The UB learning environment reflects its nature as a major public research university. A core of general education courses provides a grounding in the liberal arts tradition, and encourages fluency in mathematics and effectiveness in written expression. Students are able to choose from a vast variety of more specialized majors, including joint, double, and special major programs. A number of minors make it possible to combine both humanistic and more career-oriented fields into a broadly based educational experience. Although some classes are large, there is a surprising diversity in class size.
Freshmen usually find that they are enrolled in a variety of class sizes and types.
In general, as students choose a major field and advance beyond basic courses into their specialties, they find smaller classes the rule. A large university like UB is particularly suited to well-motivated students who are clear about their goals and who can take advantage of the vast wealth of educational resources available on campus. Moreover, the demanding, high-quality curriculum at UB is best suited to students whose high school preparation is strong. In particular, students will find it helpful to have taken as much English, mathematics, science, and foreign language as their high school makes available. For such students, well prepared both motivationally and academically, UB can provide an educational experience second to none.