University of Washington
- Academics

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University of Washington - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Full-Time Student Population 32,085
Part-Time Student Population 6,750
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,843
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 630
Total FT Faculty 3,447
Faculty with Terminal Degree 89%
Average Faculty Salary $94,457
Full-Time Retention Rate 93%
Part-Time Retention Rate 83%
Graduation Rate 77%
Programs/Majors Offered 216
Average Course Load 3-4 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 35%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 48%
  • 50 or More Students: 17%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

At UW, it’s difficult to predict whether a student will shine or burn when exposed to the collegiate academic spotlight. Thanks to the size of the University, students have an expansive selection of courses and professors each quarter, and an equally impressive breadth and depth of ripe resources. And, also, because of the size of the University, the quality of classes and the teaching styles of professors range widely. Some teachers boast of rave student reviews, and others stay too preoccupied with research, tenure, or recognition to show passion in the classroom. Because so many professors call UW home, it’s impossible to predict how impressed or disappointed a student will be in his or her classes and with his or her teachers.

And because so many students call UW home, professors don’t usually cater to stragglers—most often, a student sinking in an intro-level class won’t get help unless he or she asks. Intro-level classes are the universal initial hurdles of the race. Some find the academic isolation kind of cozy, a veritable security blanket from the ever-looming threat of participation, while others feel lost at sea in the vastness of the lecture hall. However, class size shrinks with time, and eventually, upperclassmen-level courses recall the intimacy of high school. In addition, attending a large research University has perks for independently motivated students. Super-sized academia doesn’t have to intimidate—plenty of UW kids ask questions, go to office hours, and make friends with professors. A motivated, proactive learner can always find his or her own niche in which to flourish.

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Washington Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at University of Washington

GheeButtersnaps

'14

Computer Science

3.1
B-

Fast Paced, Harder Acceptance Rate

As more people go into the major, only 1 in 5 get accepted, which is unfortunate. Even with a 4.0 many are turned away. Classes such as Physics are taught at a lightning fast pace, so it can be difficult to keep up.

Feb 08, 2012

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Academics at University of Washington

AMHS

'15

Pre-Medicine Studies

3.8
B+

Most Professors/T.A.'S Are Very Helpful

It depends on the teacher/t.a that you have, but most of them are very helpful and their are a lot of resources available for help with your studies.

Jan 24, 2012

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Academics at University of Washington

fishxy

'15

Pre-Medicine Studies

4.2
A-

Honors Chemistry Is Awesome!

Some people usually say Honors class are tough and the class itself is a lot of more competitive. It is true but I enjoy being in my Honors General Chemistry class because our class size is a lot smaller than the general chemistry class (60 students, instead of 600). Even though the materials are harder, I learned a lot of stuff in that class. I made a lot more friends in that class than in the general big class. We often help each other, even late at night. I love the study environment in the class as well. I would rather be the dumbest person in class and learn everything from everyone than be the smartest person in class and are always bored.

Jan 15, 2012

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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: 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 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Architecture
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Forest Resources
  • Nursing
  • Ocean and Fishery Sciences
  • Public Health and Community Medicine
  • Reserve Officers Training Corps Programs
  • Social Work
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: 2%
  • Economics and Econometrics: 2%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 2%
  • Psychology: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • The Quad on a nice day
  • Odegaard, Allen, or Suzzalo—specifically, the Suzzalo Reading Room.
Did You Know?

Best Places to Study:
Odegaard, Allen, or Suzzalo—specifically, the Suzzalo Reading Room. The Quad on a nice day.

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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 UW

Name: Emily Sugiyama

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Major: English/Women's Studies

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