Ithaca College Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Vivian

Some professors will get to know you while others will never even learn your name. It depends on if you're in a discussion based class or a lecture. Either way, things can change. It's up to the student to take the initiative to speak to the professor if you want them to know you. Go to their office hours or speak to them after class. Students here study but many also party. A majority of students tend to do a good job balancing both social and academic life. Students do have intellectual conversations outside of class if a serious topic is brought up.

Kelsey

Overall, the academics at Ithaca College are rewarding. The majority of my professors know my name and say hello when I see them, even years after I have taken their course. One of the benefits of the college is the emphasis on smaller class sizes. It is easier to get to know the professors due to smaller classes and they are more likely to care about their students as individuals. I am a Documentary Studies & Production major in the Park School of Communications. I am also in the Honors program, which is based out of the school of Humanities & Sciences. Through my major and the Honors program, I have had two very different learning experiences. In the Park School a lot of emphasis is placed on 'doing.' I have taken several production courses where the main focus of the course is to make one large project. These courses can be frustrating because they favor the students who are already technically savvy. Students learn how to tweak their skills, but as far as deep learning, it is absent. Extracurricular opportunities are emphasized, because a lot of the experience students gain comes from such outlets. So, as far as the classes for my major, if you want to go into the production part of 'Documentary Studies and Production' the curriculum is well suited for such a path. If you are interested more in the 'studies' part and analyzing documentaries then you may become frustrated with the curriculum. To be clear, I have not been completely disappointed with my major. I entered college as a Journalism major and switched to the new Documentary Studies and Production major when it was introduced. Unlike other majors in the Park School, 'Doc Studies' as it is referred, consists of courses from different academic areas. For my core requirements, I have taken photography, film, television and radio, and journalism courses. Without my major, it is difficult to get into such a range of classes. I chose the major because I like the breadth of experience I will have by the time I graduate. Going out into a high demand, multimedia work field, I want my resume to be as strong as possible. In regards to the Honors program at Ithaca College, I could not be more pleased with the courses and the overall curriculum. What sets these classes apart from others I have taken at college has been the discussion based seminar style. Students are rarely lectured at, but rather engage with the professor to talk about subjects being covered. There are usually high levels of reading and writing involved with the courses, but it is well worth it. I am really glad I decided to go into the Honors program and I would say it is one of the best experiences I have had at Ithaca College. The Park School of Communication is geared more towards getting a job, while the Honors program consists of learning for its own sake. Observing the juxtaposition has been interesting for me throughout my college experience.

KerryAnn

I have professors who do not feel the need to come to class on time. Other professors assume that their class is the most important class and therefore subject their students to WAY too much work that they themselves do not read, but make their TA's read instead. Some make me buy books authored by them, usually totaling around 200 dollars - I cannot receive any money back for these books.

Harper

Ithaca's academics are grossly underrated. We have fantastic faculty here who love what they teach. Since I came here over two years ago, I have encountered one professor who I have not liked, and that was not even in the communications school which I am a member of. All of my communications professors know my name and am on an extremely freindly basis with. The head of my department has told me on several occasions that when I turn 21 he is going to take me our for beers down in the commons. The classes are all small, especially when you get past freshman year. During my tenure here at IC, my average class has been about 20 students and now that I am a junior, most of my classes are getting in the 15 person range. I could go on about the intellectual environment inside of class, but outside of it is just as stimulating. I have on many accounts had phylosophical and intellectual debates with my friends on various topics that are important to us; on everything from politics to our positions on certain issues such as the war in Iraq or abortion.

Shannon

I completely enjoyed my academic experience there from start to finish. I was able to get a rigorous, well-rounded liberal arts education, with a wide range of majors, minors, and electives to choose from. Examples of great, interesting courses I took: *African Politics through Film *Race in the Americas *Writing from Cultural Experience *Sociology of Women *Intro to Mysticism *Senior Writing Seminar: Writing & Healing *African Drum & Dance *Multicultural Health & Healing I was a writing major, and found the writing department to be extremely strong. The professors in my major and minor got to know me to some degree (mostly to the degree I chose, not the other way around), and were always accessible. There aren't many graduate programs at Ithaca, so the faculty can really focus on teaching. In my experience, Ithaca students are hard-working but fun-loving, able to balance a deep intellectual conversation about the current state of affairs in Latin America while playing beer pong.

Mike

For the most part professors know you on a personal basis even in the big lectures. My favorite classes were anything taught by Marty Brownstein, but unfortunately he is retiring after next year anyway. Joanne Izbicki is potentially the worst teacher I had at any level, her world civilizations class was almost painful. The education Ithaca offers is not a stellar one, and many members of the staff have admitted openly to me that the school has been heading south for the past five years or so and they are concerned about it.

Jill

Professors are great- ALWAYS willing to work one on one- (atleast all mine have) Great teacher to student ratio and professors really put in the time to help you succeeed. PT is a very challenging major and you must be dedicated. Studying is non stop! Music and theatre programs are also very competitive. Business school is growing as well. Lots of crazy classes like scuba diving or the history of dinosaurs! I think the SAT scores are looked at too much at Ithaca. I still got in, but my SAT score says nothing of how hard I work or who I am. Standarized tests just get me!

Dan

They are very good. You pay for an amazing pedigree of teachers and classes have so far been very interesting for me. The requirements are fair and the classes are fun.

Josh

Professors very helpful, classes not too difficult, except some Park classes.

Greg

Professors in my department know my name and almost all other students in the department. It may take a year or two but our department is really close knit both student-student and student-professor wise. My favorite class was probably sport marketing, the professor was great, spent a lot of time connecting with students, and interactive projects, and in-class assignments. Students are not overly competitive but everyone wants to do well. IC requires a well rounded four years with a lot of electives and required electives. In terms of learning for an occupation or just general education, it really depends on the department. The Sport Management spends a lot of time on real world applications and getting students acquainted to the sport industry.

Ryan

Most professors learn your names. The classes in general aren't too big! my favorite classes were always my Sociology classes, the department is really strong, and growing. The teachers are really dedicated and care about what they are teaching. most of the intellectual conversations i had outside of school were with students from Cornell. There are many resources that you can take advantage of at Cornell. You can take up to 12 credits at Cornell, which automatically transfer and are paid for by Ithaca. Ithaca is not a very competitive environment, at least not in my major (art history). Students should be more involved than they are. They don't seem to do many of the activities outside of the mandatory ones.

Sam

The college focuses mainly on undergraduate education, and is able to mix the best of vocational and liberal arts education. Learning is definitely focused on getting a job at the end of your career, but also about exploring who you are as a person and challenging your beliefs. The communications school has some amazing facilities, and the photo department in general is probably one of the largest I've visited . Almost all professors are easily accessible outside of class and more then willing to help students with pretty much anything. While Ithaca is known for certain things, don't discount general liberal arts classes either. Some of my best classes have been in our sociology, religion, or politics departments.

Jennifer

Most professors at IC will have you call them by their first name. They will also know you by your first name. This is pretty representative of IC's entire academic milleu, everything is very personalized, most classes engage in a lot of discussion, participation is often mandatory. This stimulates a lot of interest in one's classes outside of the classroom. It makes th learning process a lot more fun and as a student, you feel more involved. The requirements for each program are designed around what students in that program need to know, which prepares students well for their future jobs or disciplines. The only complaint is that this can vary greatly between professors, classes, programs or schools.

Kelly

I am very impressed that the professors take the time to get to know each and everyone of their students. Since I am a music major, most of my classes are in Whalen. I am also minoring in French, and it is a really great feeling to know that you teacher knows who you are. I feel that education at Ithaca College is for the purpose of increasing every student's body of knowledge. You are not taught just what you need to know to pass an exam. The professors really care about you knowing the material and understanding it past the minimum requirements needed to get a job.

Alissa

Whether or not the professors know our names really depends on the professor. I had a professor in a survey course who knew all 150 students names by heart. But I've also been in much smaller classes where the professors didn't really know everyone. My favorite class was Visual Culture. Life-changing. My least favorite class was math for decision making. We spent entire classes listing the ingredients in a bagel. Enough said. How often a student studies really depends on the student. I study a lot, but most people I know don't really kill themselves over their school work. They study, but not to an insane degree. Class participation depends on the class, the teachers, and the students. I've been in classes where everyone has an opinion and I've been in classes where people are a lot more timid. Usually it depends on the dynamic. Depending on the major, students can get extremely competative. The most unique class I've taken was critical race theory. I've never had a teacher who approached isses of race and racism in quite the same way. I'm an art history major, which is a small depart ment. It's also extremely intellectually oriented (insert art history pompous stereotype here). We do spend time with professors outside of class in the bi-weekly discussions that we have between students and teachers to talk about current events in the world of art and art history. I think Ithaca's academic requirements could be more rigourous, but I'm probably the only person who thinks that. There are a variety of different classes offered and depending on what you prefer you can either take classes that prepare you for a job or classes that are purely based on learning and intellectual discussion.

Shawn

Classes are pretty small which is nice but that also means attendance is pretty intense so if you are one of those people that don't plan on going to class don't go to IC. There are a lot of really intellectual people in Park and they really enjoy the work that they do for the most part. There are a lot of really great disucsion based classes in all majors which I really enjoy. I can only speak on behalf of Park but the education is very much based on getting a job when you get out. If you put the effort in you can get some really amazing internships which can land you a really good job when you get out and we have really good alum connections. Also the LA and London programs are really amazing!

Heather

Professors on campus know who you are. Regardless of the class size that you are in, the professor will still learn your name. It is great, because 4 years later, I still see my professors on campus and around town and they STILL know who I am. Some of the greatest classes to take, being a biology major, are Neurobiology and Animal Phys. Suprisingly to me, Theater classes were a bunch of fun to take and interesting. Class participation and attendance is essential in my classes. Part of your grade actually comes from participation. Some students study all the time and some dont have to. I find that if i go to class and pay attention and ask questions, then I dont have to study as much. Teachers are always available for extra help when you need it, so USE them when you need them. The academic requirements are okay. I am not going to lie, as a bio major and having to take mostly chemistry classes sucked. I just kept thinking, there are so many bio classes that i could be taking, but instead i have to take all these chem classes. (chem is not my favorite subject) Ithaca has one unique experience. As a bio major, you are required to take a semesters worth of research. Alot of the other institutions do not require that, so as a graduate you are one step ahead of alot of other graduates.

Ashley

Most of the professors become relatively close with their students. They tend to know them by a first name basis and students know them by their first name as well. Most lectures don't require much class participation, but every small discussion class requires class participation.

Reese

I'm in the cinema department and I can tell you that Ithaca's program is among the best in the country. I didn't have to deal with general ed's or crap like that. Once I got into that school, I was hands on with cameras, learning in the editing lab and analyzing movies every night. I can't say enough about the emphasis that is put on creativity. When it comes to grading aspiring filmmakers, you have to be very subjective as a teacher-thus far, my teachers have done that. They look at what I'm trying to tell through my films and grade me based on how I present those ideas.

Abbie

the professors in my department really care about the kids and our interests...they know our names and come to class prepared to engage and teach. they are always willing to meet outside of class. Ithaca on my resume will help me get a good job, and I am confident that I got a great, well-rounded education.

Ashley

I have great interaction with my professors and have yet to have a professor that I regret. My major is geared a lot toward being successful in the future.

Kyle

the academic depts (in my opinion) are not well run. i was 2 majors (psych and french) and both departments screwed me over in terms of my classes. and ithaca students don;t really care about school, unless they are in the physical therapy school.

KJ

Um... do students have intellectual conversations outside of class... not many of them. However, there are pockets of intellectual daring all over campus, particularly in science lab groups, in the Writing Center (watch us go on a riff about proper semicolon usage, I dare you), and in *most* of the political groups on campus.

Andrew

Academics are top-notch. Class sizes are just right, professors are cordial and friendly, and what you learn is stuff you'll carry with you for a long time. The job placement rate is very high, and for good reason.

Jerry

My English professors are always extremely approachable. I would consider most of them to be my friends, and I have never really had any bad experiences with them. I occasionally go to their offices to chat a bit, and often go to discuss papers with them. Other subjects I'm not so sure about--I have had some run-ins with a couple of politics professors, but I try to avoid them when I can. Most of my professors for non-major classes have been very good and kind, and I've learned a lot during my time here. If you do end up at Ithaca, definitely take some classes you never really thought about taking before. That's a huge advantage to going here--there are a lot of different options. Who knows, you might change your entire direction because you loved a certain class or professor so much.

Lauren

All of my professors now only know me by my name, but they remember me for years later. I have had so much hands-on experience now and have learned so much more through those experiences than anything else. I had a chance to study for an entire semester off-campus travelling around the country for my major and it was the best experience of my life. I think that the most common negative thing I have seen is a lack of passion for doing well. Most of the students here seem to feel that it is more important to have a great experience than get good grades. Not necessarily a bad thing!

Andy

It's a joke. But as a Theatre student, i'm not complaining.

Reina

Most of the classes are taught in an intimate setting of 15-30 students. So, unless it is a big lecture class, most of the professors will know you by your name and will be able to pronounce it correctly too! My least favorite class would have to be the Statistics class that I am taking this semester. I took AP Stats in high school and this is the most elementary stats class offered here. It's required for my first major and the professor is a stickler for attendance, so I have to attend the class to get my participation credits. Honestly, even if I didn't attend the class, I would still be doing fine on the exams and quizzes. I feel like the time I spend in that classroom is a waste of time for me. So, either take a class that will stimulate and challenge you or learn to live with your ignorant decisions. The most unique class I've taken so far is probably the Dementia and Aging class I took last semester. It was an entire class focused on dementia, primarily Alzheimer's Disease. It was interesting, but it also broke through a lot of the barriers and prejudices I had formed about dementia itself. My original major was Clinical Health Studies. The program here at IC is great, because after 6 years of education, we graduate with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). The program was actually changed for my year, so my class will be the first class to all graduate with a DPT. Originally, the DPT option was a choice at the end of the 4 years of college education. The new program allows for more room in the rigid curriculum that is set for the major, but it is still much more rigorous than some other, more broad majors' requirements. We are also required to have a concentration/minor. My second major was actually just my minor, but after much thought, my adviser suggested that I just become a double major. It is a lot more work than I imagined, because there are always two sets of work that I have to finish. But I also brought in some credits from high school and took the required credits for Physics I and II and Physics Lab I and II over the summer, so I have a bit more flexibility. Because the Physical Therapy program was changed with my year, I am the first double major for these two particular schools. This creates a small problem sometimes whenever I come across a dilemma, because both advisers have to converse about the most effective course for my academic future. So, by and large, they are making up the rules and requirements for me as we go along. It's exciting to set the precedence, but it can be daunting and time-consuming as well.

Aaron

I am a physical therapy major, not pre-med and the lecture classes can be a little big and getting to know the professor is much harder there but no where near impossible. My other classes is very easy to meet and chat with the professors. I dont really see my professors outside of class unless I need to meet with them about my work. The main goal it seems for everyone is to get a job or have the knowledge to do what it is that you want to do right when you leave ithaca college. The reason I love the PT program is because after 6 years I receive my doctorate degree, at 24 years old I can be referred to as doctor, which is pretty sweet, not to mention the career does make some money... but that is just my bias. The main 4 programs of study are the Music/theater department, which is amazing, their music program is one of the top aspects of the college because it was initially how Ithaca started out. The second is the Park School of Communications, which is something like 17th in the nation for broadcasting, radio, etc. The third is the Health Science and Human Performance which is where I am in the PT, Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Path, etc. The last is the Business School which is the one rising fastest with popularity mostly because of the brand new state of the art building that was just erected.

Emma

you call most of your professors by their first name. My favorite class was probably drawing, and my least favorite is definitely anatomy. I had the worst lab instructor, he made a girl cry once. And our lecture professor was like super enthusiastic, but went like all over the place when he was lecturing, it's so confusing. Students are really competitive, and there is a LOT of studying.

Margaux

All my professors know my name, and I even interact with most professors outside the classroom, whether through meetings in their office, or going to lunch to "catch-up". A majority of my professors have kept in touch throughout my four years at IC, and have been supportive of my academics, no matter now poorly I had done in their classroom. As a biochemistry student, I have had a rigorous course schedule throughout my time at IC. I wouldn't have it any other way. College is meant to challenge you and expand your mind, even if it means that you'll be pushed harder than ever to achieve the grades you're used to getting in high school.

Steve

The classes here are normally small, especially in specific major classes. I would say that Ithaca's communication school is excellent, but their audio production program could use a higher percentage of the schools budget, the equiptment and studio's are out of date and nearly unacceptable.

Amy

Everything at ithaca is very personal. Most professors are very good and layed back at the same time. The students at ithaca college are some what competitive but more with themselves than with each other. Sounds extremely cliche, but for the most part students want to learn because the classes and teaches are interesting

Tristan

Depends on the "school" you attend at Ithaca- there are several: Humanities and Sciences, Communications, Health Sciences and Human Performance, Business and then the "interdisciplinary" one that nobody really knows about (does it even exist? who knows...) By far the communications school is superior. HSHP is split because the phys ed kids are such numbskulls and the physical therapy people are workaholic type-A personalities. Can't really say how tough each school is, but let's just say there aren't many brainbusters. You will have plenty of time to party. The professors are generally good. There are also some truly inspirational professors whose teaching abilities can't really be put into words. Alternatively there are a couple god-awful profs who have no business teaching at the college level. When classes are only 20-30 people deep, the quality of a professor can make a HUGE difference, so you should go to ratemyprofessors.com and literally schedule your classes according to what professors have the best ratings. Avoiding the bad profs and actively seeking the great ones will make a WORLD of difference. Unless you're one of the retarded business students who sleeps in the back of the class. You will not get a good job after graduation from ithaca unless you do journalism/TV-R or physical therapy (5 yr program). Maybe accounting with good grades too. Also, all you med-school hopefuls, keep in mind that there are at least 100 freshman every year who are self-advertised "pre-med" students. By senior year only about 10 of these people ever apply and maybe 4-5 of them actually matriculate into an MD med school.

Britt

Students are competitive depending on the major. Music, communications, theater, and health science students are the most competitive in general. With all the other majors you have some dedicated, competitive students and some slackers. I was a music major with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications and I loved it. However, my career goals required more training in IMC so I flipped the two. Now I'm a music minor.

Charlie

Do professors know your name?: yes - all of mine do Tell us about your favorite class: My favorite class I've taken here was called Personal Essay. My professor was Bob Klier, who was really cool. The class taught you how to write personal essays, memiors, etc. It was interesting. I got to know the kids in the class pretty well. Taking writing classes, especially classes that focus on personal experience, really help you to get to know people. I don't really hang out with many of the people from my writing class, but I know all kinds of weird little details about their life. It's cool. Least favorite?: I hate Italian. I'm not very good at languages. My Italian professor's name is Silvia Abbiati. She's adorable and wonderful, I just cannot get my brain around foreign languages. How often do students study?: I don't study a lot, but I always have work to do. My roommate barely ever studies or does work until the day something is due and then she stays up all night ... I don't recommend this. Is class participation common?: Yes Do Ithaca students have intellectual conversations outside of class?: I do and I'm sure that most intelligent college students have intellectual conversations outside of class. What's the most unique class you've taken?: My Intro to Creative Writing class is very unique. My professor is Gigi Marks and she's wonderful. We've done a lot of really interesting writing exercises in that class. She's just a really innovative professor. Tell us about your major/department: I'm a Writing major and an English minor. I like all of the professors I've had in my writing classes. Some more than others, but I have yet to meet a writing professor I cannot stand. They're very good people, and they're willing to help if you just ask. I find some professors intimidating in class, but if you talk to them one on one, they are much more welcoming. Two of my writing classes last semester required conferences with my professor about each paper I wrote, so that was a good way of getting to know them and getting to talk to them. The writing department is very welcoming, I think, and filled with very interesting people. All of my professors and all the people I've met that are writing majors are either very cool or very eccentric. It's a good department.

Alyssa

Professor at Ithaca are pretty cool they get to know your name because the classes are not that big. My least favorite class is finance but I do like my professor she is really nice and helpful the material is just challenging.

Ruthie

All of my professors know my name. I study a little bit everyday, but it's not completely overwhelming...not all the time anyway. I am a sport management major...I LOVE IT! great program. Ithaca is competitive academically which, I feel, is a very good thing. the school definitely gives you a challenge, but you can have a great time as well!

Laura

The academic situation at Ithaca is so so. Most professors know your name due to the mostly small class sizes. But, if you're class is large, 90 or above, don't expect the professor to know you. My favorite class so far has been my First Year Seminar "Writing About the Native American Experience". The class was challenging and filled with debates. This has been my only class like that. The worst class is by far Calculus 1. My teacher is horrible, doesn't answer questions, and moves unbelievably fast. Intellectual interest? Moderate. Discussions outside of class? No. Overall, I'm paying too much for what I'm being taught.

Michele

As a music student, my experience is different than most other students. I basically live in the music building and will take very few classes outside of the school of music throughout my college career. For me, classes are pretty small (I'd say about 10-15 people on the average), and professors get to know you pretty quickly. The great thing about Ithaca's music program is that there is a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} placement rate, so I know that my degree wont go to waste. But it's not just about training to get a job - we learn a lot that we can use outside of our field too!

Jo

why would you bother? The classes are so hit or miss, it all completely and utterly depends on the professor you get. I've run into just as many awful as good, and that's just a 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} rate, so find somewhere better.

Christine

The teachers are good and they are available a lot of the time so that you can go for extra help. Since classes are relatively small, the professors get to know you one on one and it really makes a difference. Some classes, the teachers don't take attendance and I have to say that I don't go to those classes as much as I should because it's almost like the teacher isn't serious about what he or she is teaching.

Kevin

Nearly all of my freshman courses were with professors that knew me by name. I had two intro level courses with 150+ students and both the professors knew my name. I had one or two other courses with about 45 kids where the profs didn't know me though. Class participation is very common, especially in the more intimate classes that deal with controversial subject matter. Students do tend to be competitive, which I think is great for stimulating debate and achieving success.

KC

Class sizes aren't bad- A few large lectures, but mostly classes small enough for teachers to know your name. I take a lot of classes in the Theater department - in addition to my major requirements I choose to take electives in production, as well. I've had the opportunity to get credits for spending time using practical skills and doing what I love. I've gotten credits for carpentry, stage managing and theatre management- it works out well.

Alec

Professors are more than happy to talk with you, generally, if you make the effort to go see them outside of class. A lot of them seem to really enjoy teaching, classes aren't just an obstacle in the way of their research here. I've loved my experience with the psychology department here. Through your three semesters on research team you get to work on original research under one of your professors. The team I joined focuses on the effects of television, and while some of the work is tedious some is really interesting. Looking back, though, I wish I hadn't spent two years as an "exploratory" (undeclared) student, because I could easily have double majored.

Brian

Most professors know you by name. Studying gets done as much as you choose to do so. Class participation is expected except by those professors who would rather listen to themselves speak. Most classes are trying to help you get a job except for a couple taught by Stephen Mosher which are geared towards making the students actually think outside the box.

Rob

My profs are great. They are extremely helpful, and they all grade fairly. Students can be pretty competitive, but you don't have to be. Students also like to discuss things a lot, which is cool. I've had lunch with my profs a few times and just talked about anything, and I think the school here preps you for life, learning, and a career.

Cody

There are very few universities in the U.S. that offer a degree in writing, and the classes have always been amazing. My professors make me want to teach creative writing, because they're such unique individuals. Any time I can fit in an elective class, there's a huge variety of intriguing and fascinating classes. I just wish I had more time to take ALL the classes that interest me.

Ally

The academics are great at ithaca. Professors push their students to be great as well as help them when they see fit. One of the most unique classes I ever took was Understanding Disability for my Therapeutic Recreation requirement. I had the opportunity to work with a child with autism and it was the most rewarding experience. Getting to know her and learn how to work with her and become her friend was amazing.

Miranda

My professors usually know my name, although I've gone entire semesters without knowing my professor's name. Class participation and intellectual conversations are relatively prevalent in my concentrations. I don't really think they're competitive but theatre student sure are. I don't really know if the education is geared toward getting a job because I study English and Photography so I'm probably going to be a taxi driver.