3.1
Quality3.5
Difficulty46%
Would Retake99
Reviews46%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
30
4
16
3
10
2
18
1
25
What Students Say
“I took this class online”
FIN3403 - 2.0 rating“We had only two tests, each stands 50% of the final grade”
FIN3403 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
16%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.32 avg changeRatings by Course
FIN4486
5.0
(2)FIN3561
4.2
(5)FIN3424
4.0
(1)FIN4324
3.2
(25)FIN3403
3.1
(31)Difficulty by Course
FIN4486
4.0
FIN3403
3.6
FIN4324
3.6
FIN3140
3.5
FIN3005
3.4
Reviews (99)
Should do the homework assigned even though it is not graded.
He is not really clear about what he expects from us. He does give homework problems (not graded) and the exams are based mostly on the homework. one midterm (40%), one final(40%) and a project (20%). Overall he is not that bad but prepare to teach yourself and struggle to make sense of what he writes on the board.
His instructions are so unclear. Does not follow the syllabus. There are no dates for exams or projects. He will make it 2 weeks before. A midterm and a final, 1 journal project comparing 2 financial institutions. Exams are not multiple choice. Overall easy. the HW is not graded and expects participation.
I though he was a good professor and willing to help students understand the subject. I will recommend him any time !!!!
Very smart guy when it comes to banking, i think if you pay attention to what he has to say you'll get a better understanding of the class. overall a very easy A just show up to class and you will pass.
exams are based on homework. had to watch video recording,its crucial. just reading the book is not enough, too much info. watch videos, he specifies what to pay more attention to. kinda like a math class-problem, calculators, formulas. If you are not into it, get another prof. he is nice, but lacks teaching skills. grade is 50 MT 50 Final
Amazing professor! His class is easy and I actually enjoyed it. The final grade is only based on the midterm and final and the homework is optional but I would highly recommend you complete it. He is a very understanding professor and really tries to work with you. You have two weeks to complete H.W and I recommend watching the lectures. Take him!
Took this class online spring semester and all of the video lectures were from fall semester. It was kinda hard to keep track of the weeks and lectures since it was all outdated and the info was a bit different. Midterm and final are each worth 50% with about 10-15 questions, taken on ProctorU. Exams are just like the problems done in class.
I took this class online. Inhuman professor. Only 2 tests 50% each, no homework, no other assignments to help your final grade, not even the introducing yourself assignment counts. Be ready to be on your own in this class. The videos are there supposedly to help you on the tests, but then the tests are a completely different story. Avoid!!!!!!!!!!
So far this class is not as bad as the reviews and syllabus seem. Initially, it is scary since final grade is based on 2 exams only. (50% Midterm, 50% Final). However, the test is mostly based on homework. Although credit is not given for doing homework, you sure will see the results when taking the exam; since at least 80% is similar to homework.
Professor Del Pezzo does an excellent job bringing in his real world experience in order to help you understand topics. One of the only professors that I know that does not get mad at all the "What If" questions. Although there is only a midterm and final he makes sure that what is covered in class is what is on the exam. I would recommend him
Professor Mark Del Pezzo is one of the best professors teaching Finance at FIU. He has goo experience that he can share and that is directly related to the subject. The material itself may be a little challenging, but he will make sure you understand it. Even though class is just a midterm and a final, the class is passable. DEFINITELY TAKE HIM!!
Mixed feelings about taking the course. Grades are based on 2 exams only. midterm is 50 percent with 10 questions. There is NO review. Its up to you what to study. Final is 15 questions. Student it clueless on what will be on exam. He doesn't say much about it except "read the chapters". He would be better if he cared more about students.
Tests are 50% of problems you do in class and 50% is from somewhere in the terrible textbook. They're multiple choice (first test 5 questions, second test 10) but not really because you have to show your work so even if you guess, without work it is wrong. He has no actual schedule and just assigns whatever he feels like but he is a nice guy.
Professor Del Pezzo is one of the best professors you will find at FIU, he has a lot of experience in the financial world and knows what he is talking about. He is always looking to improve his class to better help his students. Watch his lectures, read the textbook and you will pass this class. If you do your part you should get an A.
Professor Del Pezzo is one of the best Finance professors at FIU. Hes teaching approach is very dynamic, does not bore you to death with power point, and relates the material to real life finance as he has several years of experience in the industry. Goes out of his way to help you in your academic and professional career. Fair grader, A.
Take him. He knows what he is doing because of how much experience he have in the banking industry, and the amount of people he advice besides teaching at school. He is a very straightforward prof. when it comes to teaching. You will teach your self like almost every professor at university level. Just read the chapter before class and youll be fi
He's a nice guy, but I don't think teaching is something he should be doing. 2 exams, that's it, no attendance or homework, so if you mess up on those exams you have nothing else to back you up. Waste a lot of time watching videos on YouTube instead of actually covering what will be on exams. He expects you to learn on your own. No extra credit.
Professor Del Pezzo focuses on applying financial theory to real world, practical problems. Even if you are not a finance major, he breaks down the concepts so that you can easily understand it, and he also stimulates interest into the subject. If you read the textbook, you can get an A.
Please don't let the positive feedback here deceive you. Two exams compose your entire grade. No HW No EC No attendance. If you slip on one exam, forget it, you're done for. We took the final about a week ago and he still hasn't posted the grades. Time management is atrocious we literally watched Jim Cramer videos every class. Avoid like the plague
Professor Del Pezzo is a really great instructor. He knows what he is talking about and has a lot of experience in finance. The class is composed of 2 grades: a midterm and a final. They are not difficult if you take the time to read the book and study, just like for any other class. I really enjoyed this class :)
Unfortunately FIU only has one guy teaching this class, and he's horrible. You probably won't be able to avoid him, but be prepared to deal with a lazy professor. Doesn't have the ability to explain things thoroughly. 2 exams, no extra credit, basically wants you to teach yourself. Shouldn't be in this profession.
This is one professor that is passionate about what he teaches. The material may seem a little boring at first, but once that math comes in, it's fun. One midterm, one final that's it. Consisting of book vocab and only math problems that he does in class. Read your materials and practice the math and you should pass the class, easily.
The material isn't horrible if you pay attention as best you can and study. Del Pezzo is really knowledgeable and a good guy. Tread carefully, though; there's only two tests that make up your grade. I got an A on the first one and a D on the second, so don't let yourself believe you've studied enough until it's the day of. Worst grade I've gotten.
2 exams, thats it. Wouldnt take him again.
He is a great professor and knows a lot about the topics. You can tell he's passionate about it.
This class is not an easy one. Midterm wasnt too difficult, most of the questions were from hw(50% math 50% concept). 2 test midterm and final, final is very challenging. Do the extra credit it will help your final exam grade . Do not recommend this professor but he isnt horrible either. You MUST study to pass. Not an easy class.
Great professor, knows and is passionate about the material. He begins class by going over the market and then incorporates that in the lecture which helped me understand the concept better. Yes the class is 50% midterm and 50% final, but the math probs are like those in class. So if you practice the probs and study the terms you'll get the A.
Gave two tests and entire grade was based on those two tests. Tests are relatively easy if attend and listen. He gives synopsis of what to focus test studying on. Book is used lightly during class (for example problems etc.). Old edition is acceptable. Says that test can include data from book not discussed in class, but never actually did.
Your grade is made up of 2 exams & that's it so if you fail 1 you basically fail the class. He does go over the math problems in class & those same/similar ones are used in the exams. However, for the word problems you are on your own. His advice is to read the assigned chapters like 3 or 4 times & you might pass. First C I ever get in my life.
FIN4324 Commercial Bank Management with Professor Del Pezzo is my all-time favorite course in my college career. Prof. Del Pezzo makes class lectures entertaining and engaging, mixes in current events and let the class discuss topics and then bringing in his expertise to the debate. Theres a midterm and final with a research paper in between.
I took FIN 3403 and FIN 4324 online with Mr. Del Pezzo. There are two exams you should prepare well to take. Nevertheless, he gives lots of tools fore you to prepare to take the exams. In his classes, you feel really prepared to face the professional world. I would recommend him if your real intention is to learn and be inspired.
There are only 2 exams midterm and final. He doesn't curve. The review for the midterm will help you for the exam, but the review for the final is nothing like the exam. For the conceptual questions you have to read all the chapters. The classes are a short speech and the rest are online videos of movies, exercises feom the chapter
Explains all concepts very well and thoroughly. If you attend the lectures and take notes, you will be well prepared for the exams. You can tell he cares about his students and is always willing to stay after class to answer any questions and help you during his office hours. Very approachable and responds quickly to messages. Highly recommended!
Took FIN 3403 with him this summer, he didn't teach much in the lecture, he would only go through a few math problems (very similar to a few test problems), then the rest of the class time was for video watching. We had only two tests, each stands 50% of the final grade. If you take him, be prepared to selfteach and recite the whole book.
Take the class online instead of in person.
Del Pezzo is an amazing professor, if you take him in class and are interested in money his lectures will motivate you to start investing. His knowledge and experience of the subject lets you view finance in the eyes of an experienced money manager. The usual midterm and final, he reviews what will be both tests, definitely recommended.
This professor only grades you based on two exams, a midterm and a final, each of them is worth 50% of your grade, math questions on the exams are exactly like the ones he goes over on the video but then he throws some concept questions in there and if you don't know them you won't pass. Does not assign hw or extra credit. (dont take this down)
Del Pezzo knows his stuff but he will not go out of his way to help you. I was set to graduate Fall 2018, he had only two exams with 20 questions.. no discussions or homework or any way of showing you understand the information for the course. Exams were not like questions practice. Unless you know a lot already about finance I would not take him.
Took this class on campus. Great professor, very knowledgeable. He will show you some videos and sources in class, I suggest you take note of the names and use them at home, will make the class so much easier. Two exams 50% each.
No finance class is easy. 50% midterm, 50% final. The theory for his exams are tricky but the math questions are identical to the problems he assigns. His midterm is easy but the final is very hard. He is always available to meet outside of class and is one of the nicest professors i've ever had. Put in the work and you will pass.
Pros: - Kind and positive Cons: - Incredibly boring lecture where he explicitly states the first class that its not important you come to the lecture - Grade is based off 2 20 question exams worth 50% each - Offers no outline for the exam no practice problems, simply tells you the chapters the exam will be only and tells you to study EVERYTHING
Professor Del Pezzo is an amazing and caring professor. His value goes beyond the scope of the material in class because he was a huge resource in helping me figure out how to approach internships. The class itself is not difficult if you do the practice problems until you memorize them and be alert when he emphasizes what concepts are important.
I would not recommend anyone to take this class online, finance is not an easy course. Your grade is based off 1 midterm and 1 final. Class is not easy but if you watch his videos and you practice the problems then you will pass.
50% of grade is midterm and the other 50% is a final. professor doesnt teach anything so the textbook is your best friend. study the questions he assigns though they are similar to test questions.
Only 2 grades Midterm and Final each worth 50%. Very helpful professor, even though attendance is not mandatory both test are highly based on the lectures and the problems gone over in class. Lots of concepts to be learned for the tests. Gives different opportunities for extra credit. Have in mind you have to pay attention in class.
This professor is nice but if you can take this class with another professor. For the most part he lectures and shows videos and what not.. but they can be pointless and not related to the subject matter. Even reading the book and going off what he says in class may not always be sufficient for the test. Class was okay, I felt mislead on the exam.
This professor was very nice overall. He did his best in trying to make his lectures more exciting. However, his class was only consisted of two exams: a midterm and a final. He does work out the mathematical problems that may be on the exam. For the conceptual part, you may have to read on your own. But, he is a great professor.
DO NOT TAKE HIM!! His class is not designed for students to succeed. 50% Midterm, 50% Final. No study guides/no homework/no quizzes in between. You are supposed to study 5 chapters for each test. I am an fully online student and the content for this class is already difficult. He did not make the effort to teach us or explain the material.
Do NOT take this professor online. It's not a hard class but he is so disorganized. Not sure how taking the class is in person, but online it's only a midterm and a final, and he gives NO information on what's going to be on the test or what to study for. When you email him, he responds with 3 words and doesn't even answer your question.
He makes you work for your grade. The class consist of 50/50 Midterm/Final, and the doesn't give you a study guide, nor a review the class before. You're on your own. He doesn't teach at all. He will tell you which exercises to complete during class, you have to read the book and teach yourself. He will explain only if you ask.
Class is challenging but worth it. You have to put in the work but the professor is always available and more than happy to help you out with any questions you may have. He is extremely knowledgable and possesses the qualities of an amazing educator. Study hard and pay attention to the problems in class and you'll do fine. I would take him again!
DO NOT take him. I took him online and had to drop the course. The course structure is the worse ever, 50% midterm and 50% final, no HW no quizzes, no nothing. If you email him to ask something he probably say "google it" and 3 words trying to saying whatever but the answer.
While his class is test heavy- he is always available for his students. Not only does he cares about us ( students) he actually puts in the time to ensure we are all learning the material and will go the extra miles and check on you to make sure you are following accordingly and understanding the problems. Unlike many other professors at FIU.
One of the HARDEST classes I've taken. 2 tests each worth 50% of your grade. No study guide. I've had classes like this before (and normally teach myself regardless), but this class was insane. Prof spends more time going over earnings reports than class material. Nice guy and seems to care but not sure if he's the best prof. Wouldn't take again
Useless lectures and inefficient teaching methods
The most absent professor I've ever had at FIU. Syllabus is extremely disorganized. Grade is split 50/50 between the midterm and final, with no other assignments/extra credit. He asks you to "watch the videos and read the chapters" and provides no further lesson. His video listings are out of order and out of date. Find another professor if you can
There a trick to this professor, watch his lectures. Everything he says in them will be on the test, especially the problems. H said read book, but I haven't even opened it, still got A just from watching lectures and taking notes of things he emphasizes. Its only 2 tests, no effort to pass. Stressful yes, still no effort.
I have known Mark del PEzzo for many years. HE is an amazing professor and is always willing to help me inside and outside of the classroom on any questions that I have in regards to his class and projects. His classes are not hard and he tells you exactly what to study for the tests. Will definitely take him again.
This professor only has two exams in the whole semester, so be sure to pass both, no practice exam, no homework, no quizzes and no curve . If you fail that's it and his lectures are mostly his own experience in banking, so get ready to study from the book on your own.
The material is not hard to understand, the only problem is that he doesn't teach at all. He assigns the chapters that will be on the test but when the test comes there's only a 10 or 20 question test for 6 to 7 chapters he assigns. He doesn't really seem to care about the students. I do not recommend at all.
Prof Mark is very knowledgeable and willing to pass along that knowledge. Finance, in general, is challenging and confusing, it is good to have professors like Mark who will explain the material. Put in the work and you will do well not only in his class but will help you throughout the entire major. He taught material I used in real life after.
Amazing professor!!! I would take him 100 times
Not a difficult class. However, I did not learn anything directly from Pezzo. He did not teach in class at all. He had a syllabus but it was practically useless this semester. Two proctored exams with 20 questions and one project. Errors on grading for final exam. Be expected to self-learn and having classmates teach each other.
Class is composed entirely of only two exams; Midterm and the Final where each is worth 50% of your grade. Provides no study guides and simply advises us to go over questions. The Midterm wasn't hard at all and then he gives a terribly difficult Final with the mean score in the 50's. He grants a 10 point curve but if you didn't do good early its gg
Professor Del Pezzo is very knowledgeable in the field of Finance. I prefer professors with experience in their fields and he has that (is a CFA + portfolio mgmt experience). We do lots of problems in class to make sure we are applying what we've read. Tests are mainly based on the lectures. He knows his stuff and can introduce you to many people.
Even if it's a fully online class, the professor is no-where to be found throughout the semester since he likely expects you to study off of the assigned textbook without giving ANY assignments whatsoever. And he expects you to take 2 proctored exams and 1 final project as the only graded class assignments worth 80% and 20% of the final grade.
He's nowhere to be found. Only two exams, no extra credit or curves all he says is read the book two to three times. His lectures are 4-5 years old and they're out of order. The tests consist of only 20 questions so you're destined to fail. Oh.. and he's the only professor teaching this class so there's no way to avoid him. Good luck.
Professor Del Pezzo is a great professor. The class is easy and there are only 2 honorlock tests and a final project. This is good because you do not have to expect so much time working on this class, but when the test comes, you need to study hard and constantly if you want a good grade. He gives you tips for the test and help you with the project
DO NOT take his class. Only grade are a midterm, final and project. He makes the exams 80% of the grade. He does nothing to teach the material. He refuses to give extra credit. Basically sets you up to fail. His class is the first class I have ever failed in my four years at FIU. Made the class much harder than it should be especially for an electi
Great professor, easy to talk to. I took his SMIF class and learned a lot. He has a lot of experience as a portfolio manager so if you're interested in that area, he's interesting to listen to. His exams are cake I got a 100 without much study so its an easy A deal.
The sweetest, most straightforward professor. 2 exams, very common sense and enough time to study the powerpoints, 1 group project which was great and actually helps you in your personal life. Loved the simplicity of this class. Plus the concept is great, prof replies extremely quick to emails. Take him.
Professor Del Pezzo is exceptional and this class along with the stock market one are a must! You will gain a lot of knowledge that you would not otherwise gain during your Bachelor's degree. In case that was not enough, Mark is very experienced in this field and can guide you through your path in order to become successful.
With all due respect, this was the worst professor I've had in all 4 years of me being an undergrad at FIU. My biggest issue aside from his subpar lectures were the two exams worth 50% each. We had asked him what we should focus on for the midterm and he said to just read the book 2 or 3 times. If you're not the best test taker, don't even bother.
This is the absolute worst class I have ever taken. I took this class to learn more about personal finance but I didn't learn a single thing. If you don't have any background in finance then this class is a guaranteed fail. There are only two tests and a project. You also have to pay $5 for Honorlock on both tests.
Make sure to read the chapters before class or wont understand what hes talking about. Hes teaches assuming that youve already read the chapters coming into class. You are graded by midterm and final. Just read the chapters and do the practice problems that he gives as homework. His test are very easy. He is very nice and answers all questions!
Don't take him unless you don't have a choice. The class depends on only 2 exams (no curves). He doesn't tell you what's on exams or give out test reviews, only says to "read the textbook." Not helpful when you reach out. AVOID
MDPezz is underrated. I really enjoyed his class. His class isn't an easy A, but it's definitely passable (it's finance, it's not meant to be easy). 2 exams 1 paper, and his exams are fair game. Definitely have to read the chapters to get a good understanding of the concepts. I learned so much with this Prof. glad I took his class.
I really enjoyed his lectures. He always discussed real world applications of what we were discussing to make the class interesting instead of just reading off of the power point. Very nice professor. His exams are not easy. They cover a lot of material and you're forced to really become comfortable with a wide range of concepts.
Professor Del Pezzo is really nice, but there are some things about the class that could be improved. The only two assignments in this class are the midterm and final exams. Each is worth 50% of the grade. This course needs homework assignments so that students are more prepared for tests. It makes the class hard without it when it should be easy.
FALL 2021. You are graded on 3 things the whole semester so you need to grind From the start. 2 tests (40% each) And one paper (20%). On the tests the problems come straight from the lectures just with different numbers so take pictures of them or write them down. you ARE allowed to have a cheat sheet (front & back / written or typed). NO HW
Does not assign extra credit and will make it hard to get a good grade unless you are an amazing test taker.
took his class twice the only grades are the exams everyone got a curve but still had low grades.
Professor Del Pezzo is the best professor I have had in my University career. He has real experience in the finance industry, and as student, you will get not only textbook-theory knowledge but authentic actual Life knowledge from a person who has been involved in the industry for so long. It was a privilege to have him as a professor.
Great lecturer, but an awful professor. I really liked watching his recorded lectures and learned a ton about public finance. However, when it came to test time, it was difficult finding which math problems he was going to put as the lectures were disorganized. I had to watch every single lecture to be sure.
While he is a nice guy, he is not a very good teacher. His lectures are not very engaging and he provides very little help of when it comes to exams, which are 80% of your grade even lying about the midterm being multiple choice. Just take another professor if you want your life to be easier.
Prof is a cool nice guy but a terrible teacher. His lectures are not engaging at all. You only have 3 total grades in the gradebook: your midterm 40%, project 20%, and final 40%. And even with as little grades as he has in the gradebook, he still wont upload them to canvas so you can see an accurate representation of your current grade.
Honestly, one of my favorite professors at FIU especially if you're on the finance track. He can be lecture but he summarizes concepts in a digestible manner, and goes over problems in class which are similar to those on the midterm and final.
This professor is by now one of the worst professors I have ever had. Not only does he not help out his students but he does not care about teaching the material required for his classes. This class could be done online rather than face-to-face as he does not use class time for anything else than talk about his own life. Prepare to read a long book
Great professor, one of the goats of FIU. Loves to teach about credit and recommended people I should talk to in credit.
I took him for a summer online class. I am used to taking short classes, but he made this elective complicated to understand. No lecture videos, just textbook, and slides, no reviews. The midterm is for 9 chapters no study guide provided. Only 2 exams 80% and a project 20%. Does not provide any direction. Do not take him!
No HW, projects, quizzes, assignments, extra credit, discussions. You're grade is ONLY based on a midterm and a final, no joke. 100% based off of 2 exams. 50% on the midterm and 50% final term no other assignments. The exams are easy, but not no studying type of easy, all it takes is common sense and going over the powerpoints and you'll be fine
He is very knowledgeable in the subject and is very friendly, however, he gives no homework and there are only 2 exams (each 40%) and a project worth 20% of the grade. I really felt like I had to teach myself the majority of the topics covered in the class since there is no homework to help prepare for exams.
There are only 2 Exams (50 % Midterm and 50 %Final). His lectures are very helpful though. He explains how to do problems that would be on tests. I would say watch the lectures x2 and read the chapters x2. The chapters are long so don't wait till last minute. The class requires discipline. There is no study guide. Practice the problems and read
This class only has a Midterm (20 questions) and a Final (25 questions) which are both Honorlock. There are no study guides or other assignments to help you through the term. You will need to watch the old Zoom lectures uploaded onto Canvas. My class worked together and split the lecture to make a study guide, I would really recommend that.
Everything said by the student ratings is true. Gives the bare essentials to succeed. This may be an unpopular opinion but if one makes a course's only grade a midterm and final then one should try to fully "kit" their students (i.e. provide a study guide, properly order lectures, give us suggested pacing, etc.) to improve their success rate.
Tough but fair class - just stay on top of the lectures and textbook. The exams are the only grades, so practice the problems and use Unstuck AI to prepare. Professor is helpful when you engage.
Most unprepared professor. FIN3005 started for me; nothing's updated. The syllabus is from 2021, the final exam says "Summer Final 2023". The only grades? Final and Midterm. Updated last minute, so I get the due date wrong for the final and miss it. Doesn't let me retake it, which sucked cause I passed the midterm and no date change, only for final
Your essentially have to teach your self to get a decent grade here. No communication whatsoever, doesn't respond to e-mails and the syllabus and class information are years outdated. Two exams both on honorlock make up your whole grade.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
16%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.32 avg changeRatings by Course
FIN4486
5.0
(2)FIN3561
4.2
(5)FIN3424
4.0
(1)FIN4324
3.2
(25)FIN3403
3.1
(31)Difficulty by Course
FIN4486
4.0
FIN3403
3.6
FIN4324
3.6
FIN3140
3.5
FIN3005
3.4