University of California - Los Angeles - Academics

A-

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Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio		17:1
Full-Time Student Population		38,430
Part-Time Student Population		1,320
Full-Time Instructional Faculty		1,774
Part-Time Instructional Faculty		508
Total FT Faculty		3,467
Faculty with Terminal Degree		98%
Average Faculty Salary		$121,306
Full-Time Retention Rate		97%
Part-Time Retention Rate		80%
Graduation Rate		89%
Programs/Majors Offered		146
Average Course Load		16 credits (4 courses)
Academic/Career Counseling?		Yes
Remedial Services?		No
Class Sizes		Fewer than 20 students: 54% 20 to 49 students: 26% 50 or more students: 20%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Professors at UCLA are, to say the least, qualified. Many of them hold graduate degrees from prestigious American universities, conduct ground-breaking research, and publish famed books and articles. Due to their class sizes and demanding research schedules, professors don't necessarily beg students to forge relationships. However, almost all hold regular office hours and are happy to reach out once students take the first step. Teaching assistants (TAs), while used widely, are much more sporadic. Some are highly knowledgeable, while others simply do not care about the material, often times making for unfair grading systems. A beacon of hope is that the deeper a student descends into a major, the more attentive professors become, and there are fewer TAs used in the upper-division classes.

Professors and TAs aside, most students agree that the workload at UCLA is manageable as long as procrastination remains the enemy. The quarter system breaks the year into three speedy 10-week chunks, so it's critical to attend lectures and complete work on time. One thing Bruins don't rave about is the course registration process. In a class network barraged by budget cuts, sections fill up quickly, and students' first-choice schedules rarely become realities. However, counselors are present and eager to help students navigate the treacherous course maze, and almost all students are able to fulfill the necessary requirements, even if it means taking that dreaded history seminar.

UCLA Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

chanana3

'13

Communications

A-

Communications

This is supposedly the most impacted, hardest-to-get-into major on campus. Obviously it isn't the most difficult, but it is what I and other comm. majors want to learn about. Classes are smaller since enrollment since the amount of students allowed in isn't as large. The topics have interested me thus far, and the professors and advisers are great. We have so many internship opportunities given to us, and feel that the Communications Program's networks are great. Graduation requirements have changed this recent year, and I feel like it allows students to get more of broad education over the discipline. The only type of class I am still waiting for though is an Advertising/Marketing class.

Jan 12, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

schall

'15

Economics

A+

One of the Best

UCLA is a top ranked school in nearly every academic category. There's a reason why more people apply here than any other school in the world.

Dec 29, 2011

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

raquel4xc

'15

Psychology

B

Psych Is Popular

Psychology is one of the most popular majors at UCLA. The pre-reqs to the major are pretty easy and basic, especially if you've taken AP Psych before. I got bored at first, but I've talked to a lot of upperclassmen that say it's worth while to stick with it. There's not much you can do with a standard psychology degree, so some graduate school is probably necessary. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in the field on campus, though. There is potential to graduate early with this major.

Dec 29, 2011

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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 3 to 5
IB Test Score Requirements		Possible credit for scores of 6 or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions		College of Letters and Science Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science Herb Alpert School of Music School of Nursing School of the Arts and Architecture School of Theater, Film, and Television
Degrees Awarded		Bachelor's degree Doctorate - Professional practice Doctorate - Research/scholarship Master's degree Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors		Business Administration and Management: 3% History, General: 3% Political Science and Government, General: 3% Psychology: 2%
Graduation Requirements		English (including composition)
Special Study Options		Distance learning opportunities Study abroad
Other Academic Offerings		Accelerated program Double major Honors program Independent study Internships Student-designed major
Best Places to Study		On the hill next to the Janss Steps The Powell Library Reading Room Young Research Library, fourth and fifth floors

Online Courses

It's rare that students take online courses, but if they want to, they'll encounter a plethora of online options. The UCLA Extension program is reasonably priced and offers a range of classes that bolster most majors; however, those studying more offbeat topics should register for old-fashioned lectures. Classes are taught by "instructors," some of whom are UCLA faculty, and most involve reading online lectures and completing one assignment per week.

Did You Know?

Bruins can choose from 127 majors, including the newly introduced ethnomusicology major, the only one of its kind in the United States.

You can create your own major by running it over with your counselor and pushing through a lot of red tape. Some of these majors catch on and become entrenched in the curriculum, like the international development major.

Unique general education "clusters" are year-long courses that allow students to knock out a substantial hunk of general ed requirements while bonding with classmates and attending an array of hilarious-sounding field trips, such as fossil hunting in Nevada.

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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 UCLA

Name: Suzy Strutner

Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif.

Major: Communication Studies

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