University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Top Questions

One thing that really erks me is when people say that with big classes comes general teachers. They don't know your name, your just a number, etc. I really believe this to be untrue. In my history class of 80, the professor knew my name. In my Mass Comm class of 250, the professor did not but the T.A. did in discussion. But even in lecture, with 250 people, we could still hold debates (I highly recommend KJW). Political Sceince was one of the most fascinating classes in the way of knowledge. I learned SO much in that class with Prof. Ray (He is amazing.). I also took non-western dance (you DO NOT dance) which was completely different and really interesting and fun. All the professors have office hours and you can visit them during this time all the time. When it comes to requirements, OU is somewhat lenient in-state. Out-of-state is much harder for some reson. The education is both geared toward and job AND liberal artsy. Everyone has to take gen-ed classes but also take classes that focus on your major.

A lot of professors know my name, if you are in a class of 300 it helps to go to the office hours of your professor and let them get to know you. I do not think I can narrow it down to a favorite class; however, any of my Spanish classes have been so fun and I have learned more about myself and how much I can truly acheive than in any other classes. I do not have a least favorite. Students study quite a bit, depending on your teachers, how many hours you're taking, etc. Even with the "blow off" classes it is necessary to study at least an hour or two a day, for the upper division classes at least 2 hours a day. Class participation is common and often encouraged. I have made more friends in my classes than I have outside of class, we often meet for study groups or just get together on the weekend. The students are competitive but it is friendly most of the time. The most unique class I have taken was Spanish Literature. I could tell my teacher wanted me to learn and wanted me to expand my ideas and grow off of his lectures; it was an amazing class and it felt more like a family than a room full of strangers. I am majoring in Spanish which is part of the Arts and Sciences language department. I could not ask for better teachers. I know I could go to them, and have gone to them in the event of a crisis. They were more than just teachers, they were genuine and I cannot thank them enough for all the encouragement and knowledge they gave me. I have given my professors rides when I have seen them walking and we have had "end of the year" dinners at restaurants where teachers have come; it is great to know they really care about you and are going to miss you just as much as you are going to miss them. I feel OU's academic requirements are decent; there are a few electives that could be dismissed. The education I am receiving from OU, in my experience, has geared me toward living without regret and knowing that making mistakes is a part of life. Ultimately the goal after anyone graduates is get a job; however, a lot of my teachers have encouraged me to acheive my goals and experience life for all it's worth before getting a job. I have often been told not to settle for just any job, but to do something that will truly make me happy.

Professors are true professionals and subject matter experts. I really enjoyed the learning experience.

Prof are great on the most part...Lots of Graduate assistants teaching or grading. I had a history class with essay style exams graded only by G A's. They were ridiculous rigid in my opinion, although many history buffs may have easily aced these exams graded so harshly by the tenuous graduate assistants. Academic requirements are what they are...lots of information covered in each semester. Sometimes I do not care for the teaching style and like to study at home and show up for exams, which I do when attendance is not required for some classes. Psychology classes are at times interesting lectures. One 4000 level class on Abnormal Psych taught by a PhD (wow) was enlightening as this Prof had actually worked in his field for many years and shared hands on stories along side the book material. A botany class I took was so gr-eek to me that I dropped it...I had never taken botany before and the Prof {PhD} moved too fast for my absorption, likely many in the class did exceptionally well/others were challenged to make the grade. It all depends on who you get and what your background is. Most instructors or Prof are very communicative and will work with students if need be.

I love my program: Human Relations. All the HR teachers are great and kind!

After my general education class (Fresh and Soph year) the classes were small enough to know my name Favorite class was Integrated Business Core Program Least favorite class was anything history The study time by students is mixed... some a whole lot, some not so much and some inbetween Class participation is in almost every class Intellectual coversations do happen outside of class Students are competitive for grades but not usually openly with others The most unique class was the Integrated Business Core Program My major (Supply Chain Management) was newer and on the uprise so many opportunities came from graduating with my majors Professors were always available whenever they were needed OU's academic requirements were great and not excessive The education is geared toward real life situations in the real world, based on situations you would be put into while on the job or in your career

The academics at OU are way above par. You may have been the smartest kid at your school and come here and think you are an idiot compared to everyone else. Just work hard and enjoy what you are doing. If you aren't enjoying it then you better change majors. I love my marching band class lol. I really enjoyed Intro to Aerospace Engineering with Alfred Striz. He is a die hard aerospace engineer and loves everything he does and has a wealth of knowledge for anyone who takes his class. The education at OU is deffinately geared towards getting you a job but you have to make the best of it. Make college what you want it to be.

Graduate students have a different life than undergraduates so we are expected to interact with professors and faculty in class and various events. There are social mixers between grad students and faculty and it is one of things where one is expected to attend, mix socially, and play well in the department sandbox. I know for a fact that at departmental brown bag events, a silent head-count is taken by staff and this is noted. I studied all the time because that is my job - to learn this stuff. I disliked one of the theory required classes because the professor was totally out-of-control and into their own personal power games over grad students. I would never take another class with this faculty member. There are a few other staff members that I would avoid also but will not list them here. Reading, writing, and presentations are part of a grad students activities and OU requires their grad students to participate in academic activities. Learning is geared at this level, to become an academic and research is the name of the game. If you prefer classroom time and teaching, you will get the opportunity to do so, however, research is your primary goal.

Academics are excellent! My first piece of advice is to get to know your teachers. They are human and they want you to succeed. Go into the process with a good attitude and establish relationships (working) with your disciplines administration, professors and classmates. Do not expect to be friends with everyone, but choose them based on your strengths and weakness (e.g. your weaknesses are their strengths) so that you will not be so overwhelmed. The main goal is to have a career after your years at OU and your professors, classmates and administration all strive toward that goal. The students are competitive (just as in the real world) so, utilize your experiences as a learning process and try not to repeat the same mistakes to many times!

My lower division classes were large and the professors were usually grad students. However, the upper division classes were smaller and you had more interraction with the professors. I really enjoyed taking Native American Studies classes and Kiowa classes. It is very hard to find a university that has such an emphasis on Native cultures!