University of California - San Diego - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

At UCSD, there are intelligent people doing amazing things everywhere you look. UCSD has some of the top programs in the nation for sciences, social sciences, theater, and dance. The faculty is made up of world-class professors who rank at the top of their fields. Freshmen who are often at the top of their classes in high school are surprised to be just one of the masses at UCSD, where everyone is just as smart as they are. Academics at UCSD are taken very seriously by the majority of students, and on any Friday night, you can find just as many students in the library studying as you can out partying.

Although many students are upset they have had professors—especially science professors—who were more concerned with their own research than teaching, most agree that the good professors and TAs outweigh the bad. One way to find the best professors in your area of study is to read CAPE—a Web site put together by students that ranks professors and classes. Standing for Course and Professor Evaluations, it is a great way to get word-of-mouth advice without having to know anyone who already took the class. Overall, UCSD students agree that professors are always willing to help if they are approached. All professors have office hours, and they are there to help you.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

For every excellent professor that... For every excellent professor that I’ve had at UCSD, and I’ve probably had a handful, there are lots of inadequate ones that shouldn’t even be teaching. They’re at UCSD to do research and teach to kill time, and it sucks for us. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Teachers are fabulous! They care... Teachers are fabulous! They care because they know you’re smart if you go here. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Some are great, some are not so... Some are great, some are not so great. It depends on the class and your interest level. UCSD is fairly big, so you might not ever talk to your professor. A good TA is more important, since they grade all of your work. You can find out who is good by buying the CAPE, which lists student evaluations of teachers and courses on campus. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most of the teachers are good,... Most of the teachers are good, although some are there just for research. Teaching is not their main concern. But depending on your major, there are plenty of good teachers—just ask around. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

It can kind of be the luck of the... It can kind of be the luck of the draw when it comes to professors, but we have a book that comes out each year where students rate professors, so you can have some idea of what you’re getting into. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Numerous UCSD faculty members have won Nobel Prizes including Francis Crick, Paul Crutzen, Renato Dulbecco, Harry Markowitz, and George Palade.

Studying abroad can greatly enhance your four years at UCSD. Programs are available for every major around the world. Most programs are the same price as attending UCSD and vary from a year to just a few weeks. Check out the Programs Abroad Office or visit http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/icenter/pao/index.html.

Best Places to Study:
Giesel library
Café Roma
the grass hump by the Old Student Center

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