University of California-Riverside Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Jamie

Most courses are rather small. Even the lectures will have about 300 at most.. In those situations, professors may not know your name. But I HIGHLY recommend you take the extra half hour every 2 weeks to attend office hours.. It is CRUCIAL to befriend your professors/TA.. not only for help on your schoolwork.. but also if you apply to grad school, or need letter of Recs.. you need that relationship. My favorite class was randomly chosen my first quarter of college "Cultural Anthropology" - Everybody take it!!!! It's what made me choose my major! My favorite professor of ALL TIME is Peter Graham.. he teaches Philosophy courses.. Do take a class from him even if that is not your major. Also, another GREAT professor/TA is.. I think her name is Alexa?? She teaches Religion courses.. absolutely the most eccentric, intelligent young individual you'll meet.. I feel that the academic requirements were fair. I think the education at UCR, or any university for that sakes.. is really geared at building a deeper foundation in individuals that wouldn't be earned elsewhere.. Depending on the career path one wishes to take.. it may or may not benefit them to have a college degree. But I can say from observation, 2 years out of college.. Those that have attended college, VS those that haven't.. regardless of their income now, are so much more open-minded and insightful than those that haven't (statistically speaking). It is due to the interactions students have in the dorms, living with, next to people they would have otherwise not befriended.. it's the random subjects you learn in courses you wouldn't have otherwise taken. In high school, they teach you basic a,b,c things that don't require much thinking/analyzing.. rather things to memorize, as in math, history, English.. But in college, one learns, analyzes and applies.

Ryan

Faculty at UCR is awsome. While classes are somewhat big, they tend to be smaller than other universities and the faculty is always ready and willing to help. If anyone is interested in History, they should definately check out the history department at UCR. It is a small department, but the faculty is very involved with their students. In fact, they even give out awards to the students at the end of the year and have a end of the year History party! Classes at UCR are really unique and interesting. So far, the most interesting class I have taken in Juvenile delinquency. And as for the conversations that students have, what we learn transfers over from the class room to places like the commons.

Robert

The professors at UCR are for the most part strong. The engineering professors are very open to undergraduate research opportunities, and are willing to serve as mentors to their student. The Academics in general at UCR are poor. The student body for the most part is very lazy, and cheating on homework is commonplace. The student body has a dual hump shaped distribution with students either being very intelligent and hard working, or very lazy and sometimes unintelligent. Some science classes attract more of the first type of student, and are very competitive, other humanities coursework may not be as competitive.

Ryan

Most professors in the lower division classes will have no idea who you are, but the TAs were pretty good about being personable. The goal is to be familiar with your professors because they will help you out and often offer ways to bring up your grade if you simply ask. The best class I took was Parasitology with Dr. Platzer, its the only undergrad class that involves vertebrate testing. I thought Dr. Luben was the best Biochem professor.

Skylar

When you pick an area of emphasis and take as many classes as you possible can in that area the academic experience is awesome and worth the relatively low price of a UC Riverside eduction. Meeting a professor or other faculty member who sparks your interest in a subject or area is the best thing you can do, and one that's likely at a smaller school like UC Riverside, because they're always available to help you with the next step...i.e. individual research, internships, grad/professional school...etc.

Amanda

I loved the academics a ucr. the professors did know my name for the classes in my major. That would not be the case in the huge intro classes. My favorite class was an upper division class on the Andes and the various ethnographies about that area. there were only 15 people in the class and half were grad students. i loved it. i worked really hard, but it was worth it.

Aileen

Academics at UCR are what you make them. I know people who partied their way through college (Business Majors!) and I know students who studied all day 24/7 (pretty much anyone getting a BS). I, however, found a nice balance of work and play. As I mentioned earlier UCR has a large family feel to it, kind of like the Kardashians, functionally dysfunctional. The professors know your name, if you make the effort. Chances are you will spend more time with your teaching assistants, as lectures can be upwards of 500 students. In my experience the same handful of students participate in class lectures, not because other people cannot join more so because many student choose not to. The Psychology department is large, so do not expect a lot of attention from your academic adviser. The professors in the department are perhaps some of the most innovative on campus and will give you the opportunity to work alongside them on research projects. The Political Science Department is smaller, however the professors are very passionate about their field of study within the major. I had the opportunity, with the help of professors in both departments to develop my own research project merging the two fields for the first time on the UCR campus. I feel like this opportunity would not have presented itself at any other school. The faculty wants you to succeed. As with everything I have discussed so far, what you put into your time at UCR is what you will take away from UCR. There are any number of opportunities to work with faculty and gain real world experience that will help you when you enter the work force.

Rachel

As an unstated rule, Lower Division classes are huge and the only way a Professor will know your name is if s/he sees you outside of class at least three times for various reasons. (Unless you're my friend who sits in the front and asks obnoxious questions and has the Professor so annoyed that they start throwing chalk at him, I don't recommend this route) My favorite class is one that's unique to UCR, Natural Hazards and Disasters. I took it, I got a high grade, I would take it again just because it was such a fun class. It is tag teamed by two professors who switch off lecture days and the class project is to put together a report over the course of the quarter that shows all the possible hazards to your own home. You get to see lots of videos and learn about various weather patterns and such, it's kind of like taking a class right off the Discovery Channel.

Shannyn

I received a B.A. in English, with a minor in History, and an M.Ed. while at UCR. Each of my professors had something valuable to offer. They showed students how to learn for the sake of learning, and that if you did that everything else would fall into place. Many discussions would last well beyond the end of our designated class time, and their office doors were always open for "inquiry". The professors became a part of your life. The English department had an end of the year BBQ at the deparment head's home where faculty and students converged to enjoy each other's company as scholars and as individuals. My time as a graduate student was even more significant as I formed lifelong friendships with my peers and our professors. Some of our professors even attended our cocktail party when we graduated. To this day, if I needed professional assistance, I am quite sure I could call on any one of them.

KC

Fuck the classes with a pop of 5000+ The upper division classes are generally better at focusing on student proficiency. Dont give your professor shit on the first couple weeks of classes. A good many of them take a while for you to warm up to them. Go to class. The more you ditch in the wrong weeks the dumber you are. The best weeks to ditch are 4th week for 500+ classes and 8/9th week for 15-30 group classes generally need your participation at all times especially upper division workshops. Atmosphere within group classes and upDiv's in your major generally are more enjoyable as time goes on. All lowdiv classes usually are huge pains in the ass.

joe

academic wise.... uc riverside has a lot of professors who use powerpoint and it is really damn boring also some professors you just cant understand. there are only a few professors worth taking and for anyone who is a business major TAKE REAL ESTATE BEST CLASS EVER WITH A GREAT PROFESSOR.

Paul

Like anything in life, academics at UC Riverside will give back to you what you put into it. I worked hard and asked as many questions as it took to get the answers I needed to succeed. UC Riverside like most schools and Universities will not necessarily prepare you for a job. UC Riverside prepares you for a career! I now have a very high paying job in the the high tech medical industry in the Bay area.

Parker

The best thing about education at UC Riverside is that the professors want to see you do more then just get a degree. They really want you to leave with a career, a internship, or heading to grad. school. Its more about learning and then really being able to use what you have learn and apply it to the world. Of course don't get me wrong we do have some not so great teachers and classes, but you will find that at any college University or not. What helps when you find yourself in trouble with a class or two is that we have great support systems, like the learning center, where you can get free walk-in tutoring. Also there are different clubs whose aim is to support and help students who have the same major. Which people really use lol I know my friends surprised me when they would tell me they couldn't hang out because they were getting tutored or have a study group. At UC Riverside asking for help and support does not show weakness it shows that students are Determined to Succeed which only helps to push other students.

Shelby

The students at Riverside are not challenged enough! The professors are too easy, so students know exactly what to do to get by in class.

Eli

I have had the honor to take many classes with some of the best professors here at UCR. Some were political science classes or math classes. The majority of students do study but I believe we also know how and when to let loose and just chill. I would say a good number of students actually have intellectual conversations outside of class. The education at UCR that I have earned is geared toward getting a job and for the sake of just plain learning.

Jessie

for CHASS: classes are a joke. Upper division business classes are even easier than the business classes some well-funded high schools offer. The business school is still recovering from the nuke that the Provost dropped on them a few years back, although the new Dean hired from USC does have very ambitious plans to correct all the wrongs. The only positive aspect of being a CHASS student is the fact that students who either actually study or are smart can easily get 3.75+ GPA and transfer the heck out of this desolate wasteland after two years. UC intercampus transfers (outgoing) are extremely typical. Many students get offers from UCLA, UCSD, and UCSB. Once you get to May of your second year, you'll most likely bid farewell to 70{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the competent students on campus that you've gotten to know, because they'll all be transferring out... no one wants a lifetime association with a disgusting city like Riverside.

Chris

The classes are huge. Proficiency in written English (there is a great deal of writing) and mathematics is required for nearly everything worth studying. You may have professors that do not speak perfect English. but... The professors are some of the top researchers in their fields and can be contacted with ease. There is a plethora of decent things to study and the university offers almost any coursework you can conjure up. There many opportunities for research, both with professors and independently. Research facilities are some of the best in the country.

Aishwarya

Academics at UC Riverside are the same as they are anywhere else, large 500 student classes as well as some small 20 student classes. At the freshmen level, the classes are a great way to network and get to know other students as well as to get comfortable with the college lifestyle. As a Junior or Senior, the classes are more focused and the Students are a bit more mature in their studying and participation habits.

William

Professor access is one of the coolest things there is at UCR most of them you can easily talk to and get feedback from, there are some lecturers but many are full bore professors with ongoing research which is nice to have in the classroom. Favorite classes at UCR have been philosophy as we have a very good department there and it is heavy on modern social theory-Rawls as the head of the department did his PhD at Harvard under Rawls. There are many chances to have intellectual conversations after class, but if you don't wanna have one there is still places for you, I like discussing the material and do so with friend in honors and PAD-my co-ed frat and it is quite nice, but I know those who just want a degree and just party so either way it is up to you. Competition is almost non-existent I cannot remember a class where I didn't have ample opportunity to study with others and get along fine. I would say it is a good atmosphere overall of working together. Academic requirements depend on department but there are many who get into the school who must take remedial classes and who stay quiet in the classrooms, but I usually ignore them and focus on the ones who speak as I do. Me department is History and it is ok but not bad, there are good professors but it has few strengths and low requirements, I would have changed it but went abroad for year and making it work would have been difficult. I minored in Philosophy but if I had the time and money I would have majored in that as I loved it. General requirements are extensive-bio, math, liberal arts-nearly a year of class for me, but more for some depending on CC and AP transfer units.

Tina

Professors definitely know my name, especially after taking several courses with them. My favorite class would be all the marketing courses I've taken. My lease favorite is definitely accounting and financing! Students always study a day before the test at this school. Class participation is very common. Most students dont have intellectual convos outside of class and yes students are competitive here. UCR's academic requirements are quite challenging but not hard to accomplish.

tom

very bad, only 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the teachers here are good, 20-30{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} are average, rest of the teachers are really bad. when you dont have any problem or question, u r fine. once ANY problem occurs on u, school administration will kick u around like a soccer and ur problem will be 1. never resolved. 2.solved 2 years later.

KJ

As a Creative Writing major, the teachers in the department are great. They are interesting, passionate and really connect with students. They remember your name, they remember your writing, and they can help you through all of your doubts and problems with writing. The students in the workshops are also great. They're talented, some them are definitely going to get big. But you don't get jealous, because everyone is so warm and humble that it builds community. The most unique class I've taken is called Rondalla Ensemble. It is a small class, once a week, that teaches you the instruments in a Rondalla Ensemble, a Philippine musical group. These are fourteen-string guitars, about as small as a ukelele (some have long necks), focused on tremolos. No other school offers such a cool, specific, cultural instrument on a reliable basis.

Denny

The academics at UC Riverside are great in my opinion. I am a double major (Film and Media Studies/Political Science) and UC Riverside was able to graduate me in four years while allowing me to pursue personal interest at the same time.