Undergrad Physics Program: Good, Bad, or Neither? Temple Univ. Rank

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The discussion centers on the impact of faculty size in undergraduate physics programs and seeks insights on specific schools, particularly Temple University. A larger faculty is perceived to offer more course options but may lead to less personal interaction with professors. Conversely, a smaller faculty fosters closer relationships and a more personalized educational experience, as noted by students from institutions like the University of Washington. Participants express a preference for larger faculties but acknowledge the benefits of smaller ones. Regarding the ranking of schools for an undergraduate physics degree, Penn State is highlighted as the top choice, with Temple and Drexel recognized as decent options. Other schools mentioned include Bloomsburg, Albright, and Widener, though specific details about their programs are less clear. The conversation also touches on the potential of applying to the University of Pennsylvania, although concerns about admission are noted.
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I was wondering if a large or small faculty for a undergrad physics program is either good, bad or neither. I am also wondering how the undergrad physics program at Temple University in Philadelphia is.

Can you please rank these schools best to worst for a undergrad physics degree
1)Bloomsburg
2)Albright
3)Widener
4)Drexel
5)PSU
6)Temple
 
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Small faculty -> fewer course offerings.
Large faculty -> who are you again?

Offhand, I think I'd prefer a large faculty, but that's probably because I'm studying at a university with a small faculty...
 
I like having a relatively small faculty. All the undergrads are close, and you can get close to the profs, interact and hang out. You aren't just a number and I think that is a much better experience.
 
Ummm... could someone shed some perspective here? I go to the University of Washington; here is my school's faculty listing for physics:

http://www.phys.washington.edu/directory?faculty

Not all of them teach, mind you. Anyway, it looks fairly large to me, and my professors know me. I am doing research for one right now, did research for another last year, and the profs from last year recognize me, and my current profs have spoken to me on several occasions and definitely remember me.

It's all a matter of how much you want to interact with them. I don't hesitate to ask them questions after class or in their office or something. I sit in the front of class and participate (when I'm not asleep... :frown: ). It's pretty simple.
 
Yea Poop I agree I think that your faculty is pretty large. Again if you have any knowledge on the schools I am applying please rank them. What size faculty is 2 small. I believe albright has 2 full time proffesors and they bring others from other univesitys. Is this too small
 
glennpagano44 said:
Can you please rank these schools best to worst for a undergrad physics degree
1)Bloomsburg
2)Albright
3)Widener
4)Drexel
5)PSU
6)Temple

From my very limited knowledge (having grown up in the Philly area), I can tell you that Penn State is the best school on your list for physics. Temple and Drexel are decent local schools, but I don't know how their physics programs are. I don't know anything about the others.

Have you considered U Penn?
 
Yea I have considered U Penn but my I am pretty sure that I will not be able to get in.
 
anyone
 
Penn State has a well respected Physics department (and Beaver Stadium on a fall Saturday is a real college thrill). Drexel is an outstanding engineering school, but I'm not sure about their Physics. My choice would be PSU.
 

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