Gonzaga University Top Questions

Gonzaga (esp. the sciences) does not believe in grade inflation. The average biology student graduates with a C average in science. In most biology classes, getting B's will require a considerable effort. The good thing is that grad programs and medical schools know that, and take it into consideration when reviewing applicants from Gonzaga.

Professors at this school know your name. They know your major, and they're interested in your success and always willing to help you. Studying is a priority here.

I am majoring in Special Edcation, and I LOVE IT! The Professors do an incredible job of getting you in the schools so that no time will be wasted. You are given the opporunity to become comfortable in the classroom, and you learn so much more by having you own personal (hands on) experience. This also allows you to truly see if education is the right feild for you, and if it is you know it right away. And you are willing work so hard, because you KNOW that's what you want to do!

Good relationships with professors, I have been to numerous professors houses for dinner, classes are small so lots of class participation. Students have intellectual conversations outside of class but students are not to competitive. Gonzaga is definitely geared to learning for its own sake and not toward getting you a job. I liked learning for learning sake but it would have been nice to have some more guidance when it came to finding a job. Biology department is small so there are not many research opportunities.

Classes are easy but because classes are small teachers grade a lot on if they like you or not. Making it feel like high school.

Professors are absolutely incredible. They really make an effort to get to know you on a personal level and take an active interest in your progress, both in and out of the classroom. They are challenging both intellectually and philosophically. I did GU's honors program, so a bunch of my core classes were discussion-oriented, which was awesome. Students are smart. They challenge each other and allow each other to grow through varied and intelligent conversations both in class and at home. I felt challenged at Gonzaga, and thought that I could reach my full potential.

Much like its athletic success and slight preoccupation, Gonzaga also has an incredible history in its dedication and refinement to academic study. As a small school Gonzaga offers very small class sizes, which range anywhere from 6-40 students in a class. I have excellent experiences in the classroom, including one class that I was one of 6 students with a compassionate professor who wanted nothing else but to help us really understand the material. Although, like at any school some classes are better than others as professors and subjects vary in style and intrigue, but I must say that overall I believe the professors to be knowledgeable, challenging, and kind. It is not uncommon for a professor to invite students to his/her home, and many actually build life long relationships. In the classroom, interest and participation definitely varies. Typically in the freshman and sophomore core classes there is not much participation because due to their required nature few really want to be there. But as Junior and Senior year approach, students have focused in on their preferred area of study and interest and participation increases while class size decreases. There is a wide diversity in class curriculum and class choices within each major, however, probably not near as much as a bigger school would be able to offer. That would probably be my only complaint about the academic program at Gonzaga because I sometimes was frustrated that there wasn't a broader selection of classes in the Arts Dept. In the end, I think I have benefitted tremendously from Gonzaga's academic program. I have enjoyed its laid back yet perfectly challenging style and manageable size. If you really want to get into a specific trade though I think a larger school would be more appropriate as Gonzaga is certainly more of a "learning for its own sake" kind of school.

Challenging, but the teachers adjust depending on the student's capabilities and the effort put forth.

The academics at GU are amazing! The classes are small enought that the teachers know you name, how your doing, and in most cases genuinly care about your progress--that is of course if you care. No one is going to babysit you or help you if you don't want it. Much of my time with friends is spent either playing sports, or having an academic conversation over a good cup of coffee. I love to learn and see that trait in many others at GU. Students are competitive in all they do and yet helpful to others. The environment is not cutthroat by any means! The most unique class I have taken is called Survey of International Relations~ it was an incredible, hands one course that was both the hardest and most rewarding class I have ever taken! I love GU's academic requirements as culminated in their desire to produce well-rounded graduates. The professors are the best and are willing to help with both academics as well as life-advice. It seems that doors are rarely closed, and if they are its for a good reason. A Gonzaga education is geared toward future employment, but also toward loving what you do and becoming a life long learner.

Gonzaga is a great school academically. There are great professors that will bend over backwards to help you succeed, both in and out of the classroom. Gonzaga students are generally very highly motivated and strive for success in the classroom. Gonzaga's philosophy is educating the whole person. The requirements include religion and philosophy which have been some of my favorite classes. I am a finance and economics major and have found the business school to be great.