University of California - Riverside - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Student opinions are all over the spectrum when it comes to academics at UCR. Some students claim that instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, while others find interaction with the TAs easier and more worthwhile. Although some classes are relatively large, most have mandatory discussion sections along with them, which allows students to get to know the TAs in a much smaller, more laid-back setting. Large classes can be overwhelming, but smaller discussion sections usually help out a great deal. It really seems to come down to the class, subject, and the personality of the instructor—sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don’t.

However, there are ways to push the luck in your direction. Talking to fellow students is the best way to find out all the “inside” information. Word of mouth travels quickly, especially about bad professors and classes. Exchanging information with other students is an excellent way to find out about the best and worst professors and courses available. Another useful tool is www.ratemyprofessor.com, which helps students get feedback as well as other information on specific professors. The best way to stay on top of academics at UCR is to visit your professors and TAs during office hours, as many sit in their lonely offices waiting and hoping for students to drop by. Life will be easier if you keep in mind that professors and TAs are people just like you and me. They are required to have office hours to provide you the opportunity to clarify their lectures and assignments when needed. Also, professors and TAs love to talk about their own research, so ask them questions about their work. Some are willing to chat with you about almost anything—within reason, of course.

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Students Speak Out

UCRKD says: University of California - Riverside 2014 Law and Legal Studies

The teachers here are definitely... The teachers here are definitely serious about their teaching. They are not as lenient on workload as those who teach at a community college. Of course, in a class of about 300 students, a teacher's mindset is "survival of the fittest." But, that is not to say that they do not care about their students because teachers here are very encouraging. UCR consists of its challenges and its rewards. 12345 Academics: March 11, 2009 Report

UCRAS says: University of California - Riverside 2015 English Language and Literature

At UC Riverside, the teachers are... At UC Riverside, the teachers are amazing. It is so refreshing and reassuring that my professors are well known on a national and global scale for all of the work they have done or are currently involved with. Despite their own hectic schedules, they make themselves available for questions and discussions. I feel like my teachers want the students to gain necessary knowledge but still understand that we are in college and have work from other classes, as well. Being on a quarter system with 10-week courses can be extremely stressful at times, but I think that the teachers do the best they can in allotting work for the students. UC Riverside has a pretty good science department and a pre-med program. 12345 Academics: March 11, 2009 Report

UCRAC says: University of California - Riverside 2014 Psychology

I came to UC Riverside because I... I came to UC Riverside because I was offered a full scholarship to go into their psychology department. Since I've been here I've found all of the professors to be very smart, approachable, and to have expertise in their fields. UC Riverside is a research-based school, and there is plenty of research to jump into to gain experience. They have an extensive psychology department with famous professors. It seems to be an up-and-coming school. 12345 Academics: March 08, 2009 Report

UCRbM says: University of California - Riverside 2015 Undecided

UC Riverside is known for its... UC Riverside is known for its sciences and, randomly, a really great creative writing department. A handful of the teachers—maybe like one-third—are really great, special teachers; the rest are sufficient or no good at all. The workload is doable—you are definitely able to get good grades with true effort. 12345 Academics: March 08, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I never really talk to my teachers... I never really talk to my teachers because they seem really unapproachable—except for my English teacher— he was great. You really only interact with your TAs. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

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.

Beginning in the fall of 2005, the Biomedical Sciences Program began to consider applications for admission into the medical phase of the program exclusively from UCR undergraduates in any major who have completed four or five years of undergraduate coursework and have met all the medical school admission criteria. Freshman admission to the biomedical sciences major was suspended in fall 2003.

Business, including pre-business, business prep, and business administration, is the most popular major at UCR.

UCR’s doctoral program in dance history and theory is the only one of its kind in the nation. It attracts dancers from all over the world who document and perpetuate the art form.

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