Denison University Top Questions

What are the academics like at Denison University?

Dylan

I had close relationships with most of my professors. But as I said before, it is a two-way street. The professors do care, and they will make time for you- but you have to make it worth their while. The sociology department will change your perspective on life- for the better. I saw the world in a much more encompassing light even after my first class in this field, and it only got better after that. I studied, but never in excess. I was able to maintain a steady 3.3 throughout my time there. You have to know yourself, and when you a re at your intellectual peak. Use that knowledge to your advantage. And have fun for the rest of the time.

Gene

Your transcript/resume will look great... Some teachers are great, but I went to a great high school and those teachers were better on average. Obviously some classes and teachers suck and every one will get stuck in at least one of them during their DU career. Academics are largely what you make of it - you must go to class and take time out of partying to do work, which is not easy when you live with all of your friends, especially during the warm weather when every one is playing frisbee and boozin' on the quad. You will get a great job after Denison though.

Katie

All of my professors know my name. My favorite class was human physiology, simply because the class were fast paced and the professor, Dr. Rhodes, was helpful, challenging, and presented things that were endlessly fascinating. I am a biochemistry major, which presents many challenges, but I am continually growing with the help of my two greatest assets at Denison: the professors and my peers. I have occasionally had lunch with a professor. Academic requirements for biochemists is very rigorous.

John

Very hard and challenging. Most students come from private or boarding schools and the teachers expect the best out of there students

Adrian

Most classes are tough, and you have to work in them. Class attendance is mandatory (usually affecting your grade after the first three absences or so), and the professors expect you to be a contributing member of the class. The close relationships between professors and students is one of the best parts of Denison's academic life. Most of the professors in the English department know me well, even though I haven't had most of them in class; I've had dinner with at least four professors at their houses. They genuinely care about our academic progress, and will help on a variety of post-graduation issues (particularly if you intend to continue on in academia). For the English department specifically, I've got nothing but good things to say. They offer an extensive list of courses, with most of them changing semester to semester. The trouble for many English majors is not getting all their requirements in, but fitting all the English courses they want into their schedule. The Creative Writing Concentration is a very popular one, and the faculty includes well-regarded poets and fiction writers as well as creative non-fiction authors.

Matt

Professors do know my name after about a week of class. My favorite class was economics because it challenged my mind. My least favorite was Planet earth because I hate science and the teacher was a rookie so she was not very good. Depending on the crowd you hang out with, students do have somewhat intellectual conversations. Students are competitive to an extent but for the most part they help eachother out. DU's academic requirements are pretty easy to fulfill and while it is not fun taking classes you do not enjoy, it surely broadens your horizons. Denison definetly prepares you for the workforce following college.

Katie

All of my professors know my name. They learn your name faster if you make an effort to participate in class and talk to them outside of class. My favorite class so far has been Introduction to Hispanic Literature. We read narratives, poetry, and drama and I thought it was a perfect introduction to Hispanic Literature. It was difficult because our papers were 1200 to 1600 words and I was not used to writing that much in Spanish. I also loved my first year seminar about the food industry. Class participation is very common. Students study a lot but there is a balance between work and other activities.

Ryan

Academics at Denison are simply amazing. Professors know your names, are willing to meet with you generally when it works for you, and really take interest in the progress of their students. Class participation isn't just common - it is on most occasions a requirement for the success of the class. Being a music major, I have spent most of my time working with professors in the music department. I regularly meet with them outside of class for master classes, extra lessons, or just hanging out and discussing music.

Jess

Students work hard in their classes, we spend a lot of time writing, researching. People are dedicated to their majors and succeeding in academics. Professors take time to help individual students and no one really slips through the cracks. The academic advising program is far superior to that at any large university. Students get academic attention in and out of the classroom.

Rachel

Students at Denison are very serious about their studies. for the most part, the professors are amazing, and know the students at a personal level. Both students and staff alike show extreme dedication to their tasks. The one complaint I have against the academic requirements is that we are REQUIRED to take several semesters of a foreign language. While I understand that this is part of a liberal arts curriculum, I find it unnecessary and frustrating. Learning is the primary focus of the classes. Jobs are kept in focus, but are not the primary concern.