University of Denver - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Academics at DU are a mixed bag. Depending on which classes you take and who teaches them, you’ll either greatly enjoy or miserably dread going to class everyday. Some teachers are engaging, energetic, and personable, while others seem bland, uninformed, and not particularly driven for teaching. A handful of classes, especially some of the core requirements, can seem like a waste of time that students must deal with to keep the administration happy. On the other hand, many classes are thought provoking and cover a broad array of concepts, events, people, and opinions. Some majors are harder than others. The business program is very fast pace and intense while the engineering and science majors are known for their commitment to a heavy workload.

The quarter system at DU ensures that even if students don’t enjoy a particular class or professor, they only have to put up with it for 10 weeks. Students also are able to take a wider variety of classes in their four years on the quarter system. However, unlike semesters, the quarter system is a bit less forgiving on students who don’t always make it to class. If you miss even one measly class, you run the risk of falling considerably far behind. Because classes generally move along pretty quickly, it’s difficult to ever fully recuperate. Also, 10 weeks doesn’t allow much time to really dig deep into any one particular issue. Most classes take a broad, sweeping look at the material, as opposed to an in-depth approach. The faculty-to-student ratio and small class size helps facilitate in-depth conversations and spirited debates. Many professors make an effort to learn each of their students’ names. One disadvantage of small classes is the issue of attendance. Although some professors don’t take attendance on a regular basis, some do, and not showing up can severely hurt your grade.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I love that, for the most part,... I love that, for the most part, grad students don’t teach the classes (not even core requirement classes that have a lot of students). It’s a comforting feeling knowing that my thousands and thousands of dollars are going toward a solid education from professors who really know what they’re talking about, and not some relatively clueless student who’s almost my age. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The professors are generally very... The professors are generally very engaging and open to student comments. Most of the classes include plenty of opportunities for students to voice their own opinions. The small class sizes make for great discussion. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I wish there weren’t so many... I wish there weren’t so many stupid core requirements. I took a required math class because I had to, and it was a huge waste of my time and money. I didn’t learn a thing, and as an art major, I’m not going to need math the way a stats or business major does. Why force me to take the class? 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

With some of my professors, I’ve... With some of my professors, I’ve honestly wondered if they went to college themselves. Students will ask the easiest questions, and the professors act like they have no clue. But some of the professors are super-nice, really smart, and just blow my mind with all their knowledge. It really just depends who you end up with, so be sure to ask around about who’s good and who sucks. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Some teachers suck, but for the... Some teachers suck, but for the most part, I’ve really liked all of mine. They all seem like real people, not just talking heads. Most of my classes haven’t been that hard, to tell the truth. Just make sure you keep up with the work, because once you fall behind, it’s quite difficult to get caught up—I would know. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Only two percent of classes have 50 or more students, and 62 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. The small class sizes and advantageous faculty-to-student ratio make going to class more of an individual and personal experience.

The Frank H. Ricketson Jr. Law Building, Daniels College of Business, and the Lamont School of Music are state-of-the-art buildings constructed within the past decade.

DU is on the “quarter system” (as opposed to semesters).
Fall quarter lasts from mid-September to late November, followed by an extended winter break until the beginning of January. Winter quarter lasts until mid-March; spring break goes from late March until April, and spring quarter lasts until early June.

The Cable Center is an innovative, interactive distance-learning program featuring cable TV archives, a theater, and an outdoor amphitheater with a video wall. Through a partnership with C-SPAN, DU students are able to talk “face to face” via satellite with professors, experts, and politicians across the country.

All students applying for undergraduate admission are required to complete the Hyde Interview. The interviews are a way for admission counselors to get to know the students behind the applications and test scores, while students are given the chance to showcase their personalities, interests, and ideas.

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Anne is obsessed with the TV show The West Wing.

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