University of Denver - Academics

B+

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Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio		12:1
Full-Time Student Population		8,296
Part-Time Student Population		3,474
Full-Time Instructional Faculty		612
Part-Time Instructional Faculty		644
Total FT Faculty		615
Faculty with Terminal Degree		91%
Average Faculty Salary		$80,272
Full-Time Retention Rate		86%
Part-Time Retention Rate		100%
Graduation Rate		74%
Programs/Majors Offered		113
Average Course Load		4 courses
Academic/Career Counseling?		Yes
Remedial Services?		No
Class Sizes		Fewer than 20 Students: 62% 20 to 49 Students: 27% 50 or More Students: 1%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

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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Academics at University of Denver

briannamj2

'14

International Studies

A-

International Studies

I really like his program! All of the professors are so smart and approachable. Also, my writing skills have really improved beacuse of this program!

Feb 01, 2012

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Academics at University of Denver

AMac1

'12

International Studies

A

International Studies and Spanish

The International Studies major is very interesting because there are different concentrations students can pick from (usually 2 or 3) such as International law/organization/human rights, international health and development, international economics, international secutity, etc. All of the classes are extremely interesting and relevent to what is happening in the world today. Study abroad is also a requirement with this major, which is great because it is the best experience ever! The Spanish major is cool because they have internships with schools and organizations in the community which is a great way to practice spanish outside of the classroom.

Jan 17, 2012

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Academics at University of Denver

kristinliz

'13

Communication and Media Studies

A

You Get Out of It What You Put in

I have found the classes and cirriculum at DU to be challenging and interesting. That being said, there are some kids who do next to nothing and slide by with B's. The workload for getting high grades is tough, but professors are easily accessible and always ready to help should you fall behind. Popular areas of studies are business, international studies, sciences, and humanities.

Jan 11, 2012

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Facts

Instructional Programs		Occupational: No Academic: Yes Continuing Professional: Yes Recreational/Avocational: Yes 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, and 5
IB Test Score Requirements		Possible credit for scores of 4, 5, 6, and 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions		Arts and Humanities Daniels College of Business International Studies Natural Sciences and Mathematics School of Communication School of Engineering and Computer Science Social Sciences
Degrees Awarded		Bachelor's degree Certificate Doctorate - Professional practice Doctorate - Research/scholarship Master's degree Post-bachelor's certificate Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors		Business/Commerce, General: 4% International Relations and National Security Studies: 3% Law: 4% Social Work: 3%
Special Study Options		Distance learning opportunities Study abroad Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level) Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study		Driscoll Center North Penrose Library
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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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at DU

Name: Anne Reiman

Hometown: Winnetka, IL

Major: English (Creative Writing)/Communications

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