Fordham University Top Questions

A great thing about academics at Fordham is that the classes are really small. My largest class at Fordham was 30 students, and my smallest was 8, so you really get to know the professors. I am in a really small major (Middle East Studies), so I basically know most of the students in my program, but with larger majors, such as communications, you get to pick a concentration and really focus your studies. The only things about Fordham's academics that I have had a difficult time with are the core requirements. These are classes you HAVE to take to graduate. Fortunately, most core requirements (such as religion, english, and the sciences), have multiple options for the class that fits that specific core, so you have some freedom to study what you want.

One of the greatest things about Fordham is the small class size---roughly 20 students per class. All of my professors have known my name and been more than willing to helpall of their students. Class participation is encouraged and often a part of your grade. For some of the classes, professors even require that you come in during office hours for discussion. Students study just about the same amount as any college. Fordham requires a broad liberal arts core curriculum with classes ranging from theology, philosophy, science, social studies, to foreign languages so you get a feel for different subjects. The goal of the Jesuit education is for students not only to learn academic subjects but also to challenge students' way of thinking, especially in regards to ethics and social justice. This can be very interesting and helpful to those undecided on majors, but a bit restrictive to those who want to pursue double majors. Many students will have multiple minors however. I'm in the business school and its core does not require as many liberal arts courses, yet it is currently changing to a new core featuring lots of group interaction. Basically, students from the Class of 2015 on will take more courses but will go more in-depth in the subjects by covering half of what is normally covered in that semester. Many classes are 1.5 credits versus the standard 3. The business school does a phenomenal job of making sure students are prepared for internships and has an excellent alumni network. Its reputation is renowned in firms all over the city and slowly gaining acknowledgment nationwide.

At least I believe it's a typical Jesuit education...I haven't had any other experience with Jesuit education so I'm not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} sure. But the education at this school is definitely geared towards making students well-rounded individuals who are passionate about others and the state of the world. There is a LARGE core requirement, which some people hate, some people love. Don't come here if you would like to take all practical classes that will put you on your desired career path...most people don't start taking classes for their major until junior year. The class sizes are also really small, and the professors will most likely at least recognize you, if not know you personally.

I've been impressed with the academics at Fordham. The class sizes are very small, no more then 25 in any of my classes. Feels like a high school class because they are so small. All my professors know my name. Student study habits vary on their major. The perception is that the business school is pretty easy, not requiring that much studying. Pre-med kids are always in the library. Regular liberal arts majors study a lot, but definitely have time to have fun. Really depends on your major. Communications is though of as the easiest. Class participation is common, many classes have at least 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your grade come form participation. The core requirements are pretty annoying, especially for liberal arts majors. Its very extensive, with language, math, and science requirements. I'm in the political science department and I am very satisfied with the department and the professors. Education at Fordham, again depending on your major, seems to be geared more towards learning for learnings sake then for job preparation. I haven't taken it, but I know the school offers a class called Harry Potter and Philosophy, which is pretty unique.

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Fordham has a strong core curriculum, and as a inter-disciplinary major I have taken classes in a variety of fields. Fordham's academic appeal comes from its small classes and individualized attention. Professors are readily available and strive to make classes interactive, stimulating, and challenging.

Every class is small and personal and the professors usually know everyone's name. Class participation is greatly encouraged. Fordham offers a great Communications and Media studies program. It is one of Fordham's most popular majors. You can concentrate in specific areas. I am concentrating in New Media. It is a great program about the newest of our media technology, exploring how new media like social media outlets are changing the way we give and receive information

The faculty for the most part are wonderful. Two of my past professors and I maintained a friendship after the class was over. There are quite a few grad students who are teachers and they can go one of two ways: (1) we know what it's like and we recognize that this class is probably a requirement for you, so this will be no more or less than what it needs to be, or (2) we hate our lives and we want to make sure the admin are impressed with us, so have a 20 page paper on my desk next week which is worth 80{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of your grade. Competitive students. Erm, I guess that's up to individuals. I'm easily one of the most intelligent people in my classes most of the time, but I also never do any work. So... yeah there's always that kid in the class that everyone hates, but it's all mostly a pretty good balance of work to play time. My major, Communication and Media Studies is my best choice at Fordham. The faculty are great. The classes are extremely interesting ("Gender Images in the Media" "International Communication" "The History and Culture of Advertising"). The problem is one that you'll face after college. The major is extremely theoretical with very little obvious practical application. I wouldn't change what I study at all, but I would add a more practical field onto it, like a minor in Marketing or something.

Fordham's academics are somewhat challenging, so be prepared to study. That said, the professors tend to be very approachable, and every one of them encourages students to come to their office hours outside of class if they need additional help. As a student at the business school, I can definitely say that there is a competitive vibe around the campus, but I mean that in a good way. You'll be encouraged to do your best in the classroom in order to stand out, but also to go into Manhattan and get internships.

Professors for the most part are amazing, very friendly, and intuitive.