Selecting the right instructor at Arizona State University can transform your academic experience. The difference between a professor who makes complex topics accessible and one who leaves students confused affects more than just grades—it shapes your entire learning journey.
Thousands of ASU students search for instructor feedback before registering for classes each semester.
Between the Tempe campus, Downtown Phoenix, West campus, Polytechnic campus, and ASU Online, the university offers more than 300 majors and thousands of course sections.
With so many options, finding reliable information about teaching quality becomes essential.
The ASU Class Search tool shows course numbers, meeting times, and credit hours.
However, it doesn’t reveal whether Professor Smith explains calculus concepts clearly or if Dr. Johnson’s exams match the lecture material.
This gap in official information drives students to peer reviews and community feedback.
Student-generated reviews on platforms like RateMyProfessors.com have become an unofficial guide to course selection.
Combined with discussions on Reddit’s r/ASU community and insights from classmates, these resources help students make informed decisions about their academic path. Check out the ASU Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
Table of Contents
Understanding Rate My Professor for ASU Students
RateMyProfessors.com hosts thousands of reviews for Arizona State University faculty across all campuses and programs.
Students rate instructors on a scale from one to five, evaluating aspects like clarity, helpfulness, and course difficulty.
Beyond numerical scores, reviewers share detailed experiences about teaching style, workload expectations, and grading approaches.
The platform operates independently from ASU, meaning these reviews reflect unfiltered student perspectives.
Unlike official course evaluations that only enrolled students can access after completing a class, RateMyProfessors provides public information that anyone can view before registration.
What the Ratings Actually Measure
Each professor profile displays several key metrics:
Overall Quality Score: Represents general teaching effectiveness based on student feedback. Scores above 4.0 typically indicate strong instructor performance, while ratings below 3.0 suggest potential challenges.
Difficulty Rating: Reflects the course workload and challenge level. A 5.0 indicates an extremely demanding class, while lower scores suggest more manageable expectations. Importantly, difficulty doesn’t always correlate with quality—some challenging professors receive high marks for clarity and fairness.
Would Take Again Percentage: Shows how many reviewers would choose the same instructor for another course. This metric often reveals more than raw scores, indicating overall student satisfaction.
How ASU Colleges Use the Platform
Different schools and departments at Arizona State University show varying review patterns:
The W. P. Carey School of Business features extensive feedback for popular courses like ACC 231 (financial accounting) and MGT 300 (management principles). Students frequently discuss real-world applications and industry connections in their reviews.
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering contain detailed technical feedback about courses such as MAT 266 (Calculus for Engineers) and CSE 240 (Introduction to Programming Languages). Reviews often focus on problem-solving approaches and exam difficulty.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shows diverse commentary across subjects from psychology to biology. Students emphasize discussion quality, assignment creativity, and accessibility during office hours.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Professor Reviews Effectively
Start With Your Course Requirements
Before diving into instructor research, identify which classes you need. Check your degree audit report in the My ASU portal to see required courses, prerequisites, and available electives. Note alternative options—many requirements can be satisfied through multiple courses.
Once you know your needed courses, use the ASU Class Search tool to find available sections for the upcoming semester. Record instructor names, class times, and section numbers. Some courses offer multiple sections with different professors, giving you choices worth researching.
Research Instructors Thoroughly
Visit RateMyProfessors.com and search for each instructor by name along with “Arizona State University.” Review profiles will show comprehensive feedback from previous students.
Pay attention to review dates. Comments from three years ago might not reflect current teaching approaches, especially for instructors who have adapted their methods or changed course formats. Recent reviews from the past year provide the most relevant insights.
Look beyond the overall score to examine specific feedback. A professor with a 3.8 rating but consistent praise for responsiveness and clear expectations might suit your learning style better than a 4.2-rated instructor whose reviews mention vague rubrics.
Identify Patterns in Student Feedback
Reading individual reviews helps, but recognizing patterns across multiple comments reveals reliable trends. When five different students mention “always answers emails within 24 hours,” that responsiveness is likely consistent. Similarly, repeated warnings about “unclear exam questions” or “grading doesn’t match the rubric” signal potential concerns.
Consider the context of complaints. “Very difficult class” might worry some students, but appeal to others seeking rigorous preparation for advanced coursework or graduate school. Conversely, “easy but not engaging” could indicate limited learning value.
Cross-Reference Multiple Information Sources
Smart students don’t rely on a single platform. Combine RateMyProfessors data with other resources:
Reddit r/ASU Community: Active discussions about specific professors and courses appear regularly. Students share recent experiences and answer questions about course structure.
ASU Course Evaluations: While access is limited, these official surveys completed at semester’s end provide additional perspective. Some departments share aggregated results.
Peer Recommendations: Talk to students who recently completed the course. Direct conversations often reveal practical details not mentioned in written reviews.
Department Office Hours: Academic advisors can sometimes share general information about teaching approaches and course structure without violating confidentiality.
Top-Rated Professors at Arizona State University in 2025
Based on current RateMyProfessors data and student community feedback, several instructors consistently receive exceptional reviews across ASU campuses.
W. P. Carey School of Business Standouts
Professor Ross Tucker
Professor Ross Tucker teaches management courses with high marks for practical application and engaging lectures. Students appreciate his industry experience and willingness to connect course concepts to real business scenarios. His classes maintain manageable workloads while delivering substantial learning outcomes.
Dr. Alexis Vollmer
Dr. Alexis Vollmer receives outstanding feedback in marketing courses. Reviews frequently mention her organized course structure, clear expectations, and helpful feedback on projects. Students note her approachability during office hours and responsiveness to questions.
Fulton Schools of Engineering Excellence
Dr. Rong Guo
Dr. Rong Guo teaches mathematics courses, including MAT 266 (Calculus for Engineers). While students acknowledge the course difficulty, reviews emphasize her clear explanations, structured lessons, and fair testing. Many comment that her teaching makes challenging material manageable.
Professor Jimmie Adriazola
Professor Jimmie Adriazola earns high ratings in computer science courses. Students praise his patience with programming concepts, availability for help, and relevant coding projects that build practical skills.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Leaders
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson
Dr. Elizabeth Nelson receives exceptional marks for psychology courses. Reviews highlight her engaging presentation style, interesting examples, and fair grading. Students mention her ability to make research methodology accessible and genuinely interesting.
Professor Brian Nelson
Professor Brian Nelson teaches communication courses with consistent praise for interactive class discussions and constructive feedback on presentations. His courses balance theory with practical speaking skills.
These examples demonstrate how quality instruction combines subject expertise with effective communication and student support.
The best professors create environments where challenging material becomes accessible through clear explanation and genuine engagement.
Balancing Course Difficulty and Learning Value
Understanding Course Difficulty at ASU
Not all difficult classes deserve avoidance, and not all easy classes deliver value. The relationship between challenge level and learning quality varies significantly by course and instructor.
| Course Type | Average Difficulty | Student Satisfaction | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory General Studies | 2.0 – 2.8 | High | Balanced schedules, GPA management |
| Upper-Division Major Courses | 3.5 – 4.2 | Variable | Deep learning, career preparation |
| Engineering Core Classes | 4.0 – 4.8 | Moderate to High | Students committed to the field |
| Advanced Electives | 3.0 – 4.5 | Generally High | Passionate students in the subject |
Manageable Courses for Schedule Balance
Students frequently recommend certain courses for lighter workloads:
COM 100
COM 100 (Introduction to Human Communication) typically features straightforward assignments and reasonable speech requirements. Most instructors provide clear grading rubrics and opportunities for practice.
PSY 101
PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) offers fascinating content without overwhelming difficulty. The course provides valuable knowledge applicable to many fields while maintaining accessibility.
ENG 101
ENG 101 (First-Year Composition) varies by instructor but generally focuses on developing fundamental writing skills through manageable essay assignments.
These courses work well when balanced with more demanding requirements, helping students maintain healthy schedules and strong academic performance.
Rigorous Courses That Reward Effort
Some challenging courses deliver exceptional value despite their difficulty:
MAT 266 (Calculus for Engineers) demands significant time investment and strong mathematical foundations. However, students who master this material gain essential skills for engineering, physics, and computer science careers.
CSE 240 (Introduction to Programming Languages) challenges students with complex coding concepts and demanding projects. The struggle builds genuine programming competency valuable in technology careers.
Upper-level economics courses require analytical thinking and substantial reading. Students serious about economics or business strategy find these courses intellectually rewarding despite the workload.
When taking difficult courses, choosing instructors known for clear explanations and fair grading makes the challenge manageable and worthwhile.
Navigating ASU Online Professor Reviews
Arizona State University’s online programs continue expanding, serving thousands of distance learners worldwide. Online instruction presents unique considerations that affect the student experience differently from traditional classrooms.
Key Differences in Online Learning
Course Organization: Online success heavily depends on Canvas course design. Well-structured courses feature clear modules, logical assignment progression, and easy-to-find resources. Reviews often mention whether materials are organized or confusing.
Instructor Presence: Unlike in-person classes with scheduled meeting times, online courses require instructors to actively engage through discussion boards, announcement updates, and timely responses to questions. Students value professors who maintain a visible presence throughout the term.
Feedback Speed: The time between submitting assignments and receiving graded feedback significantly impacts learning in asynchronous courses. Reviews frequently comment on whether instructors grade promptly or leave students waiting weeks for results.
Communication Quality: Clear, detailed instructions become crucial online. Students appreciate instructors who explain assignments thoroughly, provide rubrics, and answer clarification questions promptly.
What Online Students Should Research
When reviewing online ASU professors, look for feedback about:
- Average response time to emails and questions
- Quality and clarity of recorded lectures
- Whether discussion board participation feels meaningful or perfunctory
- Alignment between assignment instructions and grading criteria
- Technical support availability and instructor flexibility with platform issues
Many online students work full-time or manage family responsibilities. Reviews mentioning flexibility, understanding of adult learner needs, and reasonable deadline structures help identify supportive instructors.
Evaluating Review Reliability and Bias
While student reviews provide valuable insights, understanding their limitations helps you interpret feedback accurately.
Common Review Biases
Voluntary Response Bias: Students with extremely positive or negative experiences are more likely to write reviews than those with neutral experiences. This can skew overall scores, particularly for instructors with fewer total reviews.
Small Sample Sizes: New professors or those teaching smaller courses might have only three to five reviews. These limited data points can’t reliably represent overall teaching quality.
Timing Effects: Reviews written immediately after receiving final grades might reflect emotional reactions rather than a balanced assessment of the entire course.
Grade Correlation: Students sometimes rate instructors based on received grades rather than actual teaching quality. This doesn’t mean all positive reviews come from easy graders or negative reviews from tough ones, but the correlation exists.
Validating Review Accuracy
Several strategies help distinguish reliable patterns from outliers:
Check Review Consistency: When multiple students independently mention the same strengths or concerns, those patterns likely reflect reality. Five different reviews mentioning “difficult but fair exams” suggest that characterization is accurate.
Consider the Professor’s Total Reviews: Instructors with 20+ reviews show more reliable patterns than those with only three comments. Larger sample sizes reduce the impact of individual bias.
Read Both Positive and Negative Reviews: Understand what satisfied students appreciate and what dissatisfied students found problematic. This balanced perspective reveals whether concerns would matter to you.
Compare With ASU Grade Distribution Data: Arizona State University publishes grade distribution information showing what percentage of students earn each letter grade in specific courses. Comparing this objective data with review claims about harsh or lenient grading reveals accuracy.
Consult Multiple Platforms: Cross-reference RateMyProfessors feedback with Reddit discussions, classmate experiences, and any available official evaluation summaries.
What Makes a Helpful Review
When reading reviews, prioritize those that:
- Describe specific teaching methods and course structure
- Explain what study approaches worked or didn’t work
- Mention concrete examples of assignments or exams
- Acknowledge their own effort level and preparation
- Compare the instructor to others in the same department
Less helpful reviews make vague complaints without details, focus solely on received grades, or contain personal attacks rather than constructive criticism.
Alternative Resources Beyond RateMyProfessors
While RateMyProfessors dominates student review platforms, several other sources provide complementary information about ASU instructors and courses.
Additional Review Platforms
Niche.com aggregates broader student satisfaction data about Arizona State University as a whole, including factors like campus life, support services, and overall academic quality. While less focused on individual professors, it provides context about the university environment.
Reddit Communities offer real-time discussions where current students answer questions about specific professors, courses, and degree programs. The r/ASU subreddit features active conversations about class selection, professor recommendations by major, and schedule planning strategies.
ASU Student Organizations within specific majors often maintain informal guides or hold information sessions where older students share advice about navigating degree requirements and choosing instructors.
Official ASU Resources
Academic Advising Appointments: Meeting with your assigned academic advisor provides personalized guidance about course selection. While advisors can’t share confidential evaluation data, they understand department teaching approaches and can suggest courses matching your learning style.
Department Office Hours: Visiting department offices and speaking with administrative staff sometimes yields insights about course structure, typical class sizes, and whether specific instructors are teaching next semester.
Official Course Descriptions: The ASU academic catalog provides detailed information about course objectives, topics covered, and typical assessment methods. This helps set appropriate expectations before registration.
My ASU Degree Audit: Your personalized degree audit shows exactly which requirements remain, alternative courses that fulfill each requirement, and your progress toward graduation. Use this tool before researching professors to ensure you’re investigating the right classes.
Practical Strategies for Building Your Best Schedule
Create a Balanced Course Load
Mixing course difficulties helps maintain academic performance while challenging yourself appropriately. Consider this approach:
Anchor Course: Select one demanding course in your major that builds essential skills or satisfies critical requirements. Dedicate significant study time to this class.
Moderate Courses: Add two courses with average difficulty that advance your degree without overwhelming your schedule. These provide steady progress without excessive stress.
Lighter Course: Include one manageable class for schedule balance. This might be an interesting elective or required general studies course known for reasonable workloads.
This 1-2-1 structure (one hard, two moderate, one easier) allows you to challenge yourself while protecting your overall academic performance.
Time Your Registration Strategically
Registration priority at ASU depends on earned credit hours and student classification. Those with earlier registration dates have first choice of course sections and instructors.
Check your registration date in the My ASU portal well before the registration period begins. Prepare your schedule plan with multiple backup options for each required course in case preferred sections fill quickly.
Use the ASU Course Search tool’s “notify me” feature to receive alerts when seats open in closed courses. Students frequently adjust their schedules during the first week, creating unexpected availability.
Maximize Chrome Extensions and Tools
Several browser tools integrate RateMyProfessors ratings directly into the ASU Class Search interface, saving time during schedule planning:
These extensions display instructor ratings next to their names in search results, allowing quick comparison without opening multiple browser tabs. While not essential, they streamline the research process during busy registration periods.
Plan Around Your Learning Style
Consider how you learn best when evaluating instructor feedback:
Visual Learners: Seek professors whose reviews describe them as using extensive diagrams, demonstrations, or visual presentations.
Hands-On Learners: Look for instructors who emphasize lab work, practical projects, or real-world applications rather than pure lecture.
Discussion-Oriented Students: Prioritize professors whose reviews mention facilitating engaging class discussions and encouraging student participation.
Independent Learners: Some instructors provide clear expectations and then allow students significant autonomy in how they approach coursework. If you thrive with independence, this might suit you.
Build Professor Relationships Early
Once you’ve selected quality instructors based on reviews, maximize those relationships:
Attend office hours during the first few weeks, even without urgent questions. Introducing yourself and showing interest helps professors remember you and demonstrates engagement.
Participate actively in class discussions. Quality professors appreciate students who contribute meaningfully to the learning environment.
Communicate proactively about challenges. If you’re struggling with material or facing circumstances affecting your work, reaching out early allows professors to provide support or flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASU Professor Reviews
How accurate are RateMyProfessors ratings for Arizona State University instructors?
RateMyProfessors provides reasonably accurate information about teaching style and course expectations when you focus on patterns across multiple reviews rather than individual comments.
Combining these public reviews with official ASU course evaluations, Reddit feedback from r/ASU, and recommendations from peers who’ve completed the course creates a reliable picture.
Remember that review accuracy improves with sample size—professors with 15+ reviews show more dependable patterns than those with only three comments.
Who are the highest-rated professors at ASU according to student reviews?
Based on recent data, consistently top-rated instructors include Professor Ross Tucker in business courses, Dr. Rong Guo for mathematics, Dr. Alexis Vollmer in marketing, Professor Jimmie Adriazola for computer science, Dr. Elizabeth Nelson in psychology, and Professor Brian Nelson in communications.
However, the “best” professor depends on your learning style, schedule needs, and academic goals. A challenging instructor perfect for one student might not suit another’s circumstances.
Does Arizona State University monitor or manage RateMyProfessors reviews?
No. RateMyProfessors operates independently from Arizona State University. The university has no control over what students post or how reviews are managed. Faculty members can read their reviews but cannot edit or delete them.
ASU conducts its own official course evaluations at the end of each semester, which faculty and administrators use for internal improvement purposes.
How can I find professors with manageable workloads at ASU?
Search course numbers on RateMyProfessors and filter reviews mentioning “workload,” “time commitment,” or “easy.”
Look for patterns in comments about assignment frequency and exam difficulty. Additionally, browse Reddit threads on r/ASU where students discuss workload expectations for specific courses and professors.
Remember that “easy” doesn’t always mean valuable—consider whether you want a manageable schedule or genuine skill development in each course.
Are ASU Online instructors rated separately from on-campus professors?
Often yes. Many students specify “ASU Online” in their review comments when their experience was entirely virtual.
Some professors teach both formats, and their teaching effectiveness might differ between environments.
When researching online courses, specifically look for reviews mentioning the online format, Canvas organization, and virtual communication quality rather than focusing solely on overall ratings that might reflect primarily in-person experiences.
What should I do if a professor I’m interested in doesn’t have any RateMyProfessors reviews?
New instructors, adjunct faculty, and those teaching specialized courses sometimes lack reviews.
Check the official ASU faculty directory for their academic background and research interests.
Search for their name on LinkedIn to understand their professional experience. Ask your academic advisor if they know anything about the instructor’s teaching approach.
Finally, consider posting in r/ASU to see if other students have insights about the professor.
Making Your Best Decision
Successfully navigating Arizona State University’s vast course offerings requires combining multiple information sources into a coherent strategy. RateMyProfessors provides valuable peer insights but works best when balanced with official university resources, community discussions, and personal reflection about your learning needs.
Remember that the perfect schedule balances challenge with manageability, advances your degree requirements, fits your weekly availability, and includes instructors whose teaching approaches align with how you learn best. No single factor—whether professor ratings, course difficulty, or class time—should dominate this decision entirely.
Start your research early, maintain flexibility with backup options, and trust that informed decisions based on thorough research typically lead to positive outcomes. Thousands of ASU students successfully navigate course selection each semester by combining smart planning with the insights shared through platforms like RateMyProfessors.
Your academic success depends not just on choosing highly-rated professors but on matching their teaching styles to your learning needs, maintaining consistent effort throughout the semester, and taking advantage of available support resources when challenges arise.
Use professor reviews as one valuable tool among many as you build a schedule that challenges you appropriately, advances your goals, and supports your success at Arizona State University.
