Natalie
I enjoy the academic life here at St. Thomas. Our class sizes are small, so the professors usually know everyone by name. Some classes are lecture based, while others rely on class participation and discussion. The academic requirements of St. Thomas really allow you to receive a liberal arts education (you know a little about lots of things, not just your intended major). They encourage you to be able to think, not just regurgetate facts. After a UST education, you will be prepared for the adult world and work place.
Kristyn
So far, I have been very impressed with the academics at St. Thomas. Professors really care about the students here and are very willing to help outside of the classroom setting. The core requirements ensure that every student graduates with a fundamental understanding of a variety of topics. I have been quite pleased with the Education Department. As a freshman, I have already started my education classes. Education majors are required to have between 90 and 160 hours in a classroom before student teaching! The professors are very knowledgable and devoted to the students.
Molly
My professors not only know my name but also my interests, ideas and views. I've had so many phenomenal professors that I can't pick a favorite. I've learned from every class, no matter how interesting (or once in a while boring) the professors have been.
St. Thomas has core requirements ranging from English to math to theology, but they're not overwhelming. I still had plenty of time to pick classes I was interested in taking.
For the most part, my classes have featured discussion rather than strict lectures. Students are eager to participate, which allows for more interesting classes.
The study abroad program at St. Thomas is wildly popular, and something like 60{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students study abroad before graduation. Some students go for an entire semester through programs like the London Business Semester or Catholic Studies Semester in Rome, while others go to Egypt, Australia, Ireland, Thailand, Hawaii or many other locations for J-term classes.
Lindsey
Profs for sure know your name. My maximum class size was 15 students - and in my only 2 science lectures I had 80 that then split into labs that were only 15 students/class. I met w/ my professors a lot and they gave me a TON of real-world knowledge. Classes are hugely discussion-based and really interesting. I learned a lot more this way than I ever would have just by reading a textbook or sitting in the back of a huge classroom of 30+ students taking notes on slides. AND *Even in this tough economy - myself and nearly all of my UST friends are happily employed after 2 months of being out!