s upper-level classes are essentially as challenging as those at Ivy Leagues, but many of the entry-level classes are considered “blow-offs” by the more ambitious students. The small, personalized classes promote class discussions (over lectures) and keep students in class, because a professor might notice they are gone.

Southwestern’s academics are, overall, quite strong, and
the coursework is appropriately challenging for the students. However, there are two major ways that SU loses points in
this category: the school is not well known, and therefore,
the school does not attract the most sought-after students.
But SU’s programs and prestige are growing every year. Southwestern is on the track to becoming one of the region
and the nation’s pre-eminent schools. Nonetheless, the actual classes are excellent.

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Southwestern Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Southwestern University

ra0313

Business '15

4.6
A

Southwestern Academics

Small class sizes and focusing on teaching students to think for themselves is the hallmark of this university.

Aug 17, 2011

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Academics at Southwestern University

nikkithehippie

Psychology '14

4.2
A-

Psychology

The workload is extremely difficult, but at Southwestern that is to be expected. The professors are always willing to work with students and they are extremely sympathetic for the most part. The classes are small and the the workload is ridiculous, simply keeping up with the work and doing your reading almost ensures passing any class at Southwestern.

Jul 03, 2011

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Academics at Southwestern University

Southwestern.2012.Dude

History '12

4.2
A-

Deceptively Difficult

Southwestern, although not a well known school as a ton of work, especially in science classes.

May 14, 2011

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User rating for Southwestern University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 19 user reviews.

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 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Brown College of Arts and Sciences
  • Sarofim School of Fine Arts
Degrees Awarded Bachelor's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 4%
  • Business/Commerce, General: 5%
  • English Language Studies: 4%
  • Speech Communication and Rhetoric: 4%
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • The Cove
  • Dorm room
  • The library nooks
  • The mall (if weather permits)
Did You Know?
  • Southwestern was the first institution of higher learning in Texas, and it was chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1840.
  • Southwestern is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
  • Three of the first five Rhodes Scholars in Texas were Southwestern graduates.
  • Southwestern's core requirements for all students are called Perspectives on Knowledge (POKs). They include courses in every subject area.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Jazz Thomas
Hometown
Houston, Texas
Major
Communication studies and Theater arts

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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