California State University-Northridge Top Questions

The academics are overall good at CSUN. The teachers are all well qualified and helpful. Even though the state budget is affecting class sizes and class availability, the professors remain very engaged in teaching and helping. If you make the effort to get to know the professors, the professors are more than willing to return the favor. Class participation is average, there are always those willing to participate as well as those not willing to. Students talk as much about classes and careers as they do about trivial things, when out of class. Many students are very driven to do well, but as always there are those that dont seem to try as hard. My major is psychology, and i can safely say that all the teachers are very good and approachable. They are easy to access, even making time to see you if you want to. I have met with a few of them out of class, and they were hlepful and willing. The overall education is geared for getting a job, especially with the offering of classes that aid in networking and exposing you to the possibilities that are available in your field.

Being a business major I am involved in many business and non-business related school activities. Because I am involved, show enthusiasm during class, and go to professors office hours; professors have gotten to know who I am. This is why many professors do know me by name. As a business major, students study everyday to keep up with ones lecture courses. During lectures, class participation is encouraged. In fact, many professors include class participation in grading. Each professor is different. The professor will let you know at the beginning of the semester in the class syllabus.

The academics at CSUN are definitely geared toward producing students that are capable of pursuing a higher degree. Due to budget cuts, class sizes have increased substantially, with about 30 to 35 students in a regular classroom. Nevertheless, the professors make an effort to personalize their lessons for each student and welcome class discussions on a regular basis. One particular class that pretty much encapsulates my classroom experiences at CSUN is Political Science 457A: Constitutional Law I with Dr. Leigh Bradberry. This class consists of more than thirty students, all of which show up everyday. Despite the size and the rigorous material that is covered, Dr. Bradberry makes the extra effort of knowing every students' name and making sure that each one of us understands the material properly before moving on to a different topic.

The majority of my professors know my name because I have pretty small classes. My smallest class has about 25 people in it and the largest class I've taken has about 130. I don't spend much time with professors outside of class, but the majority of my professors really well you to come to office hours or email them if you have any questions. Class participation is common especially in small classes.

Well kind of continuing from "the Big Picture", CSUN is definitely a great school as long as you take advantage of what is offered. The professors would definitely know your name if you took any opportunity to have at least one word with him, whether it may be a question, comment, or opinion, throughout the semester. Class participation can be common but not as common as I'd like. I know people can get very shy yet that is what college is about. Get out your comfort zone! OUtside of class, students definitely have intellectual conversations and students can get very competitive depending on what class and major the student is enrolled in.

I love the classes at CSUN, they are the perfect size. It gives you a chance to get to know other students and your professors on a more personal level, you are also able to participate more and that makes the class more interesting.

Teachers are pretty nice and easy, depending on the teachers, of course. If you get to know your teachers and email them when you have questions, or go see them during their office hours, then they will see that you are working hard and will be easier on you. (if they are nice) Class sizes are pretty small compared to UC's....they can range from the 20's to the 100's. If you have a smaller class, your teacher will know your name. However, if you are stuck with a 100-size class, then you have to make yourself known.