University of Delaware Top Questions

I feel that academics at the University of Delaware are all about what you put into them. Because of the size of the school, it is hard to have a close relationship with all of your professors. However, that does not mean it is not possible to have any relationships whatsoever. I was able to create relationships with some of my journalism professors, but this took some effort on my part. As an English major working in finance now, I feel that all students should be required in some capacity to take at least an intro to finance, or some practical application to money outside of college. I took a program called the "Certificate of Business fundamentals" which I found extremely helpful towards getting me a job. I feel that at least one class related to this field is important because the tangible goal of attending college is to get a job. Before taking any of these classes, I did not have the faintest idea of personal finance; I didn't know what a stock was, what a 401k was or even how to handle my own money. Taking at least one of these classes would provide at a minimum basic knowledge for students so that when they do get a job, they are not overwhelmed by the money that associates it.

As an underclassmen, you can't expect the professors to know your name unless you take the initiative to visit them during office hours. As a history major I was able to take a variety of classes, none of which were more difficult than I could handle. I took a class devoted to the JFK assasination, one on Paris and London of the previous 200 years and a couple of Modern Islam classes. I can't say enough about the journalism program. Because the school is close enough to Philadelphia, it draws a number of great speakers. I was taught by one of the best columnists at the Daily News and a former veteran sports writer. I listened to guest lectures from two ESPN columnists and one of the best style columnists in Philadelphia. The one thing Delaware didn't do was set me up with a job. The career services center is a joke and the best advice came from alum friends or professors. The jobs are out there and you'll know where to look but don't expect any one to hand you the oppourtunity.

Yes. If you try and go to class, they know you. Favorite: Politics and the media. Least: Bio and chem. Students study a lot I'd say. No one really fucks around with school work..they get it done. Yes. Yes but not all the time. I haven't heard it as I walk campus. Not really, unless its a drinking game. Philosophy of Modern Times: South Park. Good department. I wouldn't change any of it. No. Fine, I have no problem. A little of both.

I was very happy with the professors and academics in general. I was an English major with a concentration in Journalism. I loved my professors and especially the ones in my concentration. They definitely knew all our names and were very interested in helping to make sure we were learning as much as possible. I'm not sure which class was my favorite. I really enjoyed Biblical and Classical Literature (oddly enough, the professor is great) and also my Senior Seminar on American Classics.

Once you get past freshmen year introductory lecture classes,Professors usually make a point of getting to know their students. I think the English EBT department is geared towards getting a job, I can not speak for the other departments. Some students are competitive, while others aren't. Most people participate in classes.

I'll explain to you my academic experience at UD (which probably is not too common). I went to each of my classes about once a week, and I maintained a 3.0 to keep my academic scholarship through all 4 years. I never went to classes on Thursdays or Fridays, with the exception of days when I had tests, quizes, or the occassional professor who took attendance and wouldn't be fooled by my friends signing me in. Of course, with each major it's different, and few people dared to miss as much class as myself. As far as studying is concerned, it varied from class to class, ranging from no studying to at most 5 hours the night before an exam. Typically, I'd spend an hour or two the night before looking things over, but it hardly is normal for UD students to do this.

Yes, all my professors know my name. But I think this is because I have smaller classes and am a Senior. My favorite classes have been with Professor McKay Jenkins. Those classes were Literature and the Environment (ENGL480) and Journalism and Genocide (ENGL409). He's an amazing person and he has changed my path in life. I study at least three to five hours a day, but sometimes more. Class participation is common in my classes, but I think this is because I'm in English classes. I think UD students have intellectual conversations out of class. I think it depends on your group of friends, though. Students are not too competitive. The most unique class I've taken is probably Journalism and Genocide. I do spend time with professors outside of class, but I think this is because I'm doing research with Professor Jenkins. I also work at The Review, so I tend to see professors because of that as well. I think UD and the journalism department has definitely prepared me for getting a job. I've already had job offers.

Academics are getting better at UD. I didn't like the large classes that fulfilled breadth requirements for the College of Arts and Sciences. The best classes were the small, focused ones, particularly in the political science department that allowed students to do more than just write papers or sit in lecture halls. I have been in video conferences with Lebanese students and had wine and cheese with the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Freshman year few professors knew my name, but not that I am a senior all my professors know my name. My favorite class is a politics in entertainment communication class. Our professor got her doctorate in political humor and we analyze the new, watch daily show clips, and joke around a lot in class. I hated calc freshman year, it was awful. I study when I have exams, but I don't send all my time doing work. Class participation is common, few intellectual conversations happen outside of class, and you can find your competitive students, but things are not cut throat here. My politics in entertainment communication class is probably my most unique. The comm department is small and competitive. You start for 2 years as a comm interest major and then after taking 4 core courses they put your "comm gpa" against everyone else's and take the top 100. I really like the professors & I like that it is small. I don't spent time with professors outside of class, but I know people that do. The requirements are a fine, a lot of breadth requirements though. I would say the education leans toward getting a job.

Most professors know my name. It is hard in those larger classes. But you have to understand...it isn't necessarily the teachers fault. If you want them to know you, go up and talk to them, make an impression. If they don't know your name...well thats your own fault. I have so many favorite classes I can't even begin to focus on one. I have loved my sociology class because the professor was amazing and the material was so interesting. I got so much out of that class...even though there were 200+ in it. I love my small physics classes where everyone gets to know eachother and your true personality can come out. My least favorite classes are the ones I can't perform well in...because I don't understand the material or I don't like it. Thats my own fault and not UD's. The library is always packed. The coffee shops on main street are always packed. Students study like crazy...but know how to relax and make up for it. Yes, class participation is common. Our students have great minds and love to share their knowledge with each other. Everytime I go out either I or someone near me is having an intellectual conversation...outside of class. Students are very competitive, but in today's society who isn't? The most unique class I've ever taken must be my philosophy classes...no surprise there. My major is physics and my department is physics and astronomy. My last year here I added education so I could teach high school physics. The department has amazingly smart students and an even smarter staff. There is a large amount of money for students to do research. There are clubs, organizations, study groups, a library, a lounge, and a ton of labs all for us to use. Professors tend to get side tracked with their own research at times, so you have to know how to get alternate help. I could spend time with professors outside of class, but I choose not too. UD's academic requirements are very fair for the most part. They refuse to let students out of taking science just because it isn't their major, etc. They are difficult, but fair. Learning...for its own sake.