University of California - Merced
- Academics

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University of California - Merced - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.08

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Full-Time Student Population 3,382
Part-Time Student Population 32
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 185
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 35
Total FT Faculty 221
Faculty with Terminal Degree 84%
Average Faculty Salary $71,049
Full-Time Retention Rate 87%
Part-Time Retention Rate 50%
Programs/Majors Offered 24
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • 20 to 49 students: 41%
  • 50 or more students: 19%
  • Fewer than 20 students: 40%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

What makes the academic experience at UCM so unique compared to other UC schools is that it is a public University with a private school setting. As a result, there's more personal attention and more resources provided to ensure an individual's success. Across the spectrum of students here with completely different majors, the consensus is the same—the professors' interactions with their students are certainly something to be awed at, and the opportunities are endless. No matter what field a student wants to pursue, he or she is bound to receive a worthwhile academic experience.

In general, the staff at UCM is committed to a student’s success, which is characteristic of UC's renowned reputation, but which is perhaps more noticeable at UCM due to its small size. Not only do students have enough opportunities to get personal attention from their professors, but they also have the chance to attend free tutoring and workshop sessions to help improve their study skills and grades. Many students also agree that the on-campus library is the best place to study, with many seating arrangements—whether one wants the more comfortable couch setting, the individual desk, or the spread-out table near the window overlooking the lake. The library also has four floors, with each accommodating the different noise levels one may wish to encounter. Perhaps one pitfall of the academic department at UCM is the occasional lack of classes offered, which lately occurs more and more due to the recent California budget cuts. Essentially, there are plenty of classes available, but they are not offered every semester, requiring some meticulous planning on the student's part.   

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UC Merced Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of California - Merced

ThereseNavarrete

Biology '15

4.6
A

Bio Major

Being a biology major is not too difficult so far. The workload is manageable. The curriculum is easier than chemistry majors. Teachers are easy to contact by email and/or going to their personal office hours. They are always willing to help. I haven't had a bad teacher yet. Internships and research are very available for UCM students. It is just up to the person to put the effort to participate in it.

Apr 24, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Merced

mlaw2

Psychology '14

4.2
A-

Academics and Staff

UC Merced a variety of courses available for being a new campus. It is starting to offer more courses and majors. There is a fair amount of work and various study areas. The professors are helpful when needed as well. Class discussion is required and available for students to get a better understanding of what is being said. Popular study areas include the library and the lantern. In addition to the study space, they also offer computers and computer labs to students who need to do work or check emails online but do not have a laptop with them.

Feb 21, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Merced

xxsharonxx

Family Practice and Pediatric Nursing '15

3.8
B+

School

so far as a freshman i find the school ok, i like the classes being offered, and the work isnt that bad

Jan 02, 2012

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User rating for University of California - Merced - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 28 user reviews.

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

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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
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Natural Sciences
  • School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 15%
  • Management Science: 4%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 3%
  • Psychology: 9%
Graduation Requirements
  • English (including composition)
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options Study abroad
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Double major
  • Independent study
  • Internships
Best Places to Study
  • Housing Den
  • Kolligian Library

Online Courses

There are currently no online courses available at UCM, perhaps due to the University's small size and the fact that it just opened up a few years ago. Honestly, it might be harder to fund online courses at the moment due to California's budget cuts. However, many of the classes have online systems for students to turn in homework.

Did You Know? Undergraduates have more access to on-campus research opportunities compared to the students of any other UC school.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Harini Kompella
Hometown
Santa Clarita, California
Major
Human Biology

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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