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University of Iowa - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.46

Academics

B
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Full-Time Student Population 24,515
Part-Time Student Population 4,681
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,328
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 195
Total FT Faculty 2,317
Average Faculty Salary $94,121
Full-Time Retention Rate 83%
Part-Time Retention Rate 83%
Graduation Rate 66%
Programs/Majors Offered 198
Average Course Load 14–18 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 51%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 39%
  • 50 or More Students: 10%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The University of Iowa is first a university of academics, and the school makes it known from the moment students arrive on campus. At UI, you can find many of the top schools in the nation. As for the actual environment, budget constraints are forcing the University to cut back on the number of classes offered, and most of the general-education and entry-level classes tend to be large. Students will spend more time interacting with their TAs in these classes than with the professors. It isn’t until students take the more advanced classes that there is more interaction between students and professors. Some students will say their professors and TAs are not accessible for extra help, but many teachers will argue that students do not take advantage of their office hours. In the end, the more time you put into your education, the more you are going to get out.

Probably the biggest issue facing Iowa academics is the general-education requirements. Some entry-level courses, such as natural science ones, are almost always over-packed, some by as many as 100 students. Students who are taking courses simply to fulfill gen-ed requirements compete for places with students who are taking the courses for their majors and are genuinely interested in the subjects. Aside from the gen-ed requirements, students have few complaints about classes and professors at Iowa. The system may have a few flaws, but the professors and the courses offered are above average, to say the least.

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Iowa Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Iowa

catk2494

'16

Nursing

4.6
A

Reasons Why I Chose the University of Iowa

I will be attending University of Iowa in the fall of 2012 for many reasons. Not only is the medical program at University of Iowa ranked in the Top 10 of the country but they have also graduated many of the top medical researchers in the United States as well. I loved the fact that outside of the classroom there are over 50 different student lead organizations to get even more involved in the health community. After visiting the campus I was welcomed by not only fellow classmates but by faculty as well. I was made aware that professors will take any extra time, if you schedule with them, to help you further understand any material that you're not grasping. I felt Iowa was overall a great campus with a very vibrant feel.

Jan 23, 2012

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Academics at University of Iowa

jkkuennen

'15

Physician Assistant

4.2
A-

Human Physiology

My current major is human physiology. The courses are very tough and demanding but still very interesting to me. They are so tough because the University of Iowa is very well known for being at the top rankings when it comes to majors in the medical field. The University's Hospital is very close to campus where we are able to volunteer and work during or after obtaining a degree in a health care related field.

Jan 12, 2012

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Academics at University of Iowa

jacquelinemelita21

'15

Business Administration and Management

4.2
A-

Hawkeye CEO

I came to The University of Iowa to bring my dream to life. I have always wanted to be a CEO of a company ever since I was in sixth grade. The Tippie Business School has a large amount of business programs. For example, if you are interested in doing a business management major, you can either take the leadership track or the entrepreneurial track. Both options are looked upon very highly. The Papa John Business Building is state of the art. It has areas for business students to get help on assignments, grab food, study, and even the business library.

Jan 07, 2012

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Page 1 of 15

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
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, or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Carver College of Medicine
  • College of Dentistry
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Law
  • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Public Health
  • Tippie College of Business
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 Administration and Management: 2%
  • Finance, General: 2%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
  • Psychology: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Iowa City Public Library
  • Iowa Memorial Union
  • Java House
  • Libraries
  • Residence hall lounges
Did You Know?

The University of Iowa offers more than 100 different options for programs of study, and there are 11 colleges within the University.

If you are looking for a good place to study, the second floor of the main library is the best bet. On the second floor, along with the University’s largest computer lab, are two large wings for students to study in. Each wing contains tables and cubbies for students to cram before tests. These are the quietest rooms on campus.

The University has experienced budget cuts for most of the decade, and more are likely on their way. Many top administrators have said that there are no more extra areas to cut, and soon, academic funding may decline. Some of the effects of the budget cuts can already be seen around campus. The cuts have lowered the number of professors, the number of courses offered, and the availability of courses offered.

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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 Iowa

Name: Kelly McPhee

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Major: Journalism

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