University of Michigan
- Academics

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University of Michigan - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Full-Time Student Population 38,873
Part-Time Student Population 2,801
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 3,350
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 800
Total FT Faculty 5,587
Faculty with Terminal Degree 91%
Average Faculty Salary $91,668
Full-Time Retention Rate 96%
Part-Time Retention Rate 96%
Graduation Rate 88%
Programs/Majors Offered 185
Average Course Load 4–5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 48%
  • 20 to 49 students: 36%
  • 50 or more students: 16%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

The University of Michigan ranks highly among public universities and is frequently listed as one of the top academic institutions worldwide in many areas. While well-known for departments like medicine and business, there isn't a "wrong" field of study to enter at the University. And since Michigan is such a large school, your academic experience can take many forms. From large lectures taught by seasoned professors to seminars with fewer than 20 students to discussion sections instructed by graduate student instructors (GSIs or teaching assistants), your academic experience will be varied and rich. Academic requirements also push students to take courses in a wide range of subjects.

The majority of the student body belongs to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), which requires students to take classes in many different areas. A number of academic programs, like the University's Honors Program or the Residential College (RC), are available for students looking for more of a challenge or competitive edge. Of course, some students struggle with the academic rigor of the course load, while others coast by. A bad professor here and there is nothing alien to any major university, but overall, students agree that classes are taught well. And with so many options, chances are you'll enjoy the courses you take. 

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Michigan Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Michigan

pauliebe

'15

Psychology

4.2
A-

Challenging but Do-Able

I've been at U of M for one and a half semester and therefore have only taken introductory courses. They are challenging, but definetly doable. Most professors are engaging and prepare their lectures well. Online resources are a god-send.

Feb 07, 2012

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Academics at University of Michigan

gunowgeoff

'12

Nuclear Engineering

5.0
A+

Program Prestige

I am a nuclear engineer at the University of Michigan. Our program is rated first in the country and it shows. Most students are able to pull in scholarships from the Department of Energy and elsewhere during their undergraduate career. Michigan has a big name reputation and this means finding good jobs is much easier.

All of Michigan's engineering programs are rated top 10 and employers actively seek Michigan students for internships and jobs.

The BBA program has a similar prestige and the graduate schools (such as law and medical) have great reputations as well. The academic area Michigan lacks the most in is the liberal arts. However as being an arrogant engineer I don't consider them real majors. A+

Jan 23, 2012

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Academics at University of Michigan

hyorkim11

'14

Civil Engineering

3.8
B+

Being an Engineer at Uom

I am an engineering student at UoM and I have to say, all my upper classman engineers spend a lot of their times studying.

Being an engineer at UoM is extremely difficult in terms of workload and curriculum. Then again, to accommodate everyone's needs, the university offers endless resources and help for all of its students.

our many libraries are perfect for studying, all-nighters and group projects.

Dec 28, 2011

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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: No
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 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 6 or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Architecture & Urban Planning
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)
  • School of Art & Design
  • School of Business
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Education
  • School of Kinesiology
  • School of Music, Theatre & Dance
  • School of Natural Resources and Environment
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Public Health
  • School of Public Policy
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 4%
  • Economics and Econometrics: 2%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 2%
  • Psychology: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • English (including composition)
  • Foreign languages
  • Humanities
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Entrepreneurial studies
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • External degree program
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Liberal arts/career combination
  • Student-designed major
  • Weekend college
Best Places to Study
  • The Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library reading room
  • The Shapiro Undergraduate Library or "UGLi" (pronounced “ugly,” stands for undergraduate library)
  • The University of Michigan Law Library

Online Courses

The University offers some distance learning programs through the School of Dentistry, College of Engineering, Medical School, School of Nursing, and the School of Public Health.

Did You Know?
  • Freshman seminars, which have fewer than 20 students, are one of the most rewarding academic experiences. Taking one is a great way to get to know your professor on a personal level, building a relationship that could be advantageous when you need recommendations or advice in the future.
  • Michigan has one of the largest alumni populations of any school in the world, with more than 450,000 living alumni.
  • Rumor has it, if you step on the “M” in the center of the Diag (center of campus), you'll fail your first bluebook exam. So avoid the bad juju and be mindful where you tread!

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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 UofM

Name: Kaitlin Williams

Hometown: New Boston, MI

Major: English and Spanish

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school