Tulane University of Louisiana Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Rachel

Every one of my professors knew my name. I spoke in class and participated often. Liberal arts and business school classes are smaller and their is more opportunity to interact with professors. But, if students want, they can remain on the sidelines and professors will never know their names. My favorite class was called Communication, Culture, and Body by Professor Daruna.

Madison

While its easy to get to know professors, you can also "hide" if you want to.

Emmerson

Academics at Tulane are great. I had no problem with the A. B. Freeman School of Business. In fact, they were some of the best teachers I have ever had.

Sarah

The professors tend to learn your name, and they really push for class participation. This occurs in smaller classes mainly, and the large intro lectures tend not to have much discussion and personal help, but there are office hours for that sort of thing. The students take their academics very seriously, and they work very hard. The core requirements are a bit of a hassle, but it opens up students to a lot of courses that they may not have necessarily taken without the requirement. This is especially true of the African History course I took this year, I took it in order to fill a requirement, and didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it ended up being one of my favorite classes.

Rebecca

I have never been in a class of over 25 students. They exist, but they're not the norm. All of my professors knew me by name. This worked out well when I needed extensions on papers but did make me feel guilty for missing class. I feel like the general atmosphere of Tulane is geared toward learning for learning sake. However, they don't leave you stranded. Tulane has a career center that is awesome at helping students get jobs. It rocks, its the best. Students study about 3 times a week. I feel like competition only exists for the pre-med students. Maybe that's not true, but I haven't witnessed it elsewhere. The learning environment at Tulane is fairly relaxed. It's independent in that you are expected to set your own bar and really try. Students do. They party almost as hard as they study.

Joey

Classes are small enough at Tulane for professors to know your name, and if you try hard enough, usually you are on a first name basis with your professor. A few professors have class over pitchers at the bar with their students, which is really awesome. Students get their studying out of the way so that they can party, but the kids are genuinely smart and if you want to have an intellectual conversation you can. You can find kids who are interested in what you are interested in at Tulane, so if you want to debate Budweiser Vs. Miller or Obama Vs. McCain, you can find someone with similar interests who can debate you. Tulane had to cut back a little bit on professors and academic departments after Katrina, but they are definitely coming back, especially as the incoming classes are routinely growing and becoming stronger academically and demand for more and different classes are growing. As far as class participation goes, most kids in morning classes are too hung over to participate, but in afternoon classes most kids are alert and responsive. My Chinese language class is awesome, with the teacher not only teaching us grammar and syntax, but she also teaches us slang and how to curse and pick up women in Chinese. Most Tulane students come away with a degree that is highly marketable, and there is a student employment office that is extremely helpful and good and helping kids find jobs. If I could change one thing about Tulane, it is the public service requirement. I do enough on my own, I would prefer to learn in the classroom rather than work, after all, I'm paying enough for my education (Tuition and Fees will surpass $50,000 this year), I don't want to pay to do volunteer work.

Mary

Most of my professors know everyone's name, but in freshman level lecture classes it is often easy to slip by without your prof. even knowing your name. Participation can be included in your grade, depending on your class size.

Terry

Intro course will suck, because they are intro courses. Tulane brags about how all professors teach freshmen but plenty of professors hate that fact and so you're screwed there. But After that, the academics are good. The history department and political science departments are both surprisingly good, and the work is appropriately hard. Not impossible, not made to grind students down, but challenging. I think that's a good thing. Tulane's intellectual climate is lacking, but it does exist.

Hunter

Students seem to be closer with professors inside their major. Professors teaching intro and large classes do not know students' names. Most students study only when they have an upcoming test. Tulane students work hard and play hard. They get their work done, but would choose going out over staying in and studying. The education at Tulane is geared toward getting a job. Many professors also work in the major they are teachinig (doctors, business).

KC

Most of the professors here are absolutely amazing. Occasionally, there is one professor that no one can stand and is horrible - mostly in the math department! But, I have had lunch with a couple of my professors from fall semester during the spring because I wanted to keep in touch with them. Many professors will really help you if you go to their office hours because they see that you will care. I am double majoring in Communications and Art History and while I have really only taken my freshman core classes so far, the classes that I have had in the departments have been why I wanted to major in those specific majors. Once you graduate and you apply for a job and you say that you graduated from Tulane, you already have one good thing on your side because of your education from this school.

Matt

I find the academic atmosphere at Tulane to be a good balance of smart people who also value being social. I rarely meet a person who attends the school who I would categorize as unintelligent, and nearly everyone gets their schoolwork done with pride. I find the curves in the class to be difficult and everyone must work for their grades, good or bad.

Casey

There are a lot of good programs especially in the sciences and in business but also in liberal arts and fine arts (with growing programs in this field). Math here is difficult, not MIT difficult, but difficult. Language programs are good, especially French. Most of my professors have been nice and helpful, and you can definitely get a close relationship with your professor. They do care about undergraduate students!! Undergraduate research is available for almost all scientific fields. Classes are not overly competitive, except in the hard sciences. However, even there, other students are not trying to push you off the edge to advance themselves. Academic requirements make double-majoring easy if that is for you, and it's good for pre-med stuff, but a lot of the advisers are terrible, so you have to know how to keep up with your own stud.

Toby

English department is great. Teachers get better every year. Music department is dwarfed by the other programs at colleges in New Orleans, but the head of the department is changing, and the curriculum and majors are expanding rapidly (particularly in jazz), so the future bodes well for music at Tulane.

David

About half of the professors are very good, but the other half do not know how to teach. Many of the best professors seem unappreciated. Students seem to care more about the grades they make than about what they learn, so the academics are not generally held to a high standard.

Ashlynne

The teachers here are brilliant, especially in the engineering department. They not only teach you the life applications outside of classrooms but the methods of learning. I have taken initiative to get to know my professors and taken a couple out to lunch on Tulane's generosity. You have to realize that they are human and desire to make new friends as well.

Monica

My professors know my name because I take pretty small classes. Professors with larger classes usually don't know people's names. My favorite class is Portuguese. It's taught by a Brazilian grad student, and there are only five of us in the class. Students usually don't have intellectual conversations outside of class. Students aren't very competitive. I love my major and department. Latin American Studies is a great group of people, and I feel very connected to it. I spend time with one professor in particular outside of class. I'm fine with Tulane's academic requirements except for service learning. Education here is aimed towards making money as easily as possible.

Shawn

Academically, Tulane is mediocre. The only thing that maintain's Tulane's spot on the Top 50 is the Business School and some science programs. Your degree might have some weight, but don't expect to be impressed. Students take classes seriously to varying degrees. A lot of students drop out, and some never enjoy the nightlife. The key to success at Tulane is to find a balance in between getting all of your coursework done and having the time of your life. I'm a student in Biomedical Engineering. Being one of the stronger engineering programs it was kept during the cuts made after the hurricane. It has a very rigid curriculum and if you're an engineer your schedule is virtually predetermined every semester. A lot of my classmates are premedical students looking for a flashy major, but by the time you get to junior year everyone realizes how well this major really would prepare you for a career in research.

Reese

Make sure you take Calc or Stat in high school before taking it here -- otherwise there's a good chance you'll do pretty poorly in the classes. The best thing about academics here is that the classes are pretty small so it's easy for you to build a relationship with your professors. Most of my professors seem to really care about helping their students. I think a lot of professors take having hangovers into account while grading your work -- so that's chill.

Blake

Some majors have great classes and professors and others don't. Choose your major wisely. Classes are challenging but professors are available to meet with and the students really know how to work hard, party hard.

Alex

All the professors know me because I am one of only two Black students in my department (engineering). The odd thing is that some teachers constantly mix us up . . . Hmm, . . . anywho, the students are very competitive. Some classes are graded on a curve, which promotes this competition to be the best to ensure you get a better grade than your classmate. That has its good and mostly bad points; there's not an open learning environment. It becomes about who you know and who you don't. Outside of that, the quality of education is excellent. The teachers are experienced in their field and quite knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. The research and portfolios of the instructors are impressive to say the least. I do not spend time with my professors outside of class. I do not care to associate with those in my department because I have not had the best social and group experiences within my department.

Lauren

So far I have definitely been satisfied with the academics at Tulane. All of my teachers have made themselves available, and many of them have shown much enthusiasm about the subjects they teach. I have had only one teacher who I felt was very knowledgeable about the subject, but could not seem to convey his knowledge to his class in a comprehensible manner, which was very frustrating. Overall, I think that Tulane students are motivated and typically more competitive with themselves, rather than with each other.

Stephanie

The classes at Tulane are my favorite classes I've ever taken. I have only had one or two classes with more than 20 students in them. Most of the classes are small and intimate, and the professors are top notch. I know all of my professors, and they all know me (I call many of them by first name). When I see them on campus, I usually stop to talk for a few minutes, there is just a really good connection between students and faculty at Tulane. There are lots of different types of classes, and of course, what you take depends on your major. I am double majoring in English and Anthropology, so I get to take a wide variety of subjects and class types. I've had lecture classes, workshops, discussion classes - there are many ways to teach and learn at Tulane. There is a list of core requirements that all students are required to take, and that can sometimes be difficult when all you want to do is take fun art classes. But you have to understand that it is important to have a good basis in knowledge before you can specialize in anything else. I have always been graded fairly in all of my classes, and most professors are very understanding of certain situations and really take the time to consider individual students. Which makes it a very good idea to get to know the professors and to go to class and participate. If they know you, chances are your grade will be better. Just talking to a professor, voicing your concerns, can boost your grade. If you are on the cusp, you just might get bumped up a grade for active participation. The course load is hard, there is a lot of work involved, but there is time to do it. Time management is key, and understanding your priorities and your schedule can help a lot. Just try to stay on top of things and the work isn't too bad. It's one of the top schools for a reason - the best professors, the best students, the hardest classes, and the best grades. It's got to happen somehow, right? So just do the work, no big deal.

Emily

The academics here are what you make of them. If you set a up a huge course load for yourself, you will be working a lot. I usually take about 15 credits which is totally manageable and you can still have a social life. Some majors seems harder than others. In general, I think the professors here tend to be pretty great. I know I have had some professors that have really inspired me and I won't forget them.

Chris

Tulane classes are widely varied. Some of them are auditorium style classes with massive amounts of students, in which case professors rarely know you on a first name basis (though in my experience they will make an effort if you do), while other classes are very small, perhaps ten or fewer students. The average class at Tulane, however, is a medium sized one. Large enough to contain a fair amount of students but small enough to promote a better relationship with the professor.

Jessie

For the most part, the professors are very close to their students. I hang out after class with some of my teachers - things like grabbing coffee and discussion for an hour. Even in large classes (lectures of 40 or more) where the teachers can't work with you on a one on one basis, they are completely willing to meet with you after class, in office hours, or by appointment, will listen to your concerns, and are always willing to lend a hand.

jessica

academics at tulane depend entirely on what you are willing to put into it. students are smart here, so they can do well even if they dont go to class if they cram before a test. its hard to fail classes because teachers want you to do well, but you're going to have to work for an a. theres no competitive highschool attitude with students comparing grades and such. if i miss a class, ive never had a problem getting someone to share notes with me. people here are generally friendly.

Kaydence

A lot of programs were cut after Hurricane Katrina and course selection isn't always great because of the small school size but you can usually find the classes you want to take.

Andy

Some of the best (or most famous) academic departments/programs here at Tulane: business, architecture, Latin American studies, public health, and I'm sure there are many more I'm not aware of. I feel like all of my professors have been very knowledgeable and engaging.

Ryan

Even the most obnoxious overly social people and the dunk too have a good head on their shoulders. While the athletes are for the most part very nice and outgoing are just mentally not there and well below par.

Kate

Most of the classes I have taken so far have been generic and quite frankly, boring. The classes are so big that you have to go out of the way to get to know your professors, and most of them won't remember you if you introduce yourselves anyway. The education is probably geared toward getting a job, but I don't feel like I am learning anything along the way. I have yet to experience an intelligent conversation with my peers outside of class (except for with my friends who have already transferred).

Will

Academics at Tulane are haphazard, and require a lot of personal initiative. Students rarely study, and its possible to get an A in a course while learning nothing of the material in many cases. However, there is a lot there if you put the effort in. Course offerings are similarly random, and it can take a lot of searching to find major requirements in some departments. The political science department is especially subject to these constraints. There are few professors and fewer course offerings, and most courses are taught one semester and don't reappear. Departmental support for research and career opportunities is not really there. My academic advisor rarely has anything useful to say, and basically serves as a rubber stamp for my own ideas, which can be a problem when i'm unsure of things. The education is there if you're willing to dig for it, but on the whole it seems far more difficult than it should be. In terms of reputation, resources, and departmental support, it all went the Medical and Business programs. If you don't want to be a doctor, lawyer, or MBA, there really is no academic reason to attend this school.

Austin

I've had some amazing professors and some that are just OK. I'm a liberal arts major and the biggest lecture class I've had has been about 60 Science majors will have slightly larger classes though.

Heather

Most introductory classes are about 100 people (at least in the sciences), but as the levels of the classes increase there are way less than that. The professors like it when students stay after to ask questions. For the most part students study the hardest during midterms and finals and only a little in between (also depending upon the classes in which you're enrolled). By the end of most classes the students know each other because they form study group. Pretty much all the classes are really good, except for the introductory math classes. The math professors very often don't speak english well and aren't good teachers. All the other departments in which I've taken classes do really well with teaching and caring about the contents of the lectures.

John

Most classes are small and for the most part the professors are awesome but there definitely are the boring 100 person lectures of any college as well.

Andy

Tulane's academics are what you make of them. If you want to get by as an anonymous face in the classroom, you can do this, and probably make decent grades as well. If you want to get a top-notch experience and really know your professors and take away knowledge above and beyond just what is offered, this is possible too.

Julia

Most of my teachers know my name, except for in the large intro classes. Most of the teachers really want to get to know you, and they want you to well. The amount of studying varies from student to student based on their major or motivation level. Most people are motivated to study but also to party. You just have to know how to balance it all. In the Business School, the education is geared at getting a job or furthering your education in grad school. I think the liberal arts programs are more about learning for its own sake.

Bob

Every one of my professors has learned my name since I've been here. My largest class so far was about 75 students, and my professor that semester learned most people's names and knew when someone was missing or someone who wasn't in the class was there. Students study when necessary. You'll always see students studying at the library or study lounges around campus, and during finals, everyone is studying incessantly. Our academic requirements are pretty strenuous, and it keeps me on my toes. Our education is fairly geared toward getting a job. An on-campus department, Hire Tulane, throws a job fair at least each year, and they offer help writing resumes and finding jobs when you graduate.

Nikki

Professors expect a lot from students. There is little to no babysitting, and professor-student relationships tend to be very matter of fact. That being said, professors are definitely top-notch, and will provide you with the tools to get the grade. Tulane students love giving their opinions on everything. This can be great for discussion based classes, and not so great in lectures!

Molly

I attended a prestigious high school where the academic work was challenging. Thus, although Tulane is no doubt challenging, the work load was not as challenging for me as I first expected. However, the classes are in no way easy and I feel as if I am receiving an excellent education without constantly stressing. I think there is a great balance in the classes here.

Natasha

I have only taken one class that exceeded 50 students, and some of my smallest classes top out at 8. Professors definitely know who you are, making sure to mark you absent even if they don't officially take attendance. Some of my profs from freshmen year still call me by name when I see them around campus. I've learned not to go to class if you haven't been keeping up, or if you can't bs your way through a direct question (you do get called on by name). Professors are usually more than happy to meet with you out of class, or for a meal (you eat free at the student center if you are lunching with a prof!).

Ashley

It depends on the class. Some professors make a point to know everyone; others don't care. I feel like it's the same at all colleges. My favorite class is probably all of my art history classes. They are so entertaining. The fact that so much meaning could be hidden in a painting amazes. The professor is hilarious. He's from England. He's very open about sex, which makes the study of art much more interesting. My least favorite class is Organic Chemistry. Everyone hates it. Students study a lot, but students also go out a lot. I really feel like it is the perfect balance. It's such a unique environment that it is hard to explain. I can study from 6 pm until 10 pm, then go out around 11 pm, and this would be completely normal. Everyone does what they need to do, then they enjoy life. It's a rigorous school; we are responsible when it comes to studies. Yes. I remember when I first came to Tulane. It was so different from high school in the fact that none of the people here are idiots. Everyone is well educated and has different backgrounds. A lot of intellectual conversations. The competition depends on one's major. As a pre med student, I have to say there is a lot of competition being that everything depends on the curve in many of my classes. The most unique class I took was Music and Culture on New Orleans. Tulane requires freshmen to take a TIDES course. These usually involve the student in learning more about the city of New Orleans. I am Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major. I get emails everyday about seminars and programs that I might be interested in. No, I don't spend time with professors outside of class. Tulane is definitely geared toward getting a job. Most people here want to make money and be successful.

Kendall

Classes here can be really long and boring, but once in a while you'll find a class that you really like. the teachers seem to care, and make an effort to learn your name. they may not always remember who you are the next semester, but they usually recognize you if they see you around campus and will say hi.

Victoria

The academics are good, the classes are fairly small, so you can get to know your professors and the other students pretty well. Classes aren't extremely academically challenging, but the upper levels can get much more difficult and stimulating. Many Tulane students prefer to skip class, not do the reading, etc. But that just makes those of us who do, look better.

Andrew

not as hard as the reputation

Jake

academics are not as strenuous as i expected them to be (though i have little problem with that). i enjoy my psychology classes for the most part. i dont know many of my professors though.

Sarah

Some of the best advice I've ever gotten was to take a class I knew nothing about. Tulane's academic requirements make it interesting and easy to explore departments outside your major while still fufilling core requirements. I'm a science major, but I am taking classes I never thought I'd find interesting like Cultural Anthropolgy. I'm even taking a guitar class and getting credit for it!

Allison

Students at Tulane are very competitive. They know that although you go to college to have a good time, you're here to work

Jonathan

There are people who study all the time and people who never study, but there is a very relaxed attitude towards academics here, no one is competitive about grades and everyone wants each-other to do well. Most of my professors know my name, if not they know my face and they are always available and helpful. If you want an A here, you can get it if you work hard enough there are no impossible classes and teachers want you to do well.

Andy

Professors in the Business School are definitely the best on campus. They all have real world work experience, so they can bring practical knowledge to the classroom. You can definitely be on a first name basis with most of your teachers, especially as you start to specialize in your major. Class participation in these classes can sometimes be mandatory, which can be nerve racking at first, but you definitely get used to it. Everyone has to do it, so no one really judges you. I know I have intelligent conversations outside of class, but I'm not sure I can speak for other Tulane students. Students don't seem to be too competitive. The one drawback of Tulane's academic requirements is that you have to take a lot of irrelevant classes. For example, I'm a finance major, and I had to take all of these bullshit classes like anthropology and genetics. I guess Tulane wants you to have a "well-rounded" education, but if I'm never going to use any of that knowledge ever again, why should I have to take it? I feel like outside of the business school, Tulane's classes are just about learning subject matter, not getting a job post-grad. I have a lot of buddies outside of business who are in their last month of school before graduation and have no idea what they are going to be doing next year. However, in the Business school, they really help you fill out applications, practice interviews, have career fairs, etc.

Yvette

-Some of my professors know my name... like half. -Favorite classes: microeconomics and psychology. -Least favorite: plays and playwrights