University of Iowa - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

dbuchanan says: University of Iowa 2013 Psychology

Lack of Motivation C+ Professors are bright, accessible and passionate, provided they speak sufficient English. I'm a Spanish major and all of my professors and TAs are native speakers, yet they understand enough English to get by. If you take a math class, there's a pretty good chance you will not understand your professor's personal interpretation of English. However, the student body at Iowa is often so unmotivated that finding a competitive and engaging classroom environment is difficult and puts a damper on the entire educational experience. 12345 Academics: November 30, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

The teachers are brilliant... The teachers are brilliant researchers, and many are leaders in their fields. Even more impressive is that many of them are actually good teachers, as well. Sometimes the lectures can be dull, but I usually find my classes interesting. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I have been very lucky; as a... I have been very lucky; as a history major and an art major, my classes are very interesting. The teachers are very energetic, making you further interested. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

You generally don’t ever talk to... You generally don’t ever talk to the professor. However, all professors and TAs have office hours that you can go to if you have concerns for the class, then maybe you will be on a name-to-name basis. The perk of classes like these is that they usually come with study sections. It’s basically a one-day-a-week class which consists of about 30 people that are in the mass lecture. These are a recap of what you have learned during the week in lecture, and it is usually led by a TA. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Well, it’s kind of hard to... Well, it’s kind of hard to describe, but you really don’t have a relationship with the professors. The professor teaches the lecture, then you’re assigned to a smaller group which meets once a week and is led by your TA. I think we have very good teachers, but you don’t get to know them as well as the teachers in, say, high school or community college. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

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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