SUNY University at Albany
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SUNY University at Albany - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Full-Time Student Population 14,709
Part-Time Student Population 3,309
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 630
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 425
Total FT Faculty 625
Faculty with Terminal Degree 94%
Average Faculty Salary $98,525
Full-Time Retention Rate 86%
Part-Time Retention Rate 75%
Transfer-Out Rate 25%
Graduation Rate 67%
Programs/Majors Offered 77
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 20%
  • 20 to 49 students: 58%
  • 50 or more students: 22%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Academically, the University at Albany prefers to be more versatile. This means that students are required to take some core classes in order to graduate. These core classes, known as General Education courses or “gen eds” to students and advisers, can really be a pain. There are few class options for each requirement, and they are usually packed to the point of students sprawled across the stairs. Most gen eds are typically Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, ruling out your hopes and dreams of no Friday classes. As you progress in seniority and declare a major, class size decreases dramatically. You’ll go from a 600-person lecture freshman year to a 15-person class sophomore year. However, it’s important to take a variety of classes in order to judge whether or not your major is right for you, or if you’d like a change. Albany is well known for its business and psychology programs, some of the more popular majors, but it has tons of other excellent majors such as communications, accounting, and biology.

The professors that teach at Albany are very helpful and are always looking to better your understanding of subjects. The majority of professors uses interactive computer programs in order to better associate with students, distribute grades and homework, and make announcements with ease. However, some large lectures are taught mainly by thick-accented TAs (teaching assistants). Sometimes, students are reluctant to go to class, thinking it’s a waste of time due to the fact that they can’t even understand what’s being said.

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Albany Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at SUNY University at Albany

LawSch12

English '12

4.6
A

Not A Party

In lieu of the March 2011 Keggs&Eggs riot, University at Albany ranked as the number 1 party school in the nation. I was insulted and appauled. The very same students that were major participants in the henious acts were NOT exclusively UAlbany students. The University at Albany is extremely competitive school. A prospective student "must study to show themselves approved", for example: we doNOT accept all credits from other schools. University at Albany doesNOT accept transfer credits or "degrees" from Bryant and Stratton College! The school barely accepted all of Hudson Valley Community College's credits. DoNOT be deceived you have to perform academically. The courses are rigorous and intense. It's imperative that you make yourself known, or you will be a minnow in an ocean. In concluding we are an academically competitive university!

Apr 24, 2012

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Academics at SUNY University at Albany

BigDogglet

Economics '15

1.2
D

Be Ready to Teach Yourself Everything

If your a freshman, your guaranteed to get at least a few professors who you will never understand and whose mandatory attendance classes will be a waste of time. Among all of the awful things here at Albany, academics is one, but teaching yourself is an aspect of most colleges so I give it a Dl

Mar 30, 2012

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Academics at SUNY University at Albany

musicmandy

Economics and Econometrics '14

4.6
A

Provide a Lot of Opportunities

I came to University at Albany because I love the environment that the school has proved,and most of my classes professors are very nice to me and the classes are very helpful for me to learn and gain the a lot of knowledge.

Mar 07, 2012

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User rating for SUNY University at Albany - Academics is 3.5 out of 5 based on 45 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 3 or higher
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Computing and Information
  • College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
  • College of the Arts and Sciences
  • Honors College
  • Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
  • School of Business
  • School of Criminal Justice
  • School of Education
  • School of Public Health
  • School of Social Welfare
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 4%
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 3%
  • Psychology: 4%
  • Rhetoric and Composition: 3%
Graduation Requirements
  • Arts/fine arts
  • Computer literacy
  • English (including composition)
  • Foreign languages
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • English as a Second Language
  • Exchange student program
  • External degree program
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Liberal arts/career combination
  • Student-designed major
  • Weekend college
Best Places to Study
  • "The Pit," the basement area in some dorm buildings
  • Main Library
  • Science Library
  • Study rooms in some dorm buildings

Online Courses

The School of Education offers two online master's degree programs: the MS in curriculum development and instructional technology and the MS in childhood education (literacy). There are online degree programs in other departments, as well.

Did You Know? Late in April every year, students gather in and around the giant fountain in order to take part in the annual Fountain Day, when the fountains are turned back on for the spring and summer.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Amanda Lobo
Hometown
Hicksville, New York
Major
Communications/Journalism
Grad Year
2014

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