Wesleyan University
- Academics

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Wesleyan University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.62

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Full-Time Student Population 2,968
Part-Time Student Population 180
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 330
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 31
Total FT Faculty 330
Faculty with Terminal Degree 92%
Average Faculty Salary $94,243
Full-Time Retention Rate 95%
Graduation Rate 93%
Programs/Majors Offered 49
Average Course Load 4 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 67%
  • 20 to 49 students: 28%
  • 50 or more students: 5%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Wesleyan is characterized by the simultaneous freedom and seriousness associated with its academics. While students certainly like to have a good time, they put academics first—not because they are obsessed with grades, but rather because they are truly interested in what they are studying. The lax gen-ed requirements allow students to take classes they want to take, and apart from the occasional easy math/science class students take to fulfill a requirement, most classes are challenging and engaging. Professors are very present and available to students, and most are super friendly—it would not be unusual for a professor to invite his or her students to have lunch with him/her to continue a discussion from class.

Course selection, however, can be an arduous and frustrating process, as there are often so many courses that sound interesting, but are hard to get into. The registration process includes a confusing chart that you make for yourself with first and second choices, and then everyone's preferences are plugged into an algorithm. After you get into your initial classes, you participate in a "drop/add" period, where you basically beg professors to let you into their classes and they either say "yes" or "no." The whole process is rather stressful, but the quality of the classes you do get into makes up for it.

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Wesleyan Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Wesleyan University

lucky214

'15

Film and Video Studies

4.2
A-

Tough to Enter

As a freshman, I haven't experienced the entire major yet but I tell you for sure that the entrance courses for it are notoriously difficult with one in particular more so than the other. It is one of 3 majors that requires a specific grade average of B+ and a minimum GPA requirement to enter. Its a very popular option since it is so phenomenal but given such popularity, the courses are revved up to discourage those who are only partially interested. Its tough but from what it seems, well worth it if you can make it

Jan 02, 2012

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Academics at Wesleyan University

k37devon

'15

English

5.0
A+

The Perfect Blend of Liberal Arts and Academic Freedom

I fell in love with Wes for a variety of reasons, and I certainly count the school's academics among them. The variety of disciplines, courses, majors, and classroom formats offered in Wesleyan's curricula is absolutely incredible, particularly for such a small school. There are no required courses at Wes; instead, the University has established a set of requirements known as the General Education Requirements (or "Gen-Ed" to Wes students). Students at Wes, in compliance with these requirements, have to take at least three semester long courses in each of three general education areas: Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), and Humanities and Arts (HA). The majority of the courses offered at Wesleyan fall into at least one of these categories, making it very easy to fulfill these requirements. The workload at Wesleyan is also a major plus, because it is very manageable. Most semester-long courses are worth about 1 credit, and the average workload is 4 credits a semester (with 32 credits required to graduate). The professors at Wes are incredibly engaging and passionate about their subjects, and are willing to help any student who is having any sort of time management or material comprehension difficulties. That said, Wes professors expect just as much dedication and respect from their students as they put into their subject. Doing your homework is valuable and necessary to succeeding in every course, so don't assume otherwise.

Sep 07, 2011

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Academics at Wesleyan University

elitvitskiy

'15

English

5.0
A+

Freedom

You don't have to come knowing what you want to do: take the classes which interest you (there are some amazingly long-winded course titles). More than half of us double-major. About half go abroad. And the freedom isn't overwhelming, either: we are well-guided by students and faculty alike.

Sep 07, 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 and/or placement
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Economics and Econometrics: 3%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
  • Political Science and Government, General: 3%
  • Psychology: 4%
Special Study Options Study abroad
Other Academic Offerings
  • Cross-registration
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Student-designed major
Best Places to Study
  • Olin Library
  • Science Library
Did You Know?
  • In 1953, Wesleyan first offered its Graduate Liberal Studies Program, the first ever liberal studies program designed specifically for adults.
  • Former president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, taught history and political economy at Wesleyan from 1888 to 1890.
  • Wesleyan's Olin Library and the Lincoln Memorial were designed by the same architect.

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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 Wesleyan

Name: Anya Morgan

Hometown: Los Angeles

Major: English and French

Grad Year: 2014

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