3.8
Quality3.5
Difficulty69%
Would Retake110
Reviews69%
Would Retake
110
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
57
4
16
3
15
2
14
1
8
What Students Say
“Funny guy, but not the best professor”
ECON333 - 2.0 rating“He is an amazing professor and super intelligent”
ECON252 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
58%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.17 avg changeRatings by Course
ECON352
5.0
(1)MACECON
5.0
(1)PRINMACRO
5.0
(1)ECON250
5.0
(1)ECONSECT
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON350S
5.0
MACROTHEORY
5.0
ECON
4.8
MACRO
4.5
ECON315
4.3
Reviews (110)
Horrible, don't take him
Worst professor ever!
Nothing but very very very detailed notes. Tests are hard and his grading scale is tough. Changed a possible ECON minor into a no way I am minoring if I have another prof like him
Directly from the book, uses algebraic equations instead of explanation, very unclear, lots of graphs, essay tests. Lectures run past the hour just about everyday, quizzes every friday. Is that enough? Wait, 10 page 1.5 space term paper.
generally a nice dude, but his test and quizes are hard because you need to be very specific and indepth when answering on his essays, and its all essays
Ok for a class because it is on sports--but not as cool as it should be. Also the grading was arbitrary and vague
terrible teacher, he does not help you on anything and is very unclear on what he wants. He wants everything very specific and if you don't have word for word what he has he will take points away. He does like people who speak up in class.
Makes you learn your material. Comes off as hard, but you take a lot with you. Dry humor. Weekly quizzes. Class out of 100 points.Might take some sucking up, but fairly nice guy. Aced midterm, failed final, still got A in his class.
His quizzes are just about impossible, if you don't match what he wants exactly you get partial credit. Does post lecture notes which is nice, but expects you to know everything in the lecture notes. Tests are not too bad, easier than the quizzes.
He is a very knowledgable professor, learned a lot from his class. But if you are looking for a good grade this isn't a class you should be taking. If your looking to gain a lot of knowledge and are interested in econ than he isn't a bad professor to take
Came off as nice, then after the first quiz he was an idiot. Quizzes every Thursday and you must have the EXACT answer he wants. Couldn't stand his quizzes & boring lectures. If you have the choice dont take him.
Quizes weekly are a hassle. I do not recommend taking the 8 am class because you won't stay awake. Good person but a tough prof.
likes to talk a lot, grades really hard and doesn't explain****
Very well informed and intelligent. Not easy though. Take his classes if you want to LEARN, not if you want to SLIDE.
I thought he was a great teacher. I wasn't interested in economics at all before taking him, now i really enjoy it. He explains everything very well and is easy to understand. NO homework in this class, only once a week quizzes. There are 13 quizzes, he only counts your 5 best.
Don't sign up for this hippie. Made the quizes and tests fairly impossible. Assigned a project that was completely ambigous. The only good thing about the class was he did not take attendance.
I recommend this professor. He is well organized, and his lectures are clear. I found his class challenging. He administers two exams and weekly quizzes. His first exam was tough, but the quizzes are relatively easy, and the quizzes account for 40% of the final grade.
This guy is great! The class is not very easy, but Professor Wilson makes it interesting. He helped me outside of class whenever I sought help.
He needs to change his clothes more often, but he is a good prof. He provides his lecture notes, and as long as you study for his quizzes, his class is pretty easy.
Takes everything very seriously. Not easy, if that is what you are looking for. Quizes every week.
I took Dr. Wilson my first semester. I grew to like him alot. He cracks some wise jokes - like saying they wouldnt want to take it up the butt when refering to an economic principles. He also likes to use beer and backpacking as economic examples.
Obvious he loves what he does- can get very excited about topics. He responds to e-mails and gives help very quickly. This is not a super easy class, but I usually skipped class about once a week and still got an A. Though it does get boring listening to him, I suggest studying the online notes he posts before each quiz, and you will be fine!
He's one of the best professors I had so far at UST. He makes class interesting and realistic. He loves what he teaches and he teaches it well. In addition, he 's willing to help anyone who wants to succeed in his class. Therefore I highly recommend him as a prof., even though his class won't be easy.
Awesome teacher! He is excited about the subject and knows a lot! There is a quiz once a week, but if you pay attention in class, it is easy. The tests are the same way. Not very much reading either. Highly reccommended. He likes talking about scotch and beer, too. It's amusing.
Lectures can get boring and long. Loves his colored chalk. Online notes help alot. Weekly quizes, hit or miss for me. Tests are fair. Really laid-back about test dates and due dates, you can reschedule the quizes, tests and paper dates for whenever works for you. Not an SUPER EASY class, but an easy-ish class.
Very enthusiastic and extremely flexible/laid-back teacher. Loves his job and is eager to see his students succeed. Make sure to get the online notes because they will help you for tests and quizzes. Definitely would recommend him for other students interested in Economics classes.
Nice prof and lenient on test taking times.Tests can be made up anytime during his office hrs.Even if u happen to have a conflict on a midterm or final day,u can make it up another time as long as u make plans with him.He's an ok teacher.Lectures a lot,but gives memorable examples.Quizes every week,which are from the notes.Loves his colored chalk!
nice prof always willing to answer questions
Take this guy. He is awesome. He is really halpful, you can also take the test anytime you want to take it. He's the****.
He IS the best! Most helpful prof. I ever had. Treat you like an adult, i.e. you can take the tests anytime you want, how cool is that! I would take him again.
Best professsor ever! He is the reason I am majoring in Econ. I have taken three classes with him 251 315 and an independent study. I also did a research grant with him over a summer. If you do well on the first few exams and quizes, many times he will give you the 'benefit of the doubt' on the last few. He is challenging, but extremely fair.
Great professor, Interesting, helpful and if you do the work and study well you will get an A. Possibly the best professor in the econ deparment.
Its hard to sit through his class because he lectures the whole time everytime but hes funny and explains things well. I lik ehiim because i dont feel pressured in his class, i feel i can relax and go at my pace. he very helpful outside of class, and you can take tests late if you dont feel prepared enought the first time! its convenient
He's a great profesor to have, his lectures can get a little bit long so I wouldn't suggest taking his class at 8:00 like I did but he gives good examples that are easy to understand and remember.. The quizes are extreemly easy, he just likes to know that you're paying attention and understanding his lectures and he's a very easy/reasonable grader.
Dr. Wilson is awesome! Im not so much a fan of econ, but he kept my interest. There's weekly quizzes, but he's a very fair grader on them, and he only counts the 5 best scores towards your actual grade! Gives good examples and lectures that are easy to take notes on and remember with some studying. I DEFINATELY recommend Dr. Wilson! :)
Brad's a good guy...He talks about beer, talks about sports, rants about canoes and economics. Quizzes are fun, tests are not, go to class, I didn't. If you plan on going to every class, you really aren't going to need your book too much.
Dr. Wilson is the most interesting prof I've had at UST. He does a great job of translating the material into examples that kids actually care about. Overall there's a trade-off in the class to get an A: either come to class and take good notes, or skip class and study the book and his online outlines. I knew kids who did either option.
Best class ever! A class I actually liked going, learned a lot. Dr. Wilson is the best Econ. prof. at STU. He is helpful and interesting. Great testing system - take it anytime you want. Take him.
Great teacher! Sooo nice and entertaining! Assigned 1 hmwk sheet but never collected it. Reading is not necesarry. 2 Tests, no final. Tests are based on notes and study guide (a little memorization needed, not overwhelming). This being said, class was boring as you take notes the whole time, no participation or discussion. But VERY easy.
Great prof. Really funny and nice. Classes consist of only lecture, but he relates every example to brats, scotch, the MN Wild, and BWCA. Great test taking system. Go to class, it's worth it.
Most random class ever. Horrible at teaching because it is so random. Didn't learn anything. Tests aren't easy. Never know what to expect on a test.
Sweet Teacher, class was kinda boring but its alright, really easy class though...
I have had Wilson for three econ courses (251, 351, and 326) He is one of my favorite teachers. He is obsessed with beer, the wild, and bwca. You don't need the book at all but you do need to go to class. He has a hard grading scale but if you go to class you will do fine. No homework. I would highly any of his classes
Half the time I had no idea what he was talking about...with that said, I still did fairly well on tests. His lectures seem a lot harder than what the tests turn out to be. Cool guy, given the topic it may or may not be an interesting class
He's not the best teacher, but he's a great guy! His tests were pretty hard even for me, but he looks like Jim Carrey with a lumberjack's beard and he constantly uses beer and hockey analogies in his lectures... He's kinda funny and is willing to negotiate test conditions by class majority, but I found it kinda hard to learn from him. 3 stars.
To be honest, he is a really nice guy but I found that I struggled with his class, even being a good student. His tests are all essay and require an excellent understanding of the correlations between markets and forces, etc. His study guides are not very precise, which led me to study exactly the wrong things. That said, he is helpful if you ask.
Macro. Honestly, he's a nice, great guy but the class is honestly impossible and dry. No homework, quizes each Thursday (For TR) are easy if you study the notes. But, tests are impossible. The study guide is not useful for the quiz whatsoever. Need to thoroughly understand the subject to do well. I am a good student and only got a C. Helpful if ask
This guy really appreciates your effort. If you're willing to pay attention and have a working skull, you'll learn plenty-probably more about how the economy works than you bargained for-but, he delivers the goods. A stand-up individual and his classes are well worth the time if you ask me.
I had him for both ECON 351 and 352. I had 98% in the Macro class, then I took the final, and got an F on it. I technically earned a C, but he liked me and gave me a B+. Point being: Nothing in lecture prepares you for the tests this man gives. They're HARD! The Micro theory class requires a lot of math, and the tests are even HARDER.
Prof Wilson is a great professor. He relates his lectures back to topics his students can relate to. That being said... His tests are pretty difficult but he lets you choose which questions you want to answer. Overall a good prof. Do not purchase the book!!! You do not need to read anything to understand his class.
Wilson really digs Macroeconomics and you can tell during his lectures. If you try to stay engaged you will learn a lot and the tests/quizes will be easier. The class is composed of quizes and tests. So it is really important to continually study. If you look through your notes often during the semester you will do fine in the end.
Empirical Methods is already a hard class, but Dr. Wilson makes it EVEN HARDER. I don't know if it is because he wants to show off, but often he teaches in a way that is really hard to understand. The grade is made up of homework, 2 tests, and a paper (which is nearly impossible). Good luck if you take Wilson for Empirical- its not going to be fun.
I think Dr. Wilson is a great teacher i have him right now and everything is fairly easy, just pay attention and everything is fine, hardly have to study a's and b's on all of my tests/quizzes. Great teacher, talks about beer, hockey, and econ. he knows how to keep it interesting
Great prof! he really understands college kids! more than willing to help you just have to ask. no homework but alot of easy quizes and only 3 test. but they arent bad at all if you study.
He thinks he is God's gift to the world and it's annoying. He obviously loves the sound of his own voice because he talks straight through the entire class period writing notes without making sure what he's saying is understood. Tests are overly hard and only based on notes. DO NOT BUY THE BOOK FOR THIS CLASS, WASTE OF $
He is such a nice guy and always willing to help you. His lecture is crystal clear. Though the exams are hard, it is actually very interesting to play around with those tough questions . The most important thing is that you learn so much from his class.
Good class, he is very into the subject. It is hard, and is probably frustrating for a non-econ major (it was already very difficult for me, an Econ major, so if its not your thing, you probably will hate it). Wilson sometimes forgets he is teaching undergraduates and clarifications are need. He is always available and very enthusiastic
This guy is pretty awesome! He knows his stuff, and if you are an ECON major who pays attention you will learn a lot! His tests and quizzes are TOUGH! but he's reasonable and will try to give you the benefit of the doubt. The upper level ECON theory courses are tough, he makes them tougher, but I feel like I learned more because he did ;-)
Had Wilson for macroeconomics as well.. One of the most intelligent people I've ever been around, he is passionate about what he talks about and is willing to help out whenever possible. He's a huge Wild fan and loves hockey, also loves beer and the outdoors, and really cares about students. I've invited him out to house parties numerous times!!
By far one of the most intelligent professors I've ever met(he triple majored in college) He teaches everything from the top of his head and is extremely well organized while doing so. His tests are very challenging and he truly wants you to understand the concepts behind the material. Take him if you want to work hard and learn a lot, not for an A
He is a great guy and a great professor. Truly cares about us learning the subject. If you keep your notes organized and study regularly you'll be fine. Also, you can pick to take the midterm later during the semester. I haven't opened my book all semester since everything is based on notes.
Great guy! I would definitely take him again.
Brad is a great economics professor. He is a brilliant man and wants to help you understand. His math can be tricky but he will clear it up if you ask. No textbook or required homework. Definitely recommend him to fellow wild hockey fans, and those who want to learn a lot. To do well in the class, study and it works out
While all the tests are essay questions, you will have enough time to do it if you know what you're talking about. He explains things very well, so you just need to listen well and you'll do well.
cool guy, but honorably teacher, he did not have a text book witch made it very hard to learn, he did not use power point. he just wrote on the bored in very unclear sloppy handwriting! do not take him!!!!
He tells you to buy a textbook but then says some of the material in the textbook is incorrect. He teaches by writing on the board and from his mind, does not use power points.
Dr. Wilson is by far the best professor I've ever had. He's also one of the smartest people I've ever encountered. If you go to him one on one he will spend an hour with you if necessary making sure you get it. His test policies are incredibly flexible and make life much easier. It's hard class and if you don't pay attention you'll struggle.
Brad doesn't assign homework and when he does, it's only for extra credit. He is an amazing professor and super intelligent. Quizzes are right out of the notes taken from class, he will write all the important things on the board. He is a Chalk-N-Talk Professor. Things he repeat should be written down. Super helpful, super flexible, and talkative.
Does not clearly explain material in a way that is easy to understand. Teaches a principles course like an upper level Econ class which makes it very confusing. Do not take unless you will be majoring in Econ. Do not buy "recommended" textbook. Teaches off his own brain and doesn't use power points or anything. Very hard to keep up with.
Super funny guy, made lecture entertaining despite everything being way over your head. His test were difficult, but his grading was SUPER lenient. Offers tons of extra credit, very easy to talk to if you have questions regarding the material. I would definitely recommend.
Wilson's class was really hard. He only gives two exams, and gives weekly quizzes. However, he hands out a lot of extra credit assignments and he's like the most helpful teacher I've ever had. Also, he's a very handsome man.
Super awesome guy, get to know him and the class will be even better!
Professor Wilson is amazing. He's super smart and super funny, and he really knows how to relate to students, using examples involving beer, marijuana, and hockey. If you visit him in his office, you'll find him really easy to talk to. His course is tough, but he gives a lot of extra credit. Do not purchase the textbook. You won't use it.
This class is for note takers, students who love notation and equations. I find his notes very confusing and he uses vocabulary that is unnecessary. His class is all lecture and if you take notes and study for the 1 Q's quizzes on fridays and 4 Q's test with exercises. He is a Nice guy and makes funny jokes. Easy A.
Professor Wilson is an extremely nice guy. He is also funny. At the end of each week there is a quiz, homework is optional but worth extra credit, and tests are somewhat difficult. One thing that I didn't like about him was that he never gave any feedback. How can a guy that was a triple major in college not give feedback?
Brad is the man. Very approachable. Lectures for most of the class and gives homework for extra credit. Material can be tough but he is incredibly helpful in office hours. He loves hockey, the outdoors, and beer. If you talk to him about these things he will become your best friend. Cannot recommend him enough.
I took Rivers for both Mirco and Macro and plan to take more courses from him. He is a great guy that offers as much help as you need if you just drop into his office. Very approachable and funny, loves sports, beer, and outdoors. Definitely recommend. You have to pay attention in class, if you are struggling just go in for help.
Rivers is awesome! His class is definitely not easy, but he gives a ton of extra credit opportunities and he's frick'n hilarious! He's super easy on the eyes, too. I definitely recommend his class and hope to take more from him.
He does not have a textbook which you get used to fast. EVERYTHING is in the notes he gives, if you miss those you're screwed. Other than that, extra credit given for homework (makes you work for it) and his office hours are incredibly helpful. Love the guy, will be taking his class again. Oh, he gives take home tests which are incredibly hard.
Funny guy, but not the best professor. Don't get me wrong, this guy knows his stuff, but he doesn't provide enough material to study from. It's purely lectures. Doesn't write out notes and doesn't use PowerPoint. Oh, yeah and no book. So unless you have amazing memory and super speed writing, you're on your own.
Rivers is one of my favorite professors at St. Thomas. Attendance is not required and he is extremely laid back. If you listen in class and try to understand what he is explaining you should have no problem. He is also very helpful during office hours. He is one of the most laid back teachers i have ever met and he gives out tons of extra credit.
If you have done well at math, at least up to Calculus, you will do well and love this course. Unfortunately, my math skills weren't the best at the time and for that reason the course was hard. Rivers (as he goes by), is incredibly laid back, all homework is for extra credit, but all instruction is in person, on a chalk board, and no book/online.
Rivers is by far my favorite professor at UST. He's extremely intelligent and willing to take time out of his day to make sure his students succeed. All homework is extra credit, and the class instruction is done entirely by lecture with a chalk board so don't miss class, stay diligent, and you will do well.
Prof Wilson is a great guy, but not a great professor. Classes are lecture based, and heavy in note taking. All the homework given is extra credit, which is good because the tests are very hard. There's 2 tests, and a paper throughout the semester. He's super laid back about attendance. Although he's a nice guy, I wouldn't take him again.
Rivers teaches the course in an extremely difficult way. He provides no other resources to use besides the notes taken in class very quickly on the chalkboard. The course is math heavy and involves complicated equations and variables. He hardly explains the material, repeating how "intuitive" everything is. I struggled through the entire semester.
Super funny guy. Keeps lectures interesting. We had 2 tests and a paper and tons of extra credit homework. If you do the homework you'll be just fine
Brad one of the smartest professors I've had and a super nice guy. But get ready to WORK for your grade. All of his notes are done on the board by hand so if you miss class you will fall behind. Nothing in his class is spoon fed to you and his exercise opportunities actually force you to think. His class isn't impossible but it sure isn't easy.
Rivers is a phenomenal person and professor. He is great at explaining concepts and always willing to make things more clear. I had him for an Econ elective and there's no one else I would've rather taken. He's funny and his stories are great. He truly cares about the subject and his students.
"Rivers" is a VERY smart guy, but his class is very difficult. He is so smart that that concepts he refers to as "intuitive" make little sense to the class.. The grade was made up of two tests each wroth 50% of the grade, which were both incredibly hard, despite being take home. Great guy, hard class.
Most challenging course Ive taken, but Rivers is great. He provides a ton of extra credit opportunities, but makes you work for those points. There are only two exams in the course and the textbook is optional, but you dont need it because his lectures are clear. If you are looking to take an easy macro theory class, Rivers is not your guy.
Lecture HEAVY. Only two exams (1 mid-term and 1 Final). Pop quiz every week (they are extra-credit). Also offers extra-credit homework which I highly recommend you do since he gives you credit even if the answers are wrong. Trust me when I say that you will be really happy at the end of the semester if you do the extra credit quizzes and homework.
Professor Wilson is the coolest dude on campus, and sooo helpful; he'll respond to your texts at midnight on a Saturday night! His class is not easy, though. There are only two exams, but a ton of extra-credit quizzes and assignments which add up to about 20% of the course points. Get ready to work, but it's worth it!
This was my third course from Rivers and he's my favorite professor; super smart and really cares about his students. His Urban and Envirnomental courses are not too quantitative, but his theory course is math heavy. The textbook is optional and there are many extra credit assignments, which are worth doing because there are only two exams.
theres on a midterm and a final, and a final paper (thats 3 pages and it is easy). You can get so much extra credit and he records the lecture so no need to show up. He also reply super fasts to emails and gives you his personal number for if you have any question. He is very passionate about environmental Econ. 10/10 professor
Professor Rivers was a very good teacher and was always very quick to respond to emails. Class is 2 take-home exams and a paper. The extra credit assignments are difficult but worth it.
This man is the best teacher at this school. I have taken four economics classes from him for credit and he is by far the best. He gives you plenty of opportunities to pump your grade up with extra credit assignments and quizzes. He explains everything perfectly. He also brings a great attitude and passion to each class. Best teacher at this school
I have had classes with almost every economics teacher, and he clearly the best by far. Not only does he provide dedicated students with an easy A, you do not need to understand everything he teaches. He has intriguing and relevant lectures. Anyone who has a received a C or less in any of class is clearly not trying not at all.
Professor Rivers is fantastic! One of my favorite teachers ever, attendance isn't mandatory because every lecture is recorded and all work is emailed directly. With good notes and attention to keep up with lectures this class is easy, if you ask questions and pay attention you will pass.
Professor Rivers is such an amazing professor. There are two take-home exams, worth 100% of your grade, that are similar to the homework problems. Homework and quizzes are non-mandatory and are extra credit. The homework is pretty challenging, but I would highly recommend doing them. The quizzes are just free points.
Professor Rivers is fantastic, easy to talk to, very well traveled and understanding of the student life. He doesn't require attendance and the only official grades are 2 tests and an essay. Lots of extra credit however to get a full grade bump if you do them, all lectures are recorded making it easy to stay up to date. Truly enthusiastic
I took macro theory with Prof. Wilson for credit. Two take home tests, which are similar to the extra credit homework assignments and he posts the solutions to the extra credit assignments. He gives an extra credit quiz opportunity every week and gives at least 20 extra credit assignments. TAKE HIM if you want a smooth class, he's awesome.
The least economic class in the school. All algebraic substitutions and long and confusing problem sets. Tests are extremely difficult and half his lectures go over your head, as he writes everything from memory and no textbook or references are given. If another professor is available for this course. Take them instead.
Rivers is a great guy who loves his job. He does not care about attendance, but his entire class is based off of what he says so you should show up. He offers a ton of extra credit and his tests are take home. I would recommend taking his class just for his jokes.
Rivers does not teach. He talks
Would take as a J-term class. Harsh grader.
This is my KING. Rivers has take home exams. Like what teacher has that fr?! and all of the homework is literally just extra credit. The easiest ever, especially if you don't want to do a lot of work. He's also funny and nice and records videos everyday in case you can't make it to class. Take this professor.
"Rivers" is almost too smart to be a professor. He's a great guy but the material he lectures on is not intuitive like he claims it is. Prepare to start studying for the midterm and final on day one as it's nearly impossible to catch up if you fall behind.
Tough grader, but offers plenty of extra credit opportunities. Use Unstuckstudy alongside the free textbook to nail the challenging problem sets and exams.
Easily one of the best professors here. Professor Wilson's lectures are amazing. He's knowledgeable and ties them to real-world examples. There's a bit of math, and it can be complicated at times, but he will break it down for you. There's a lot of extra credit to boost your grade, and the exams are also take-home. Overall, an amazing professor.
This class is so brutal and hard to understand.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
58%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.17 avg changeRatings by Course
ECON352
5.0
(1)MACECON
5.0
(1)PRINMACRO
5.0
(1)ECON250
5.0
(1)ECONSECT
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON350S
5.0
MACROTHEORY
5.0
ECON
4.8
MACRO
4.5
ECON315
4.3