University of Alabama
- Academics

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University of Alabama - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Full-Time Student Population 24,935
Part-Time Student Population 3,764
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,111
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 390
Total FT Faculty 1,111
Faculty with Terminal Degree 81%
Average Faculty Salary $77,755
Full-Time Retention Rate 83%
Part-Time Retention Rate 49%
Transfer-Out Rate 19%
Graduation Rate 64%
Programs/Majors Offered 103
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 43%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 42%
  • 50 or More Students: 15%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

At the University of Alabama, the quality of the teachers and classes are, overall, exceptional. However, like at all universities, there are a few bad seeds. Students find classes in their major the most interesting, since this is what they choose to do. But don’t worry, students have ways of finding out which classes are taught by the best teachers. It’s good to do a little research before picking a class. Just ask around—students love talking about teachers that made their learning experiences either better or worse. If you find yourself in a class bored or confused, don’t hesitate to either ask questions in class or talk to your instructor right afterwards. If you’re not comfortable enough and feel like waiting, all teachers are available to be contacted outside of class through e-mail, during office hours, or by phone. If students talk to their teachers about problems, they can usually be fixed.

The chance that students will enjoy classes depends on their major, the department, class size, and what kind of students they are. Larger classes have less student-teacher interaction. Some students learn better by coming to class, taking notes, and reading the chapter. Others learn by asking questions and having group discussions. UA has both types of classes, and the best way to get the one you want is by finding out which one is taught the way you like. Avoid classes that rely solely on eLearning though, UA’s online class platform. Deadlines are easier to forget, and connection or submission errors are a common occurrence and rarely accepted as an excuse for late work. Don’t hesitate to seek your teacher outside of class for help, even if they’re the curmudgeonly type. This is the best way to make your learning experience better.

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Alabama Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Alabama

biancap3

'15

Mechanical Engineering

4.6
A

Academics

The school offers just about any major that you want and they even have this program called new college where you can create your own major. The teachers I have had so far are very nice and willing to help you when they can. Some class require you to do a lot of work where some are very easy. The best study area to me is Gorgas Library.

Feb 08, 2012

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Academics at University of Alabama

addougherty

'15

Chemical Engineering

3.5
B

Intro Classes

I know in the future there are plenty of opportunities to learn, but during your freshman year, at least in engineering, you must trudge through a variety of intro courses in which you learn virtually nothing. Your base courses, such as chemistry, math, and biology all are very informative and in-depth, but the introductions into your specific major seemed to be simply designed to give you an "A" and take up time in your schedule. After transitioning out of freshman courses, much more valuable courses are taken.

Jan 26, 2012

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Academics at University of Alabama

rolltide14

'15

Mechanical Engineering

4.2
A-

Pick Your Profs Carefully

Do your research when picking classes. Like any school, your prof can make or break a class. Most freshman classes such as Psychology or Chemistry 101 can have upwards of 200 students, but most professors are glad to make time outside of class for students. Once you're past the introductory classes, there are rarely more than 75 students in a lecture class and classes within your major are even smaller. UA even offers a few online courses which can make finding study time more convenient.

Jan 17, 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: Yes
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: Yes
Adult Basic Remedial: Yes
Secondary (High School): Yes
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Capstone College of Nursing
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • College of Commerce and Business Administration
  • College of Communication and Information Sciences
  • College of Community Health Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Human Environmental Sciences
  • School of Social Work
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Accounting: 2%
  • Business Administration and Management: 4%
  • Finance, General: 2%
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • Bruno Library
  • Gorgas Library
  • In the dorms
  • The Quad
  • Starbucks at the Ferg
  • While working out at the Rec
Did You Know?

Need a tutor? The Center for Teaching and Learning, located in 124 Osband Hall, offers tutorial services in math, writing, reading, and other subjects.

If students want to get their papers proofread before they turn them in, they can go to the Writing Center, 121 Wilson Hall. It offers free individual sessions in writing and welcomes walk-ins. To schedule an appointment or check on hours visit: www.as.ua.edu/english/writingcenter.

If students have a big test, they can study the night away at Gorgas, Rodgers and Bruno libraries. They stay open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Need help with video editing, digital recording, or other advanced media projects for free? Visit the Sanford Media Center, located in Gorgas Library, or get a preview of its services here: www.lib.ua.edu/mediacenter.

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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 UA

Name: Josh Morris

Hometown: Bath, Maine

Major: Public Relations

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