Washington & Jefferson College
- Academics

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Washington & Jefferson College - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Full-Time Student Population 1,496
Part-Time Student Population 18
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 116
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 44
Total FT Faculty 113
Faculty with Terminal Degree 91%
Average Faculty Salary $64,372
Full-Time Retention Rate 83%
Transfer-Out Rate 24%
Graduation Rate 71%
Programs/Majors Offered 29
Average Course Load 16 credits (4 courses)
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 69%
  • 20 to 49 students: 31%
  • 50 or more students: 0%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

W&J is an extremely small school, and while that may sometimes hurt the social scene, it is one of the greatest benefits when it comes to academics. The average class size is 16, and it is not uncommon to have a class with fewer than five students. With all of the small classes, professors really get to know their students, but this has its downsides as well. For example, you can’t skip class unnoticed. The professors are very helpful and always want to talk to students. If you have questions, they will always help you answer them, and they also like talking to you about current events or things happening on campus. Since W&J is a liberal arts college, students also end up knowing professors from all sorts of areas of study, which helps give a more well-rounded education.

W&J is known for its pre-health and pre-law programs and also for how notoriously difficult they both are. Unfortunately, most majors and other pre-professional programs at the college are also very difficult. Typically, in every subject, there is a 100-level course that is labeled the "weed-out course," which makes freshmen who are not sure about their major reconsider their options. The courses at W&J may at times be difficult and make you want to pull your hair out, but they prepare students very well for their postgraduate work. While at the time going through many courses may seem very stressful, in the end it is well worth the effort.

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Washington & Jefferson Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Washington & Jefferson College

brittlander

Psychology '15

3.8
B+

Psychology

A psych major has a pretty general workload. There is a great variety of classes that you can take to earn your degree. All of the professors are very helpful and knowledgable about their subject.

Feb 27, 2012

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Academics at Washington & Jefferson College

winning2013

History '13

5.0
A+

Academics

Professors are very knowledgable, workload is strenuous but managable, we work hard and play harder.

Dec 26, 2011

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Academics at Washington & Jefferson College

Mimiemaus

Communications '12

4.6
A

Lots of Feedback

Since the classes ae really smal there are lots of discussion based courses which makes it easier to participate and really learn soemthing. The professors are really helpful to review essays and encourage students to volunteer/take part in activities such as campus newspaper and radio.

Oct 05, 2011

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User rating for Washington & Jefferson College - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 18 user reviews.

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 and/or placement for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit and/or placement
Degrees Awarded Bachelor's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Accounting: 4%
  • Business/Commerce, General: 8%
  • English Language Studies: 6%
  • Psychology: 6%
Graduation Requirements
  • Computer literacy
  • Foreign language
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
Special Study Options
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Double major
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
  • Washington semester
Best Places to Study
  • Any empty classroom in the Burnett Center
  • The Library
  • The Ski Lodge
  • Technology Center couches and chairs on the first and second floor

Online Courses

W&J doesn't currently offer any online courses, but some courses do have an online component along with their in-class work. Many courses have discussions or require students to share assignments with fellow students on Sakai or on Wiki sites.

Did You Know? Washington & Jefferson was originally two schools: Washington College on the current campus and Jefferson College located about ten miles away. During the Civil War, though, the two schools had to combine in order to survive, but there were still rivalries between the two groups of students. In the early years, there were even a few duels on campus.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Alexandra Sossi
Hometown
Peters Township, PA
Major
English
Grad Year
2013

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