Andrews University Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Thalia

The classroom sizes are not as large as a public institution allowing the teachers to engage with the students on a more personal level. The Communication Department is my favourite because it feels like a family there, and all the professors know me by name. You are encouraged to get active in your department. There are many job opportunities on campus. The courses allow you to gain practical experience.

Kezia

Andrews University is a wonderful school with a reputation for interactive academics. Firstly, the teachers at Andrews make it a point to be personal with the students by giving advice and answering questions on a personal basis. One of my favorite classes was a grammar class. Even though this topic can be difficult, the way the students were treated by the teacher and the interactive teaching methods allowed the class to be more accessible and understandable. Students continually engage in conversations outside the classroom and there is a constant atmosphere of academic growth. This school is a wonderful place to foster academia and gain experience in one's intended field. For example, the English department occasionally does plays and goes on field trips to see plays.There are several other opportunities to help in one's intended field. In addition, there are tours one can go on in one's intended field or for electives. Andrews University is a wonderful school to learn and grow with people there to help and nurture your academic success.

Kezia

Andrews University is a wonderful school with a reputation for interactive academics. Firstly, the teachers at Andrews make it a point to be personal with the students by giving advice and answering questions on a personal basis. One of my favorite classes was a grammar class. Even though this topic can be difficult, the way the students are treated by the teacher and the interactive teaching methods allowed the class to be more accessible. Students engage in conversations outside the classroom continually and there is a constant atmosphere of academic growth. This school is a wonderful place to foster academia and have opportunities to have experience in one's intended field. The English department occasionally does plays and goes on field trips to see plays.There are several opportunities to help in one's intended field. In addition, there are tours one can go on in one's intended field or for electives. Andrews University is a wonderful school to learn and grow with people there to help and nurture your academic success.

Timothy

I take the English program at my school and I find that I am surrounded by intellectual individuals. Most of the classes at Andrews are interesting once you take the ones directly relating to your field of study. But even though you may feel that some general courses are a waste of time, you can usually learn something valuable in them too. The professors are friendly, but it is largely up to you to make sure that a professor knows who you are. One of the things that I love most about my major is our department. It is usually buzzing with activity, but quiet enough to study in. Also studying there gives you opportunities to just connect with your professors and other students of your major.

Emily

I can only speak for the English department, because I am an English major, but my academic experience has been exemplary. Every professor in the department knows each English major's name, due partly to small class sizes, and partly to the mixers and socials that are put on each semester. Each class as a part of my major is relevant, and interesting, and many times students will gather in the lobby of the department to discuss lectures further or compare notes on a recently presented subject. Classes are many times structured as discussions, so participation is highly encouraged, and often students compete with each other to present their findings on a particular work. Discussions rarely end when the bell rings, because students have unshared opinions, and as students are dismissed and take to the halls, many times the spirited debate continues. Although the atmosphere in the English Department is deceptively relaxed and friendly, a fierce academic competition is ever present. Student strive to do will, and the majors in my department push each other to do better. A running joke in the Department is that "nothing said in the department is sacred." For instance, if a student in the department shares that he or she is struggling, that student should not be surprised to find themselves inundated with offers to join study groups, edit their papers, talk, hang out, or whatever the other students feel that person needs to succeed. I have a close relationship with many of my professors outside of the academic environment, and many times those professors are also quick to help if I'm known to be struggling. The majors in the English department pursue knowledge for its own sake, and are often observed to be asking seemingly random questions just to find the answer, but the structure of the department is geared toward getting a job. Many times internship opportunities are presented to majors, and professors many times steer majors toward a subfield that they think said student would enjoy. Many English majors are also studying to be teachers, and many others have a double major in another field and are using English as a foundation, but whatever a student's goals are, the English department has the tools to point that student in the right direction.

ruth

i have been to large classes and normal size ones. the largest had 150 students. to my surprise our professor could call us by our names whenever someone raised a hand to ask a question. class participation is very common at Andrews, in fact, it is one of the grading criteria. students have intellectual conversations outside the class. my least favorite class this semester was history. it was the least favorite because i never thought i can do well in History. i had a wonderful professor who was happy to help me and everyone in class by inviting us with our questions outside the class. the class is not my least favorite class now it is one of my favorite classes. I earned a good grade. i am an English major. i am in an excellent department with a wonderful-intelligent-most creative faculty.we participate in different creative activities each semester like poetry, presentations, we are encouraged to write review, poems, edit,reviews, academic tours etc

Isabelle

I once heard that Andrews students are known for being 'book worms'. I personally do not know the lifestyle of all students on this campus, but I would say that as far as I know, this definitely sticks to the skin of quite a few. Andrews has one the largest Christian libraries and people come from all over just to find books! Sounds a bit crazy, but it's true. Anyways, the reason why I am telling you this is to show that Andrews University has a strong focus on educating us properly; and giving us the right tool to get there. I have taken many classes in Andrews and there is a quite wide range of styles. You have the somewhat big classes in the amphitheaters where you go in and go out. And there are the ones that I prefer, where you find yourself in a class of six students (somewhat rare...). In any case, the teachers from Andrews have always shown interest in every students and in their understanding of the content, no matter the size of their classroom. That is definitely appreciated!

Syddel

The professors do know your name and for the most part I have met really professional, helpful professors. My favorite class probably was Intro to Web Design, my least favorite class was Business Finance. Students study often, there's lot's to do and little time. Class participation is common and sometimes if not most times factors into your grade. Students do have intellectual discussions outside of class especially students who are into more practical fields of study. Students are competitive, it's only natural. The most unique class I've taken was Entrepreneurship, which is a business class where we were actually given some weeks to come up with a business, make money and split the profits among group members. My major/department was the School of Business and no I did not spend time with professors outside of class but I definitely greeted them in the halls. The schools academic requirements are of a very high standard, it's not easy you definitely have to put in the time and effort to achieve good grades. I believe it is the intention of the school to get you a job but sadly I don't think enough is done internally with helping students acquire jobs, yes there are some career fairs but more needs to be done, overall the school needs a solid career services department.