University of Delaware Top Questions

What are the academics like at University of Delaware?

Adrian

At UD most of your classes with be large freshman year, and then get smaller as you get older. But other than that, your education is how ever you want it to be. I know people that never miss a class and people that never go to class, and both can survive. Its all up to you. You can get to know your professors if you want to, through office hours or becoming active with undergrad research, or simply by participating. Overall its what you make of it. The engineering department was very good. i think that the classes are scheduled so that you can graduate with as little hassle as possible. The only problem I had was with the senior design project, which is not up to par with other school's senior design projects (Civil/Environmental Department).

Kevin

Classes I had were usually pretty big, so you probably won't always have a close relationship with your professors. Workload really depends on what major is selected from a wide range. I think I walked out with a respectable degree (Civil Engineering) but I would have liked more school support in helping me acquire internships/job after graduation. There are some resources but I've found you're pretty much on your own.

Jamie

Academics, academics. I enjoyed most of the classes i took at UD. I wasnt a fan of some of the professors but you will find that anywhere. The professors will know your name if you want them too. Most of the intro classes are huge so you dont have that personal relationship unless you make the effort to go see them during office hours. In my junior and senior year I took classes that were much smaller. I really got to know my professors- they were always available to see and help me. I never felt very overwhelmed with work. I actually thought most of the required courses for the College of ARts and Sciences were easy.

Meaghan

Now that I'm a senior I feel that my classes are very small and most professors know my name. I actively aprticiapte in all my classes but I know many students rarely raise their hands or even go to class for that matter. Some classes are strictly exams and attendance and participation are not necessary to get an A in the class- just reading the books or getting the notes offline will do. Other classes require attendance and you need to put in a lot more effort. I am a leadership major and many people have never heard of it or don't understand it. Its kind of frustrating because it has a silly name but it is a really great major. We take all the same business classes the business majors have to take and then we also take additional classes and get training that is crucial for any job. We take decision making classes, power and social responsibility classes, consumer policy classes, public speaking and presentation classes as well as other interesting classes. I have gotten a lot of training on sustainability and how to handle the people side of business, not just how to make the most money, bottom line profit.

Brittany

Most of my professors know my name within the first two weeks of classes. My favorite class is the History of the Animated Cartoon. Class is based on discussion of cartoons shown during the period. This is probably the most unique class I have taken thus far in my academic career. I also enjoy my Women in British Theater course. This class is also centered around discussion and all students sit in a circle to keep dialogue flowing. I have had a positive experience so far with the English Department at the university. I feel all the journalism courses I have taken up to this point, have helped me as an editor at The Review, and I will take this information with me into the working world. I feel education at UD is geared toward leaning for its own sake; however, professors and advisers are very open to helping students obtain an internship. The Career Services building on campus also helps with this. I keep in contact with all my journalism professors. They are very willing to help and provide support and direction.

Ryan

i was in the honors program, and felt like my honors courses with smaller classes really got me closer with professors. a lot of this is up to you. when you first come in as a freshman, yea, you're going to have some big lecture halls. take the initiative to introduce yourself, ask questions, go to study sessions, and get the small group or one-on-one time to get to know professors better. in one honors course on American Constitutional History, the honors section (only 6 people i think) met outside of class at BrewHaHa a local coffeehouse to discuss current events relevant to our coursework. i really loved this one, because it was taught by Dr. Eric Rise who is awesome, and it gave me some great, in depth dialogue with a brilliant professor and more motivated students in a smaller setting.

Michelle

Some classes are very large and some are very small depending on the department and the level of the course. I have had courses ranging from 15 students sitting around one table to a lecture hall filled with 370 students. Class participation is common in smaller classes and rare in large classes. There is a definite distinction between people who are trying to go to Med/Law/Grad school and the people who are just there because their parents want them to get a degree or because they want to have fun. I have encountered lots of both of these types of people.

Erika

Most professors know my name because the Dietetics major is fairly small. I think the Nutrition and Dietetics program is well planned and invigorating.

Nicole

My major is very small so you get close with the professors and have classes that are very interactive. To some extent I believe my major apparel design is a little disorganized and has an extremely high workload but you definitely graduate knowing your trade.

Torry

some professorsdo in small classes otherwise no.