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University of California - Riverside
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University of California - Riverside - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Full-Time Student Population 18,206
Part-Time Student Population 490
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 745
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 148
Total FT Faculty 887
Faculty with Terminal Degree 99%
Average Faculty Salary $95,947
Full-Time Retention Rate 87%
Part-Time Retention Rate 44%
Graduation Rate 68%
Programs/Majors Offered 81
Average Course Load 12–16 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 38%
  • 20 to 49 students: 39%
  • 50 or more students: 23%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Opinions about UCR academics are all over the spectrum, specifically in regards to the instructors. Most students believe the actual classes are up to par with UC standards, as UCR even offers courses not available at any other university. Talking to peers is the best way to find out “inside” information about the best and worst professors and courses. Large classes are becoming increasingly more common due to budget cuts, so the smaller discussion sections are a godsend for struggling students.

While many students find the majority of professors to be immensely knowledgeable, some find interaction with them to be difficult, since they're often very busy. TAs generally are more approachable and accessible, as they are in charge of the mandatory discussion sections of large classes, which allow for more one-on-one possibilities. The professors and TAs both have required office hours, and it can only benefit the student who takes the time to utilize the opportunity to clarify lectures and assignments or simply for a chat. Due to class variety and quantity being trimmed because of budget concerns, keeping a full schedule of required courses can be reduced to sheer luck. It's highly recommended to stay proactive and consistently exchange information with fellow students about the classes available.

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UC Riverside Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of California - Riverside

Veronicazz

Psychology '15

4.6
A

Tough Luck

Being a psychology major is an honor. It is in an impacted major and if you get in with that major, you must treasure it with your life. It is tough to change into a psychology major. They are strict on us. For example, we are required to finish a certain amount of specific classes within 2 years or before we reach 90 units. If not, our counselors will not hesitate to kick us out of our major. There are some internship opportunities on campus that are related to psychology. Everything is here for us, we just have to work hard to get it before others beat us to it and then we'll have to wait another quarter, or another year.

Apr 30, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Riverside

Veronicazz

Psychology '15

4.6
A

Very Helpful

The professors are very patient and ready to help. If there is no possible time to meet up, they will do everything in their power to make sure you get that help you need. The class sizes are big, yet they still manage to have conversations with students as long as they participate. Most of the professors I have had are not difficult, and they are understandable. They are friendly and they try to make the class as fun as possible.

Apr 30, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Riverside

rnunez2008

Psychology '13

3.5
B

Psychology in CHASS College

I am in the CHASS College and I have been satisfied with the education I have been receiving thus far. The professors can be really helpful and approachable, but that depends entirely on whether you go and speak to them yourself. The workload is manageable. However it is difficult to get into this major since it is impacted.

Mar 29, 2012

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Page 1 of 19
User rating for University of California - Riverside - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 57 user reviews.

Photos of University of California - Riverside's Academics

College Students:
Register now to upload photos of YOUR school and show what it is really like!
University of California - Riverside - Psychology buildingPsychology building
Photo by FreshmanAtUCR
Psychology building
Link to this photo
Photo by FreshmanAtUCR
University of California - Riverside - Scotty 2.0Scotty 2.0
Photo by UCR1
Scotty 2.0 Scotty is a Highlander favorite. This bear looks aggressive and fierce and ready to conquer—just like Highlander athletes.
Link to this photo
Photo by UCR1
University of California - Riverside - Student ElectionsStudent Elections
Photo by keyclubfreeeek
Student Elections The student government board is known as the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside. This photo depicts the student elections.
Link to this photo
Photo by keyclubfreeeek

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, 4, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Bourns College of Engineering
  • College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
  • College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Biology and Biological Sciences: 4%
  • Business Administration and Management: 7%
  • Psychology: 4%
  • Sociology: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • Mathematics
  • Science (biological or physical)
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Double major
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
  • Washington semester
Best Places to Study
  • Computer labs
  • Designated residence hall study rooms
  • The HUB (especially the second and third floors)
  • Libraries (Science and Rivera)
  • Starbucks

Online Courses

Online courses are only available through the UCR Extension program. Subjects covered include education training, technical skills, editing/writing, transportation, and medicine. There are four delivery methods for classes offered online: instructor-led (students complete work and interact with classmates and the instructor via discussion boards, with some live chat sessions), live webcasts and archives (lectures are virtual classrooms with live video and audio), self-paced courses (all materials available online and started and completed at learner's discretion), and blended/hybrid learning (combines face-to-face instruction with online discussion).

Did You Know?
  • UCR is the only UC campus offering creative writing as an undergraduate major, thus making the campus a magnet for the best young writers in California.
  • Business (including pre-business, business prep, and business administration) is the most popular major at UCR.
  • UCR's doctoral program in dance theory was the first of its kind in the nation. It attracts dancers from all over the world who document and perpetuate the art form.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Hayley Cruz
Hometown
Riverside
Major
English
Grad Year
2013

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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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.