University of California - Santa Barbara - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Although each department might have its monotone, sleep-inducing professor, most of the instructors are experts in their fields, excited about what they teach, and very accessible. UCSB is unique in that it has very few graduate students, so teachers are focused on their undergraduates. They have more time, teach almost all of the classes offered each quarter, and answer e-mails quickly. In the first two years of college when students take their general education classes, they don’t necessarily get to know the professors—lectures involve around 100 people and a teaching assistant runs the weekly section and grades. But later, as students advance in their majors, classes thin out to between 35-45 people.

The UCSB academic program has made a concerted effort to shed its“party-school” image and prove that the professors and students take academics very seriously. UCSB sometimes gets lost behind UCLA and Berkeley, but the latest statistics prove that Santa Barbara is working on a new reputation. The thing to realize about academics at UCSB is that each student decides whether he or she is going to take the easy classes and never get to know the professors (which plenty of students do), or alternatively, help with research, take hard classes, and participate in the honors program. One of the reasons the student quotes are so varied is because there are a lot of partiers who do not go to class, and there are also a lot of serious students who spend most of their time studying and researching. It’s up to you to decide how you will spend your time and what college life means to you.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The classes can be challenging, so... The classes can be challenging, so you have to be able to apply yourself. There are plenty of opportunities to excel if you want to, in research, jobs, or clubs. But the people here, I feel, are easier-going and less competitive, so not everyone is out to kill just to make the grade. You just have to get your studies done first, and then find extra time to surf, hike, and lay out. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Teachers vary depending on the... Teachers vary depending on the major. For the most part, every professor I’ve experienced has been really cooperative and understanding. This is a fairly big University, so it can get intimidating, especially as a freshman when your classes tend to be bigger. Professors always have office hours, and TAs are always there to help; you just have to take the initiative and ask. 12345 Academics Report

Brenda3690 says: University of California - Santa Barbara 2012 Area, Ethnic, Cultural, and Gender Studies

Life as a UCSB Student A- The academics provided are definitely well-rounded. Most professors are understanding, particularly in the Social Sciences area. They offer the student information that one can carry out and follow by throughout one's life. In addition, they are available for office hours if there are any questions or concerns in regards to the course(s). 12345 Academics: March 10, 2010 Report

Anonymous says:

UCSB is the secret spot for really... UCSB is the secret spot for really amazing professors, and their credentials prove it. I think the professors have figured out that Santa Barbara is a great place to live, and they can get paid while they are here. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Impacted majors have weeded-out... Impacted majors have weeded-out classes that you have to take to get into the major. Stick through them if you can, because the upper-division courses are much, much better. Some course listings have no course descriptions. Try to find out what the topics of these courses are by e-mailing the respective professors—the advanced seminars are usually some of the best classes. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

As a UCSB student, you have the opportunity to spend a quarter in Washington DC or at another UC campus through the UCDC program, and all of your units will transfer!

Best Places to Study:
University Center (UCEN), Library (8th floor reading room), Java Jones, Goleta Coffee Co., Santa Barbara Roasting Co., the beac

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Michael Cooper
Hometown: Danville, CA
Major: Sociology/Sports Management minor

Fun Fact: Michael was on Bob Barker's sixth-to-last Price is Right show and won a trampoline.

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