3.9

Joseph Tripp

Mathematics - Ferris State University

3.9
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
74%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
3.9
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
3.9
Helpful
3.8
Clarity

74%

Would Retake

86

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

42

4

18

3

11

2

10

1

5

What Students Say

He can be a little unorganized at times though

130 - 4.0 rating

I honestly would not recommend him

MATH220 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

70%

Textbook Required

55%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
A- (5)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(18)B(2)C(0)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 30 reported grades
A: 15
A-: 5
A+: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Caring (10)
EXTRA CREDIT (10)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Accessible outside class (5)
Graded by few things (5)
Gives good feedback (4)
Test heavy (4)
Respected (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.00 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Mar
Sep
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

010

5.0

(3)

HNRS100

5.0

(1)

MATH130

4.2

(16)

MATH220

4.1

(9)

MATH110

4.1

(23)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

130

4.0

MATH116

4.0

010

3.7

110

3.2

MATH120

3.1

Reviews (86)
1.0
5.0
MATH110
Apr 14, 2003

So boring, I hated every minute of it, hard grader. Big on showing work even when could be done in head.

5.0
1.0
110
May 1, 2003

I love how he explains every thing in detail, i recommend him if your not really good at math, he helps so that you learn it.

2.0
4.0
MATH110
Sep 27, 2003

I hated him he was really picky on grading and showing work. Even if he didn't show work on board when explaining problems you HAD to.

5.0
1.0
MATH010
Oct 22, 2003

Very easy teacher. If you ask - he will help. He doesn't allow you to make up tests, but what professor does?!? Go to class, listen, and ask for help. That is all you need to do to pass his classes!!!!

3.0
4.0
MATH116
Nov 4, 2003

He is a generally nice guy, but is an extremely hard grader. Wants all work to be broken down and shown even if it can be done in head. I would get answers right on quizes/tests but not get credit for them because work was not fully "justified"

2.0
3.0
MATH010
Apr 1, 2004

He is very confusing, his last name says it all because he be trippin.

3.0
3.0
MATH110
Apr 12, 2004

He doesn't seem to care about answering all questions. His main focus seems to be to get through the material. He never answers questions straight forward. He won't admit he made a mistake. He always has his hands on his hips. Slow down Mr. Tripp!!!!

2.0
3.0
MATH
May 13, 2004

He is nice, but really sucks when it comes to grading and answering questions. When it comes to grading, he is ridiculously picky. When it comes to answering questions, he is very unclear, and doesn't directly answer the question.

4.0
3.0
MATH
Sep 27, 2004

nice teacher but is very picky

1.0
5.0
MATH110
Oct 16, 2004

Lets Recall.... just one of the stupid things he says ALL THE TIME. Makes learning math very difficult. Can't stand the guy. Oh and loves to go to town on the chalk. As the name implies, hes a Trip. Crack anyone?

4.0
1.0
MATH
Oct 19, 2004

makes things harder than they are. but it is easy to pull off a decent grade. on homework, he just makes sure you have some work shown so you can half ass it and on tests, just show every step you do even if you can do it in your head

5.0
1.0
MATH110
Nov 12, 2004

Mr. Tripp was very easy, he made you work for your grade but, he also helped you when you didn't understand.

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Nov 13, 2004

Good teacher

5.0
3.0
010
Nov 18, 2004

Makes learning math a lot easier. Picky about showing work but wants to make sure your ready for 110. overall very good professor.

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Jan 21, 2005

This is the best professor ever to grace a classroom at the university level.

4.0
3.0
MATH110
Feb 14, 2005

He is probably one of the very few math teachers I actually learned something from, so I give him credit for that. He seems pretty nice too. But what is up with the mummbling and constant breaking of chalk?

5.0
3.0
110
Mar 15, 2005

consider the following....now moving along. take this for example.... this teacher is a Trip(p), no punn intended. is picky about showing work, but overall a great teacher.

5.0
3.0
MATH110
Mar 31, 2005

he is an awsome prof. i actually learned something from him and i like math now - before i took his class i hated math! he explains things wonderfully!

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Mar 31, 2005

I was very sad to learn Prof Tripp did not teach 115..One of the best math prof ever. Ferris did something right when they hired him.

3.0
4.0
MATH130
Apr 7, 2005

made math much more difficult than it really was. likes to repeat and question himself. does a lot of tapping the chalk on the board that makes you want to gouge your eyes out! long tests that you can't finish in the amount of time.

2.0
4.0
MATH130
May 12, 2005

The material was pretty easy, but made students feel pretty stupid. Just get a tutor and you will be fine. Like previously mentioned, material was not that bad, but he was not a very nice guy!

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Jun 1, 2005

he is great, just go to class because you will get left behind. he takes baby steps and will not move on until majority has the concept.

5.0
3.0
MATH110
Grade: A
Sep 19, 2005

By far the best math teacher I have ever had. He reminds me of Eagon off the movie Ghost Busters. To those that don't want to study or take some serious notes, then your in trouble. If you want to truly understand math and be taught by one of the best, then stick with Tripp. He'll go out of his way to help you also.

5.0
3.0
MATH110
Nov 8, 2005

The Only Guy To Take 110 with. He really cares about his job. He is really funny in a smart @#$ kind of way. I had a B- only because I suck at math. I would take him for any class he taught!

5.0
3.0
MATH
Dec 12, 2005

by far the best math teacher i've had yet. you take serious notes in class and everything he says to you is crystal clear. gives lots of examples in class, all you have to do is show up and you will pass. take tripp!!

5.0
1.0
MATH130
May 2, 2006

He is very clear with his teaching methods and gives a lot of examples. He has Weekly quizzes that are pretty easy if you pay attention in class.

5.0
2.0
MATH130
Nov 9, 2006

Best math teacher Ive had in 3 years. Very very helpful, good notes, doesnt assign much homework and doesnt collect it either. Easy weekly quizes, and the tests he tells you exactly what to expect and does a great review the day before. I highly suggest him, too bad he doesnt teach more classes!

5.0
2.0
MATH130
Nov 16, 2006

Great math teacher. If you need to take any math class that Prof. Tripp is teaching, definately take him. As mentioned, easy weekly quizzes, tests are reasonable. He gives a great review the day or two before. No homework is handed in but it definately helps you learn the sections taught. He does "recall" a lot in class, but you'll get used to it.

5.0
1.0
MATH130
Oct 3, 2007

HE IS VERY GOOD TEACHER.HE ALSO GRADE EASY

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Oct 30, 2007

prof. tripp is the only math teacher that i've had that i actually enjoy having. i hate math, it's my worst subject and i have a B+ in prof. tripp's class.

2.0
3.0
MATH010
Dec 7, 2007

Tripp is the most unclear human being you will ever meet. he will not give you a straight answer on anything so you never know how to do something the way he wants it. he doesn't help you at all. if you miss a test (even if you were unconcious in the hospital)he will not let you retake it. I Wouldnt take his class again if you paid me to.

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Jan 14, 2008

Tripp is Great....We love him!!! He is the best math teacher in the world. THe only thing i didn't like about the class is that he didn't teach math 110 this semester. Tripp is the best, take his class..do yourself a favor!!

5.0
2.0
MATH110
Aug 2, 2008

By far, the best math professor at Ferris.

5.0
3.0
MATH010
Nov 13, 2008

He is a good professor who will work with oyu. He may be annoying at times, but he knows what he is talking about.

1.0
5.0
MATH120
Mar 23, 2009

He is a horrible teacher! Do not take. Have to learn everything by yourself. Hard grader. Have fun if you take him

4.0
2.0
MATH120
Apr 21, 2009

Tripp, is a good teacher. He loves to show you why things happen in math, and explore students ideas. He's a little eccentric and uses short hand that you need to get used to. Test are not too difficult, and HW is optional. He's a very nice person and always helpful [even when its not math related]

3.0
4.0
MATH120
Jun 14, 2009

Didn't care for him, didn't explain things very well. Get Dekker as a teacher...

4.0
3.0
MATH120
Aug 26, 2009

i thought he was a good teacher. do the homework and ask questions. tests were very easy if you did the study guide. drops lowest quiz score and will replace a test grade with the corresponding exam section if you did better on the exam. very nice willing to work with you.

5.0
2.0
MATH010
Dec 11, 2009

Tripp is a very good teacher. At first i hated his teaching methods b/c he wanted me to show EVERY step on every problem, and i wasnt used to it, but once i got the hang of how he wanted things done, it was a lot better. He always makes sure everyone understands what he is teaching, and is very understanding when it comes to missing class.

4.0
2.0
MATH010
Oct 31, 2010

Prof Tripp is incredibly unique in his teaching methods so he may not be for everyone. He wants to see every step, but so you know what you're doing to get an answer and not just assuming you understand. Textbooks are for homework that is not collected, but to help yourself. He wants you to understand & that makes him a great professor.

5.0
3.0
MATH120
Feb 14, 2011

Tripp is a very good professor that is alway willing to help out. You need to do the homework and keep up, but he let us use a notecard on the test

5.0
2.0
MATH115
Jul 13, 2011

Tripp is an awesome teacher!! Will answer any questions you have. Very clear in his teaching, and VERY patient. Would recommend him to anyone!!

3.0
3.0
MATH110
Jul 16, 2011

Math is my worse subject but I easily got a B- test is easy,

4.0
3.0
MATH120
Nov 29, 2011

Tripp grades very hard on his test and quizzes. He explains things pretty well, but expects more on assignments. Homework is online through webassign. Overall he is an average professor.

4.0
2.0
MATH120
Jan 10, 2012

Tripp is an amazing professor. End of story. He may take a lot of time from class to over-explain a number of easy aspects of math, but overall has a genuine interest in a student's progress and success.

4.0
2.0
MATH126
Apr 30, 2012

This class does take some work, but is easy if you really take the time to do the homework.The homework is all done online through mymathlab. If you do well on the homework and quiz's you will pass the class. He gives you 3 attempts at the quizes and then takes your highest grade. Test are just like quizes but with 1 attempt. highly suggested Prof!

1.0
4.0
MATH126
May 23, 2012

Absolute worst teacher I have ever had in my life. Not helpful at all, expects you to know what he is talking about, and his lectures are similar to 3rd world dialect. If you can get a different teacher...

4.0
1.0
MATH110
Sep 28, 2012

Great teacher! He assigns homework every night but doesn't collect it and he goes over it the next day. If you have questions on the homework he will help until you get it. His quizzes and tests are easy, too.

5.0
3.0
MATH130
Nov 19, 2012

Good teacher. He wants you to succeed. Homework is all online and easy. Towards the end of the semester, he makes homework extra credit. Tests are fairly easy.

5.0
1.0
HNRS100
Grade: A
Oct 28, 2013

I can't say anything about his math-teaching abilities, but as a teacher in general he's super nice and approachable! I had him for honors 100, assignments were simple and reasonable compared to some of the other classes.

5.0
2.0
MATH130
Grade: A-
May 11, 2014

Dr. Tripp is one of the best professors I've had here so far. He teaches purely based off of examples, and if you don't understand it, he is always willing to try and help. He never makes you feel bad about not understanding or answering incorrectly. Overall, he's an awesome guy.

4.0
3.0
MATH220
Oct 13, 2014

His lectures are very thorough and he uses millions of examples. I would take him for Calc 2 but the prof for that class is TBA. There is 20+ point homework assignments all the time online and he grades harshly. DO the homework or you will bomb his class. If you have any question at all he will answer it.

4.0
3.0
130
Nov 12, 2014

He is a very helpful teacher and is willing to explain anything until you understand it. He can be a little unorganized at times though. Gives a all online assignments, does examples in class and gives a review packet and review day before the tests. Also lets you use a note card occasionally

2.0
4.0
MATH220
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2014

He takes off points on tests that are unnecessary. I took AP Calc in high school and received an "A". I thought this class would be a GPA booster with Orgo and A&P however I had worked more at this class than anything. Don't take him for calc. I got an A- in the course however I think this was VERY unfair for the work I put in. He is so awkward

5.0
2.0
MATH220
Feb 28, 2015

Tripp is one of my favorite professors here at Ferris. His teaching style is very clear, and you learn a lot. He doesn't just have a Ph.D., he's actually a great teacher and knows a lot about how to teach the material. I have nothing bad to say about him.

3.0
2.0
MATH218
Grade: A+
Apr 10, 2015

This was his first semester teaching MATH 218 so he stumbled through a lot of the classes. He's very smart, but kind of confusing when answering student questions. However, the class is easy so I didn't mind him too much.

2.0
3.0
MATH130
Grade: A-
Apr 26, 2015

He wasn't very clear in his lectures and quizzestests were sometimes difficult. Online homework saved my grade because I learned more doing that than sitting in his lectures. Overall I would try a different professor if I had to take it again. Nice guy though.

3.0
2.0
MATH115
Grade: A
Oct 14, 2015

Talks really fast and is hard to understand at times. Simple class though. Lots of online homework.

4.0
2.0
MATH115
Grade: A-
Nov 2, 2015

He has a different sense of humor and he is kinda weird. But I love it. Possibly my favorite professor at Ferris.

3.0
3.0
MATH115
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2015

He is pretty much what I expected for a math professor, he is pretty much just going through the motions. If you ask him questions he will answer and he does explain the math well, but with some of the math his way didn't make sense. Overall he wasn't an awful professor.

4.0
2.0
MATH115
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2015

He cares about his students a lot and spends a lot of time helping them and making sure everyone understands in each class period. The class isn't too hard and the homework is online which I really enjoyed.

5.0
2.0
MATH130
Grade: A
Jan 19, 2016

Professor Tripp is awesome. Great professor. Clear on the assignments and tests. He teaches at a good pace so you can actually learn a lot. I wish more professors in the math department at Ferris were like him. I highly recommend him if you get the chance.

4.0
1.0
MATH218
Grade: A
Apr 18, 2016

He takes a little bit to get used to. Once adjusted to his teaching style, I enjoyed this class. It is very easy material and he is a decent teacher.

3.0
2.0
MATH110
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Very nice and caring. Always willing to help when needed. Used Webassign for homework and it worked very well.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
2.0
MATH110
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

He allows only 2 abcenses or you get an automatic fail so if you have the class at 8am you better be ready to show up. He does have a few annoying habits like tapping his marker on things but besides that he is a great professor.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
Caring
2.0
3.0
MATH220
Grade: Incomplete
Apr 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I honestly would not recommend him. He will give a certain type of example on the board during class, but will give you quizzes and tests on a completely different example you DID NOT do in class. Coming from someone who took Calc in HS and understood it really well and could do it in my sleep, I find it really hard to learn from Tripp.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH130
Dec 28, 2017
Would take again

The best math professor that Ferris has to offer for pre-calc. I have struggled with math as long as I can remember. I retook this class cuz I failed with a different professor. He taught me so much that pre-calc became easy for me he is a real gem if you can get him then do it! Even though he offers 8 am classes it's worth it!!!!

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
3.0
MATH220
Jul 2, 2019
Would take again

The lecture will be Tripp going over math problems on the board. Pretty chill guy and explains the math well. I do agree that he'll lecture on how to do problems and then the exams will have things that are one step beyond what was taught, but most of the time you can figure it out. Webassign is dreadful, shame he uses it for the online homework.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH220
Grade: A
Sep 14, 2019
Would take again

Prof Tripp was a great math teacher. His lecture is all practice problems on the board that he goes through step by step. Then these are the problems you will see on the tests and quizzes. Sometimes WebAssign (homework) is challenging but Prof Tripp is always willing to help.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
MATH220
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2020
Would take again

Professor Tripp gives extra credit opportunities every week. He truly cares about his students. There is homework due every Sunday night, 4 quizzes, 3 exams and the final, which isn't cumulative! Got a C+ on the final and still managed an A in the class. Highly recommend taking Professor Tripp. I wouldn't still be in college if it wasn't for him!

Accessible outside class
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
5.0
MATH130
Sep 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Difficult to follow along during lecture. Not very approachable. Poor grading schematic. Homework is not required, but is still not very beneficial. Notes copied from lecture are not very helpful after lecture due to not being cohesive to each other. Jumps from one topic to another.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
MATH130
Oct 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He talks down to everyone if they don't understand the material. Our first test the class average was a failing grade, and instead of taking it upon himself to adjust the course to fit us better he said it was our problem and we needed to change our approach to the class. Also, he doesn't use Canvas to tell us our grades even though it's required.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH130
Grade: B
Mar 28, 2022
Would take again

Professor Tripp is a little quirky, but he's an awesome professor. For the class I took, homework is optional, 3 tests, 4 quizzes and a final exam. Extra Credit was offered every week. If I had any questions, he would answer them in full detail after class.

EXTRA CREDIT
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
130
Grade: D
Nov 21, 2022

honest to god he is the worst professor I've ever had here. he is so demeaning when you have questions. when you do have questions he doesn't answer them. half of the time what he puts on the board is not even close to what's on the exam.

Tough grader
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH130
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

Prof Tripp is a great guy he gives you a three percent extra credit bump for writing Rhee little extra credit paragraphs. The class is easy if you go to class and ask questions.

EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH130
Grade: A
Mar 17, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tripp definitely wants you to succeed and gives you the tools to do so. Class is used for many practice problems and questions. He has office hours almost every day if you need help. He is a little awkward (in a good way) but that makes the class more chill. The tests and quizzes have exactly what we go over during lectures. Take him!!!!

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
MATH220
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2023
Would take again

Tripp is the best math teacher I have ever had. He runs through problems on the board and then has you do one. If you have questions, helps you until you understand. Grading system is also amazing, if you fail a quiz but do well on the test in that section, he will replace your quiz grade with how well you did on the test. Highly recommend him!

Amazing lectures
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
MATH110
Grade: B
Apr 12, 2024
Would take again

Such a caring teacher! Answers emails super quick and is very understanding. Attendance isn't required f you have above an 82%. Always gives you chances to improve your grade.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
110
Grade: A
Nov 6, 2024
Would take again

If you can keep up with a good pace, Tripp is an amazing teacher. So Friendly

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
MATH110
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2024
Would take again

Tripp is an amazing professor, he moves a bit fast but as long as you go to as many lectures as possible you will keep a good grade. He offers an extra credit assignment every week and gives you opportunities to raise quiz grades. He is an amazing math professor, you just have to put in the effort.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
5.0
5.0
010
Grade: A
Jan 4, 2025
Would take again

Amazing professor! Never learned so much about math in my life.

EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
Caring
5.0
3.0
010
Grade: A-
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

If you struggle with math, I'd definitely recommend him. I took his class after withdrawing last fall, and this semester I passed with an A-. Showing up to class is key—he's very lenient and explains problems on the board, which helps a lot. If you ask for help or have questions, he's always willing to assist. Favorite class, and I never liked math

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
4.0
1.0
MATH110
Grade: A+
Jan 14, 2025
Would take again

There was an online textbook that we never used. XYZ Homework was required. His lectures were pretty example heavy, and I liked that he showed different ways we could solve the problem. If you were taught a certain way in high school, he likely will tell you to use the way he's showing instead. Kind of confusing to understand.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH220
Grade: D
Mar 14, 2025
Would take again

I only didn't do well in this class because I was overwhelmed my freshman year, it was an 8am class, and I put zero effort into the class. If I had showed up for all the lectures and actually tried, this would be an easy class to do well in. Professor Tripp is the kindest person ever. When I was struggling, he checked in on me after class.

Caring
3.0
4.0
110
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 17, 2025

Nice guy but if your bad at math do not take this class he goes way to fast in lectures and all you do is leave more confused. The only notes you have are from what he writes on the white board. His tests are also no cheat sheets allowed. Your gonna be spending most of your time confused in class and trying to figure it out in your dorm.

2.0
5.0
110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 7, 2025

only grades quizes and test, doesnt know how to teach

Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

70%

Textbook Required

55%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
A- (5)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(18)B(2)C(0)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 30 reported grades
A: 15
A-: 5
A+: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Caring (10)
EXTRA CREDIT (10)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Accessible outside class (5)
Graded by few things (5)
Gives good feedback (4)
Test heavy (4)
Respected (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.00 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
Mar
Sep
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

010

5.0

(3)

HNRS100

5.0

(1)

MATH130

4.2

(16)

MATH220

4.1

(9)

MATH110

4.1

(23)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

130

4.0

MATH116

4.0

010

3.7

110

3.2

MATH120

3.1

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