Valparaiso University
- Academics

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Valparaiso University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Full-Time Student Population 3,607
Part-Time Student Population 458
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 242
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 115
Total FT Faculty 242
Faculty with Terminal Degree 73%
Average Faculty Salary $70,097
Full-Time Retention Rate 83%
Part-Time Retention Rate 50%
Graduation Rate 75%
Programs/Majors Offered 97
Average Course Load 5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 44%
  • 20 to 49 students: 51%
  • 50 or more students: 5%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

All professors at VU are incredibly approachable. If you have an issue with the class, or even if you have a question about something else in the department, they are always open to talking with you. Each professor has posted office hours, but most are around outside of their office hours with their doors open. Some will even give out their cell phone numbers and encourage students to call them at home if they need help. Because the average class size at VU is very small, each of the professors will manage to learn who you are both in and out of class. They know if you don’t show up to class, but if they mention it to you, it is because they want you to be able to make the most out of your time at VU. This helps a lot when writing recommendations since they actually know enough about you to write a unique letter.

Something unique about Valpo is that every class is taught by a professor rather than a graduate student or teacher's assistant. Very few classes even have TAs; science labs often have lab assistants, but when it comes to the actual classes, you can expect to see a professor standing at the front of the room lecturing and answering questions. VU is what many call a teaching school, and while the professors are strongly encouraged to do research and publish in journals, their primary focus and objective is to teach students. While some professors may not be the most personable, on the whole, they are accessible and ready to help you learn.

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Valparaiso Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Valparaiso University

lenaow

'13

Social Work and Youth Services

4.2
A-

Be Ready to Think

I came to Valpo because they had a social work bachelors program and Christ College (the honors college). I knew that I would be thinking critically in that, but I didn't know I would enjoy it so much or that I would find such integration of it is so many facets of the college experience. Every area of study incorporated hands on learning and discussion. The average class size is 22 but most of mine have been smaller than that. I feel confident speaking up in class, asking questions, thinking deeper, and every professor has known my name. I have learned more about myself and my field here than I could have imagined.

Oct 05, 2011

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Academics at Valparaiso University

WaSaGa99

'12

Meteorology

4.6
A

Ready for a Real Job

I'm currently studying meteorology at my school. The program is one of the better in the upper Midwest. The curriculum is challenging, but it gives one a sense of acomplishment when done. Something unique about Valpo's program is that it offers many elective courses in my major that many other schools do not. Internships are also highly encouraged. I was able to work with the government over the summer and I feel as if Valpo has prepared me very well for life after college.

Sep 30, 2011

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Academics at Valparaiso University

bfeigenb

'14

Music Teacher Education

4.6
A

Academics at Valpo

The classes offered at Valpo provide extensive accessibility across the curriculum. Classes are easy to register for and get into, and teachers provide a manageable workload. The professors here are also more than willing to provide extra help both in and outside of the classroom.

Aug 06, 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: Yes
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: No
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3 or higher
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5, 6, or 7
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Nursing
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • International Business/Trade/Commerce: 3%
  • Law: 7%
  • Registered Nursing (RN): 4%
  • Sport and Fitness Management: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Foreign languages
  • Humanities
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
  • Theology
  • Valpo Core
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Liberal arts/career combination
  • Student-designed major
Best Places to Study
  • Christ College Commons
  • Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources
Did You Know?

In 2004, Valpo received its Phi Beta Kappa Charter, joining universities around the nation in the prestige and tradition of this academic honor society.

If you don’t want to stick around for summer sessions but need to catch up on your credits, take an online class. Valpo offers several online courses in the summer (as well as a few during the academic year).

To fuel your mind, you need to feed your body! Valpo profs understand this, so twice a year during final exams, the Valpo profs serve Midnight Brunch in the Union. Just make a donation of canned goods or a dollar to charity, and you will get served by your profs.

The College of Engineering is the only designated engineering college at a Lutheran University in the United States. It also is ranked in the top 10th percentile in the nation.

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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 Valpo

Name: Amber Will

Hometown: Schofield, WI

Major: Political Science and History

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