2.8

Michael Christiansen

Computer Science - The University of Texas at Dallas

2.8
Quality
2.0
Difficulty
42%
Would Retake
131
Reviews
2.8
Quality
2.0
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

42%

Would Retake

131

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

18

4

24

3

26

2

42

1

21

What Students Say

Professor Christiansen is one of the worst professors I have ever had

CS4347 - 2.0 rating

Ezpz just not the best prof

ECS1200 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

94%

Textbook Required

26%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 98 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (37)
A (32)
A- (17)
Grade Distribution
A(69)B(6)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(23)
Based on 110 reported grades
A+: 37
A: 32
A-: 17
Not sure yet: 11
Common Tags
Group projects (55)
Lecture heavy (25)
Graded by few things (17)
Clear grading criteria (12)
Participation matters (9)
GROUP PROJECTS (7)
Gives good feedback (6)
Hilarious (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.44 avg change
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SE4351

5.0

(2)

5348

4.0

(1)

CE3345

4.0

(1)

SE3354

4.0

(1)

SE4352

3.8

(9)
+12 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CS4376

3.3

ECS

3.0

OSCONCEPTS

3.0

SE4347

3.0

CS4352

3.0

Reviews (131)
3.0
5.0
CS4376
Nov 17, 2008

makes this class way too hard and has too much busy work

4.0
2.0
SE4352
Apr 21, 2011

This professor is nice. This class is easy. Anyone who says it's too hard doesn't belong in this major. A class at this level couldn't be any easier!

5.0
2.0
SE4351
Apr 21, 2011

He's cool and easy. A class at this level couldn't be easier.

5.0
1.0
SE4351
Apr 23, 2011

Good professor that will help you understand the concepts while keeping the class at a stress-free level. Highly recommend

5.0
1.0
SE4352
May 12, 2012

Great professor, teachers well, but the nature of the topic itself can be a bit boring. He throughly enjoys the teaching the materials, spends a lot of time making real world projects. Easy class if you go everyday, and pay attention. Great powerpoints. Gives a lot of examples in class through his presentations will be helpful to grasp the material

1.0
1.0
CS3354
Sep 26, 2013

I took his software engineering class. This class is about manager stuff, the hw is translating perfectly good english into suit speak. Everyone is falling asleep. If attendance wasn't tied to our grade noone would come. Everyone falls asleep.He spends forever explaining simple concepts, I feel like I am in kindergarden.Easy A if u can stay awake.

2.0
1.0
ECS1200
Dec 17, 2013

Overall, he seemed rather incompetent and lacked clarity. He appears genuinely concerned for the well-being of his students, and for a freshman class like ECS 1200, he was bearable. However, consistently changing assignment types last minute,he would contradict himself. I would only pick him if mandatory and preferably never an upper level class.

5.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2013

Quizzes used to ensure attendance and are one question from the last lecture. Exams consist of homework questions. Homework can be completed using lecture slides. Very dry lectures but easy to follow and understand. Group project required emphasizing analysis and design artifacts. Implementation must demonstrate at least 1 comprehensive use case.

5.0
3.0
CS3354
Grade: B+
Jan 26, 2014

Interesting class where he ties subject to real world examples. Easy if you show up everyday.

4.0
2.0
CE3345
Mar 31, 2014

Tests are EXACTLY like assignments.assignments are off the slides. The project is the only worry. Its requires time and understanding of the principals. The class is very boring!

4.0
1.0
ECS1200
Nov 3, 2014

Took his ECS 1200 class. It's basically a blowoff. Only worry is projects.

4.0
2.0
ECS1200
Grade: A-
Nov 9, 2014

Boring class, he reads through slides shows then there are quizzes over them. If you pay attention and have common sense you won't have trouble passing. Expect a group project that is boring too.

4.0
2.0
5348
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2014

Projects are helpful. Professor designed a perfect Java architecture. You could learn a lot from projects. But, he is not good at teaching in the class. Because he has too many things want to talk, every class he talks without the key point.

4.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2015

Exams don't require a lot of work, reading through the slides is enough. Lectures are boring, but attendance is mandatory. The worst part is the group project - a lot depends on whether you end up in a team with someone who knows more about programming. If not, it may be hard. Never used the textbook - don't buy.

2.0
3.0
ECS
Feb 25, 2015

I'm taking his software engineering class. It's not very useful, he mostly reads slide shows to us, over the blandest content imaginable. Everyone is bored to tears and falling asleep, or on their laptop. At least it's not very difficult.

3.0
3.0
OSCONCEPTS
Grade: B+
Apr 12, 2015

He just reads slides and skips the important concepts. He is always in hurry to complete the syllabus irrespective of the fact the students don't understands what he teaches.

2.0
1.0
CS5348
Apr 18, 2015

Mixes up his graduate and undergraduate classes. Extremely monotonous lectures. Least bothered about whether anyone is paying any attention. Exams are MCQs' so they're easy and projects are challenging. Lenient grader. Not recommended for actually learning about OS concepts. Recommended for a good grade.

2.0
3.0
CS5348
Grade: A-
Oct 29, 2015

Very boring lectures, his teaching skills are not good. Gives many assignments and projects. Read assignments to get good score in exams. Don't take it under him if you want to learn something.

2.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Nov 11, 2015

The class is very long and honestly quite boring. He is a great person, however lectures are not fun. expect a lot of group work!

3.0
2.0
CS5348
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2016

Lot to cover.. so sometimes he'll go very fast to cover the topics good projects lot of assignments :( marks for attendance

2.0
2.0
CS4347
Mar 2, 2016

The course material is very easy if you've done any sort of work with databases in the class. Professor is disorganized and seems disinterested in the class. Each class he starts talking about a topic and then goes on to say "we'll talk about that later" but never do. You can tell that no one in class is interested in listening to him talk.

3.0
2.0
CS4347
Apr 4, 2016

This class is super boring. No one pays attention anymore and the class would be empty if he didn't have mandatory attendance. Homework is fairly easy, the project is copy-paste, and his tests are the homework questions. He seems to hate teaching and is poorly prepared. Gets angry at his students in class. Take someone else if you can.

2.0
2.0
CS5348
Grade: A
Apr 6, 2016

Most boring lecturer ever. Goes very fast and doesn't bother if students understand or not. Exams will have same questions from assignments. First project will be tough. Easy to get good grade. Will learn nothing though. Worst part:marks for attendance.

5.0
2.0
CS4347
Apr 18, 2016

Assignments are to make sure you have learned the material he is teaching. If you go up to ask questions or concepts you don't understand, he'll gladly tell you. He loves when people asks questions. He is very logical and will put in extra work if there's is a mistake. One of the better teachers. Its hard to make databases fun, but it's interesting

2.0
3.0
CS4347
Apr 25, 2016

Professor Christiansen is one of the worst professors I have ever had. He has to relearn the material as he is teaching it. He does not care about students at all. He does not grade fairly, and the entire class had to push back in order for him to reevaluate the assignments. I would never again take a class he teaches. Avoid at all cost.

5.0
2.0
CS4347
Grade: A+
May 14, 2016

Dr. Christiansen did a good job with this course. The class consists of assessments (HW questions from the slides), 2 SQL assignments with a group JAVA project, and 2 tests. Slides were useful for everything required in class. The book is also needed. Though grading can seem strict at certain points throughout, he makes up for it by curving.

2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are boring, but class is easy.

GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
3.0
CS4347
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

The Professor is really Good. His teaching may seem to be boring but he is overall a good teacher . He gives homework's which is basically short answers and helps in preparing for the exam. Since all his answers are based on the assessment answers (Homework's) and mcq from the slides. He also curves in the end.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
EXTRA CREDIT
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Nov 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Boring lectures, everyone is either sleeping or working on other subjects. Blow off course. Group projects- he picks out your teammates. When you go to his office hour to talk about your grade, he is the most unhelpful and lazy professor ever. Refused to go through old assignments so I could see where my mistake was. Lazy to correct his mistake too

2.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

Uses aid of slides until midterm. Midterm is passable with minimal course knowledge or attention from class. After midterm used projects that were laughably engaging or knowledge-based. Hard to listen to him talk...

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
GROUP PROJECTS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A-
Dec 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Kind man, but gets frustrated pretty easily. Easy to tune out due to his monotone lectures (It's really the course's fault), but just attend every class, put your phone away, and pay attention. I once fell asleep (I sat in the front row) and he didn't mind. Easy A with quality work. Retake midterm as the final if necessary, it can only help you.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests? Not many
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A-
Jan 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He's pretty rude for no reason and has little to no patience. The class is extremely easy and its all based of group projects and one midterm. Ezpz just not the best prof.

Participation matters
Tests? Not many
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
3.0
CS5348
Grade: A-
Mar 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The professor will show you the exact definition of unfairness Stds got grades under 80 in mid exam will be given an opportunity to make up, means that person got 79 in mid and 100 in final has higher grade(89.5 & 100) than who got 80 in mid and 100 in final (80 & 100) Stds got C at last can update to B by begging professor, but no way for A- to A

Tough Grader
4.0
1.0
CS3354
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 2, 2018
Would take again

Professor Christiansen really isn't nearly as bad as people make him seem. The tests are easy and the projects aren't too bad depending on your group. The lectures can seem boring and repetitive, but he is knowledgeable and has industry experience. He's actually very funny, but if you are a particularly sensitive person then I'd find another prof.

Participation matters
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: A+
Apr 27, 2018
Would take again

Easy class but good material. He sticks to the slides and provides homework and exams based on them. Exam study guides make the exam pretty easy. He does everything to make the class easy, so I don't see how you can have problems in this class. Two-part groupproject was more heavy on the second half, so be careful with time management.

2.0
4.0
CS4347
Grade: B+
May 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Meh, just meh. He didnt really seem to care about being there, and his 'no laptop' policy is straight outta the 1980s. His tests percentages are WAY too high -- first one is 20% and the second is 35%! And then he gives you two beatings of a project, just copy paste it from his example code and youre good to go. Wouldnt recommend.

TEST HEAVY
4.0
3.0
CS4376
May 12, 2018
Would take again

I was ok with this professor. No laptop policy was lame though. I thought he was nice and grading was pretty lenient. Tests are based off homework. He also curves at the end. I bombed the final and did better than expected still.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A-
Nov 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

It's hard to stay awake in his class. He has a lot of high-school rules. Lectures are pretty much terrible.

GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
3.0
CS3354
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The material is easy, his tests are easy, the only hard part is staying awake during his dry and boring lectures.

4.0
2.0
SE3354
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2019
Would take again

This class is the real deal unlike most of the classes that you will take in college. I work in IT and everything thought translates to a professional environment. Unfortunately its hard to stay focused he talks from start to end of the class and repeats the same thing over and over again. Still recommend because he at least tries. easy grader.

Graded by few things
Group projects
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
CS4347
Grade: Not sure yet
May 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Straight forward class, and clear about what material to focus on. If you put time into understanding and completing the weekly assignments, and reviewing for the exams you'll get a good grade. I disliked the lectures; total waste of time. My general experience with professor was negative. I disliked interacting with him.

2.0
1.0
SE4352
Grade: B
May 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Read to get the hw right. Exams are based on the hw. Bring your phone fully charged because the lecture is really boring. It sometimes seems like he doesn't really know what he is talking about, especially with the examples.

Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
CS5348
May 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Give a lot details in class

1.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Oct 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

A huge waste of my time. Everyone just shows up because it's mandatory but you're not gaining any real information from this guy. Most of the time everyone's asleep and he has a strict no electronics policy and becomes real petty when you have your phone out. Steer away if you can, you'll thank me later.

5.0
4.0
CS4347
Nov 6, 2019
Would take again

I like that his notes/slides are good. Even if you miss a class or something, all the material is online to help you.

5.0
2.0
SE4352
Grade: A+
Nov 6, 2019
Would take again

It's an easy class. 2 phase project that was doable. It only took us a few hours to finish. Homework assignments can be found on Quizlet, just make sure to paraphrase. Exams are similar to reviews. He is also accessible outside of class. All in all, a great guy. Took him twice and I would take him again if I could

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
SE4352
Grade: A+
Nov 25, 2019
Would take again

He listened to feedback and now he allows you to open your laptop in class. Senior classes can be stressful, but he makes it easy for everyone.

Respected
1.0
2.0
ECS1200
Jan 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Boring, repetitive, preachy, and somehow easily impressed. his assignments are easy because his rubric is set as such, but the experience... If attendance wasn't mandatory, NOONE would go.

2.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A+
Feb 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Super boring class, also rude and unprofessional. Often told students to shut up. For some reason, we werent allowed to have laptops, which I thought was strange especially for a computer science course. I cant even count the number of times I legit fell asleep from his boring lectures of concepts that are pretty much common sense already.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A-
Apr 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

People often fell asleep, were daydreaming , or were on their phones although he would get extremely angry when he caught anyone on their phone. There is one mandatory exam which is almost common sense and the final is basically copy-pasting code that he gives into its right place. Overall easy class, but I would avoid him for future courses.

3.0
3.0
SE4347
Grade: Not sure yet
May 6, 2020
Would take again

Okay professor. Lectures are boring but at least they are practical. Prepares you well for midterm/final by giving you pool of questions that could be on test. Projects were tough to start but became easy once you got the hang of them. Overall, there is not much to be said about him. He's a dry professor but the class felt fair and relevant.

Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CS5348
Grade: A
May 9, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Christiansen is one of the best lecturers at UTD. He knows operating systems like the back of his hand and does an excellent job explaining the concepts. The homeworks are easy and the test are not too hard if you pay attention in class. I feel like i know the concepts well after taking his class.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
SE4352
Grade: A+
May 13, 2020
Would take again

This course is very conceptually heavy, the homework relies on the slides, and the exams rely on the homework. Very straightforward. He definitely gets upset if he sees everyone on their laptops, but that's expected. I will say I grew more fond of him because he made the end of the semester as easy as possible with the move online.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
CS4347
Grade: B+
Jun 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He has easy assignments but still makes you work for it. His plagiarism policy is very strict. He copies answers in answer sheet from internet but gives you a zero if you copy from somewhere. This should be against the policy as well.

2.0
2.0
CS4347
Grade: B+
Jul 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The course itself was not difficult. The homework and projects were all manageable, and the exams were not very difficult. But the professor himself can be extremely rude and negative towards his students. Also when courses were transitioned to online for COVID-19, the lectures became unbearable as his teaching became monotone and hard to follow.

1.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

he's just such a boring lecturer. Makes me want to sleep through his class. Wouldn't recommend.

Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Nov 10, 2020
Would take again

Professor Christiansen may come off as a bit stern at first, but after the first few lectures you see that he is a pretty understanding and friendly professor. He covers all of the exam content in class, which is very clear and on his slides, and other than that the grade for this class is mainly from the group project, which is pretty fun to do.

Gives good feedback
Group projects
Clear grading criteria
4.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 9, 2020
Would take again

Professor Christiansen was a pretty good professor. He mainly read off the powerpoint slides, but tried to make it interesting sometimes. The class was very easy and we had barely any homework, just one major project. The professor is very kind and a good person, even if the class itself is not always the most interesting.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
1.0
3.0
CS4347
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

2 exams worth 55% of final grade, but he doesn't let you see errors after the exams. The final was 85 minutes for 60 multiple choice(no backtracking) and 8 free response which he said he was going to put in the front of the exam, but it ended up being at the end. Worst lecturer at UTD. About half the class UTD ID& grades were shown during a lecture

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Group projects
3.0
3.0
CS3354
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He is well prepared for the course. But, the lectures are super boring. The project requires a lot of effort and worths 30% of the grade. Exams have many questions under a short time period so you expect to actually study and read before taking them, but they are doable.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
CS3354
Grade: A
May 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This professor is so boring. He reads directly off of an overpacked slideshow and does almost nothing else. Since I took he during COVID I just skipped every class and took notes from the slides on my own time.

2.0
4.0
CS4352
Grade: B
May 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He can be unclear on what he expects from students regarding the projects he assigns. He's very boring and, like other comments, just read off slides. You can miss his lectures and be fine. Of course, don't forget to study on your own time.

Group projects
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
SE4352
Grade: A-
Jun 3, 2021
Would take again

Decent professor. Lectures are boring I barely attended any. Assignments are decent. Exam grade is important, Exams are tough so you need to study well. 1 group project. Straight forward free response quizzes over chapters he teaches in class. No attendance grade.

Test heavy
Group projects
Clear grading criteria
3.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: A-
Jul 10, 2021
Would take again

A generic professor who gives relatively easy assignments. He is a kind person if you interact with him in real life. Unfortunately, the online medium doesn't help with that.

1.0
2.0
ECS1200
Grade: A
Sep 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Honestly pretty easy class, pay attention and keep track of everything and you will be ok. I just feel this professor doesn't care about his students in the slightest

2.0
2.0
CS4347
Grade: A-
Nov 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are just him reading off powerpoint but attendance is mandatory so it feels like a waste of time. Assignments are not difficult and exams are based on the homework and powerpoint. Had one difficult project. If you don't care to learn much and want an easy A

1.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A+
Nov 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This professor constantly contradicts himself. He teaches CS yet can't work a computer. I got yelled at for being "late" because he managed to get the clock on his computer 5 minutes fast. He teaches students to be open-minded but preaches close-minded things about the cs field. As an example, how machine learning will never be useful in ANY way.

4.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Nov 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

CS1200 is intro so don't expect it to be too interesting. There's only so much he can do to make it engaging. Lectures are just him reading slides. In the first few weeks, we were not allowed to open our laptops, but he became reluctantly lenient later. There's a word of the day for attendance (5% of grade). Exams are from the slides & are easy.

4.0
2.0
CS4347
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 20, 2021
Would take again

The main gripe I have w his is that his lectures are dryer then the sahara. He just reads off a ppt, but he makes them available online. The homeworks are pretty easy, the programming assignments are also really easy. We had 1 group project. He grades easy & his exams aren't too hard either. He responds to emails quickly & is very knowledgeable!

Gives good feedback
Caring
3.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Large group projects and we couldn't pick our teammates, which was annoying. Tests are fine and he provides study guides which is nice. He's pretty responsive to emails and kind on a one-on-one basis. However class can be dull and skipping attendance forfeits like 5% of your grade.

4.0
3.0
ECS1200
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

He's a pretty good choice. His class is different from other profs for CS1200. He gives group projects, and makes teams based on who knows Java. Heavier workloads for those who know Java. Uploads slides, and exams are very easy, you just have to go over the slides. On the downside, his lectures are very boring, and it is hard not to fall asleep.

Graded by few things
Group projects
3.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are boring but exams easy since he provides a study guide. Mostly group projects in this class, you don't get to pick your group and you're stuck with them the whole semester. The ones who know how to code in the group do all the work since the project is pretty code heavy. Attendance is 5% of grade.

Graded by few things
Group projects
4.0
2.0
CS4376
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2021
Would take again

He's a great professor, very light workload, one big project where we got to choose teams. Project was really fun imo but I like to code. Lots of slides. Exams aren't too hard

Accessible outside class
Group projects
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
CS12OO
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HIM IF YOU DON'T HAVE CODING EXPERIENCE. This is supposed to be an intro level class but there is a huge group project based on a language and coding level you WON'T have if you are in CS1336. Super unfair

3.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: B
Dec 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is a kind professor. His lectures are not really interesting, and he just read his slides. If you want to learn something new, do not take him. If you don't want work much to get a good grade, then he is a good option.

Gives good feedback
Group projects
3.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 21, 2022
Would take again

Very boring professor, but I think that has more to do with the course material. VERY HEAVY GROUP PROJECT. If you can't work in a group, don't take this guy. Class is pretty easy though.

2.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: A+
May 11, 2022
Would take again

Christiansen is direct and has a distinct personality. His witty remarks, and polarized opinions, make the classes somewhat enjoyable to be in, although his presentation style is quite bland. You can read off the slides and take notes individually and be done within 30 minutes, while the professor takes multiple lectures to present the slides.

EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
Clear grading criteria
2.0
1.0
CS3354
Grade: A-
May 15, 2022

Honestly a super easy class. Terrible, boring lectures. I'd say most people aren't paying attention, not that you really need to. The assessments are easy and come directly from the slides or textbook. Exams are exactly like the assessments. The two projects are by far the worst part of the course. Just study a few days before and you'll be fine.

3.0
3.0
CS3354
Grade: A
May 20, 2022

Prof is ok overall. Lectures are very dry and boring, despite prof having genuine interest in topic. Assignments are very easy, projects are easy but VERY tedious, and exams are just memorization.

Group projects
3.0
2.0
CS4352
Grade: A
Aug 26, 2022

Class is a snoozefest. Christiansen is a good guy but he just reads off the slides the entire class and makes it super mundane. Assignments are copy and paste from the slides or textbook, and exams are copy and paste of the assignments, making it pretty easy. Group projects are decent.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
ECS1200
Grade: A+
Nov 21, 2022

Boring lectures, he reads off of powerpoint slides and bores for hours on singular slides. Although the material was important and easy to understand he made it awful in his monotone voice. Make sure you do the study guide he hands out before the test and your good. There are also projects in class but they are mostly more independent than group.

Group projects
Gives good feedback
1.0
4.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Nov 30, 2022

Very boring, the lectures and exams are based more on questions such as "what is success?". Gets agitated when he hears any whispering, it felt like a high school class than college. The project was way more advanced for an introductory class despite several being beginners. You should be familiar with java, or have a teammate who does.

Participation matters
Group projects
Lecture heavy
2.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 3, 2022

SNOOZEFEST. Reads off slides in a monotone voice. Topics are equally boring - like "what is an engineer?" and 'success'. Calls you out for talking and makes you move - even when it wasn't you. Main group project requires you to know some Java, even though this is an intro course. Attendance is worth 5%, so keep it in mind when you inevitably skip.

Group projects
Graded by few things
1.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2022

This man literally is so incredibly boring. He violated FERPA every day. He also doesn't know what he's doing ever. He just reads off of the slides and sips a water bottle. Didn't listen during class, don't have to. Read the review before you take the exam and you'll make an A

Participation matters
Group projects
5.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

He is such a good professor. The lectures are rather boring, but the class is very easy and he makes sure that everyone can easily get an A+. He is a goat. This class is an absolute experience. Do not get tempted by the negative reviews here. He is a great choice for this course.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

Don't be sucked in by the other negative reviews. Whether it be going off on a tangent or taking a quick sip, he is sure to keep you entertained. There are a few projects done in groups he picked and there are two exams, but he understands that this is just an intro course and does not expect much. Exam questions are taken straight from the slides.

Group projects
Inspirational
Hilarious
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 14, 2022

Super easy class and free A+. 2 group projects and 2 exams. The thing that spoiled it was the professor's behavior, getting irritated easily and making many people uncomfortable. Take this class if you already have coding experience because you will learn close to nothing.

Group projects
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 16, 2022
Would take again

Very chill guy, as long as you aren't overtly disrupting his class, you will get an A+. Tests and projects don't require any technical skills outside of common sense.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
3.0
2.0
CS4348
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2022
Would take again

I've had Christiansen before and he's the exact same in all his classes. His lectures are just boring slides and assessments are based on them. Exams are copy/paste from the assessments and projects are not bad but depend heavily on group mates. If your group mates suck then you are screwed. Overall, you won't learn much but its an easy A usually.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
SE4352
Grade: A-
Dec 21, 2022
Would take again

The course itself was pretty boring and sometimes had trouble paying attention. He does try his best to explain stuff from slides. Overall just study slides to do HW and study HW to do good on the test. Test comes from the HW. Project wasn't hard but there is a lot of diagrams and could take time, but he does provide examples so you don't get lost

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Feb 15, 2023

pretty sure he knew we wouldn't show up if the attendance wasn't mandatory. easily a forgettable professor. appreciate him for only having two group projects, both of which were very easy. two tests on top of that, and that's pretty much it. heads up, never talk in his class or he will call you out and probably move you. technology strict as well.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
4.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Mar 27, 2023
Would take again

Exams are easy and straightforward, just study for a couple hours the day before. Projects are easy with straightforward guidelines. I think every team in my section got 100 on the final project.

2.0
3.0
CS4352
Grade: B
Mar 30, 2023

I have a major gripe with how he grades projects. In class he states just make sure you do something and you should get a good grade. Then when it comes to him grading, he takes off points for the most minor things. Contradicting what he said in class. Tests are memorization of homework questions and very easy. Homework assignments are also easy.

1.0
2.0
CS3354
Grade: B+
May 17, 2023

Very boring lecture,a large extensive group project with 2 separate phases, didn't feel like I could ask him anything and get useful information or a friendly attitude from this guy. It's an easy class just make sure you read and go over his reviews and you should be more than fine for the exams. Assignments on each chapter are pretty easy as well.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
CS1200
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 12, 2023

This class is essentially just UNIV 1010 for CS/SE. Very little participation besides making sure to work on the group assignments with your partners. Also, a class like this doesn't need a midterm. Could've spent my time studying for a better test. If he gave us more assignments, I'd think differently.

Group projects
1.0
4.0
CS4348
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2023

His lectures seem to drone on forever, he will get upset at anyone who tries to leave the class (even to just go to the bathroom). He will go on random tangents and then get upset that he ran out of time. The only ONLY upside is that for the exams, the written part, they are word for word from the homework but you take it in the testing center.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
CS12OO
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2023

This class was basically a free period to play games or do other classwork. His lectures are pretty boring & long. You can pass the exams with a 1-2 hours of studying. Only assignments there are, are group projects, which are very easy to do, even with no prior coding experience. If you want to learn, don't take him.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 18, 2023
Would take again

The class was very easy, and having Christiansen only made it easier. He may not always be the nicest, but as long you are respectful and do what is asked, you should have no problems with him. The work was very easy to complete, and he made sure that we did well and had no extra work to do.

Participation matters
Group projects
4.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2023
Would take again

exams are pretty easy and come straight from the slides and exam reviews. easy A+ if you study the slides before the midterm and final

Group projects
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2023

The class itself isn't hard. If you want to take him for a grade, take him because it's a free A. But he feels like a rude person in general. He's passive-aggressive if you don't participate, but it doesn't help that this class and his lecture are unengaging. I would take him now, but later on in the higher classes, avoid this man at all costs.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2023

He seems easily irritated but is an extremely easy grader. His exams take 1-2 hour of studying to A+ on. The projects were all very simple and took little effort to do well on. Overall for 1200 I would recommend him...for future courses however I would think twice

2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2023

This professor had lectures that he read straight from the slides and not engaging at all. We had group projects that were easy to complete. The exams were so easy, you just have to read from the slides and you will be straight. His attendance is mandatory and a grade. Overall it was just a free period to do your hw and watch a movie.

Group projects
Hilarious
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2024

the class is easy as there's no homework and the only grades are group assignments that don't take long to do and 2 exams that you can get an A on by studying the slides the day before, but the class wasn't interesting because the professor just read off slides and didn't answer questions, so just work on something else during his lectures

Group projects
Lecture heavy
1.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Feb 15, 2024

Very boring lecturer and as the content for this course consists of common sense (like actually) they're not very good, but forced to attend. Tests are very easy as the questions are all over common sense stuff. Group coding projects are a PAIN but they're fairly simple. Wouldn't recommend this professor to anyone trying not to sleep in class.

Tough grader
Group projects
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
CS3354
Grade: A
Feb 29, 2024

For some reason the professor is always cranky during class and doesn't like questions. Wants people to participate but doesn't provide a welcoming atmosphere. Will call you out for walking in late/walking out. Has good assignments that tie into the exam.

Participation matters
Group projects
2.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Mar 14, 2024

Exam was just pure memorization. Boring lectures and group project was very easy as long as you did the easy, low-point features. Couldn't make myself to attend class but had to (sad). Blow-off class imo. Also is lowkey pissed of sometimes like idk and yelled at our group because apparently we did something wrong but still got a 100 on project.

Participation matters
Group projects
Lots of homework
3.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2024

Useless course. 2 group projects, 2 exams. Gets irritated with slight disturbance in class. Ppl don't pay attention to lectures; only there for attendance. Knowledgeable in field. Exams are full memorization of slides. 1st project was easy, 2nd project needs coding that's new for complete beginners; teammates will carry tho. Meet requirements = A.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
May 9, 2024

Pros: Class was super easy, didn't care if people weren't paying attention Cons: Would tell us wrong information a lot, super boring, there was a group project super easy but why, in general was not pleasant to be around

Group projects
3.0
3.0
SE4352
Grade: A
May 30, 2024
Would take again

Lectures are kind of dry, and he goes too in-depth on some examples (usually ecomm-related), causing even more confusion in those cases. Project is a lot of work, and a lot of researching UML. Exams are not hard since he gives you a study guide. Normal homeworks are alright. Overall not great but not too bad either

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
1.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Sep 9, 2024

feels like he is just stalling for time every lecture. Talks about a whole lot of nothing.

Group projects
4.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 29, 2024
Would take again

Professor Christiansen is a nice person, but he uses his big whiteboard a lot during lecture so if you sit in the back you wont be able to see. The whole class is based on group work / group projects so pray that you get a good group. Lecture notes were posted online, but attendance is mandatory. Overall chill guy, but teaching a very easy class.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
2.0
CS4348
Nov 7, 2024

I hated going to his class because of constantly being called out. No one in the class will be talking, and he somehow hears voices and constantly stops class and accuses me n others of talking. And I wouldn't have said a word. He takes attendance super seriously and checks IDs. not fun don't take.

Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Nov 13, 2024
Would take again

Complete nothing class. Have to show up, but lectures are full of nothing and don't need to pay attention. Very few assignments. Instructor can often be rude/passive aggressive/just isn't great, but the class is super easy, exams aren't hard and he posts reviews for them. Two decently big group projects, but they aren't too bad. Easy A class

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
CS1200
Grade: B-
Nov 18, 2024

Honestly, this guy isn't horrible like that, its just he reviewed the syllabus for like 2 weeks which kinda made everyone not care for this class enough to where when he actually teaches (not much) nobody would pay attention. He will also call you out in the middle of the lecture if your are talking to a friend.

Participation matters
Group projects
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Nov 19, 2024
Would take again

One of the 2 projects involves a little bit of coding, but isn't too bad. Just try to get a good team or you might be stuck doing the whole thing. Overall, he seems like a nice guy, but can get irritated by little things. Though he is the best choice for CS1200 (no homework) and an easy A+.

Group projects
Graded by few things
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A-
Dec 6, 2024

Extremely easy class (practically a study hall), 2 tests, 2 group projects (both are very easy and you can choose groups up to 4). No one pays attention. Instructor can be passive-aggressive, but can be easily tuned out and isn't too bothersome. The class itself has very little material and probably could be completely done in 2 weeks.

Group projects
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2024

Lectures are super boring but required. Very few graded assignments. This guy had his computer's wallpaper set to be Democratic Propaganda (not a joke), so use that info to tell you the kind of guy he is. The course is extremely easy, so make sure to gets some friends to be with in class.

Group projects
Graded by few things
3.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2024
Would take again

super super boring but super super easy

Group projects
3.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2024
Would take again

Boring class very easy

Group projects
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

Boring and dry lectures, the class is basically free GPA. Extremely easy and somewhat enjoyed the projects.

Group projects
Graded by few things
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 12, 2024

Super boring class. He spent the first two weeks just going over the syllabus and nobody was paying attention. He requires attendance, but the lectures are pretty useless. There are 2 group projects and 2 exams. The exams are just memorizing the slides and the projects are basic design and programming. This prof was just unpleasant to be around.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Graded by few things
2.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A+
Dec 13, 2024
Would take again

Most useless class I've taken. I don't know a single person who still actively listened to the boring lectures after 2 weeks, but attendance was still necessary. Ez projects and pretty ez tests if you just look at the slides an hour before the tests. He's better than the other professor from what I've heard grading wise tho.

Group projects
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

I didn't learn a single thing from this class. Attendance was mandatory which sucks but you don't do anything in class. No assignments AT ALL. Couple projects which were straight forward and easy. Study the night before the exams and get an A. Professor is a big W but he's retired now 😢

Participation matters
Group projects
5.0
1.0
CS4348
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2024
Would take again

Honestly, he's not bad in upper-level courses. Had him for CS1200 and didn't like it, but ended up taking him again for CS4348. He's not a bad lecturer if you actually pay attention. You will learn about OS and how it works. The people who complain are just too lazy to actually pay attention. Easy HW, easy exams. Too bad this semester is his last.

Group projects
3.0
4.0
CS12OO
Grade: A+
Dec 18, 2024

I think the professor makes this class harder than it should be. The tests are pretty easy as most of the content is from the slides he posts. There are group assignments that could be really hard if you have bad teammates. If you don't have prior experience in coding, I would recommend taking another professor. If you want to code, take him.

Tough grader
Group projects
Accessible outside class
2.0
1.0
CS4348
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2024
Would take again

His lectures are pretty bland and boring, but you really don't need to pay attention to do well. The homeworks are pretty much just rephrasing from slides, the projects are quite easy to do, and the tests are easy if you memorize the answers for the list of possible short answer questions he gives you. Easy A.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
2.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2025
Would take again

An easy A class, but the lectures can be dull. The exams are straight memorization of slides, and the group projects are simple. Unstuck AI helped me prep efficiently for the assessments. Overall, a good option for meeting credit requirements.

2.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2025
Would take again

He retired so why am I even writing this. Sleeper lectures but a free class with a quick hour of two of studying before the tests. I did math homework in this class every day. It's not bad information, but it's not something you can't figure out on your own. It's kinda just months about your "mindset."

Group projects
5.0
1.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Jan 30, 2025
Would take again

Even though he is retired, his legacy will live on. Christiansen is the goat for CS 1200 and his exams were just the slides he posts. I did my discrete homework during his lectures.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Respected
4.0
1.0
CS12OO
Grade: A+
Feb 23, 2025
Would take again

With him, it becomes the easiest course you can possibly take. Exams are purely memorization of slides, no more no less. And the professor mostly reads directly from them. Attendance is required (5% of the grade), but the slides are available online. If you're looking for an easy A+ to focus on other classes, this is a great option

Group projects
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
CS1200
Grade: A
Apr 18, 2025

Barely any homework. Exams are pure memorization of slides, and theres 2 projects of just UML diagram and making small changes to a space game he made. Graded attendance. Class is easy and so light. Boring though. His project instructions are a bit too specific and he seems really strict on them so be careful.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

94%

Textbook Required

26%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 98 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (37)
A (32)
A- (17)
Grade Distribution
A(69)B(6)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(23)
Based on 110 reported grades
A+: 37
A: 32
A-: 17
Not sure yet: 11
Common Tags
Group projects (55)
Lecture heavy (25)
Graded by few things (17)
Clear grading criteria (12)
Participation matters (9)
GROUP PROJECTS (7)
Gives good feedback (6)
Hilarious (5)
Rating Trend

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Ratings by Course

SE4351

5.0

(2)

5348

4.0

(1)

CE3345

4.0

(1)

SE3354

4.0

(1)

SE4352

3.8

(9)
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Difficulty by Course

CS4376

3.3

ECS

3.0

OSCONCEPTS

3.0

SE4347

3.0

CS4352

3.0

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