Wheaton College-Norton Top Questions

What are the academics like at Wheaton College-Norton?

Jesse

The academics at Wheaton are why I attend this institution. Wheaton has provided for me, classes which are engaging and stimulating. My largest class my freshman year had 25 students in the class. Every professor that I have had knows me by name and still knows me by name and addresses me as such when we pass on campus. I can comfortably say that all 8 of my professors my first year were excellent professors. Furthermore, I can say that of these 8 professors, 3 of them have been truly inspirational. I do not know a single student who has made a comment to the effect that they have been disappointed in the quality of education at Wheaton.

Meredith

You definitley can't just cruise or squeak by, but I've had a few nights where I really didn't have much work to do. Probably not the same at an Ivy League college.

Charlie

Classes are generally small and buildings are mostly modern and comfortable. Professors usually know you by name and are very accessible. One down side to a small school--it is extremely difficult to get into classes in popular majors as a Freshman or Sophomore. You won't get into the classes you want until your junior year, which can be extremely annoying. The Connections requirement is a nice idea in theory, but translates into an annoying and stressful experience as most of the classes you will need to take for this requirement are only offered every 3 years, and professors aren't very accepting of independent connection proposals.

Rosemary

Wheaton's academics are the strongest aspect of the school. Since there is no Graduate program the professors seem more focused on teaching. All classes are taught by professors who know you by name and are very open to meeting with you after class. I have also been in classes which have met at a professor's house for dinner or dessert. This extra time spent with students shows how much the professors care. The classes themselves are also very intellectually stimulating and if Wheaton doesn't offer something you can always cross register at Brown University in RI.

Emma

Almost all professors will learn your name and recognize you for years to come. Class sizes run on the small size(20 to 30 students) unless you are in an intro level course which tend to be bigger. The academics can be challenging, but professors are willing to help you with any difficulties you are having. Many of my professors have even given out their cell and home numbers in case we have any questions or problems after office hours. Some students can be very competitive, but you will find these extremely driven students at any school. Wheaton tries to create requirements that help you obtain a well-rounded education. "Connections" are the least beneficial aspect of the requirements even though the theory behind them is sound.

Jenna

I find that wheaton offers really interesting classes that you won't necessarily find at other schools. The curriculum also makes you take classes out of your comfort zone so you get to experience new subjects. In class most professors take the time to learn your name and participation is important. This aspect of Wheaton I really enjoy because it is impossible to get lost in the crowd. All the professors are really interested in the person you are outside of the classroom and want students to come to their office hours.

Alisa

You will get a good education from Wheaton. Personally I am an Econ major, but would have rather been a business major, which Wheaton does not offer. So if your looking to go into business here, econ is your only choice. Professors are very helpful. But limited classes are offered. The requirements are reasonable and actualy help you get a variety of subjects into your schedule.

Evelyn

(See above comment)

Laura

In my freshmen year Modern America lecture class there was about 65 students. This is the largest class I ever took at Wheaton, but we broke down once a week for a small group discussion. I was amazed on the first day of class when the professor included his home number on the syllabus! This is just one example of how available and approachable our professors are. Students regularly are invited to Professor's houses for dinner and some even live on campus. We are such a tight nit community. The 14,000 alumnae/i are a wealth of knowledge and connections for current students. The college plans a series of Senior Alumnae/i dinners during the spring of senior year where current seniors go to the President's House and have a cocktail party with alums from the area. This is just one example of the way students are able to benefit from alumnae/i connections. There is also a student group called "Student Alumnae/i Association" that plans networking and social events for students and alums to connect.

Tess

The academics at Wheaton are very good. Classes are interesting for the most part and the work is demanding but manageable if you learn how to manage your time well. The professors are very helpful and understanding usually and very animated about the subjects they teach. There are of course, some bad classes but there will always be in any school.