4.5

Michael Hillard

Economics - University of Southern Maine

4.5
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
80%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
4.5
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
4.6
Helpful
4.4
Clarity

80%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

67

4

8

3

5

2

1

1

4

What Students Say

Hillard is a one of a kind professor at USM

ECO101 - 5.0 rating

Was shocked to see some bad reviews

ECO101 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

17%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (6)
A+ (3)
Not sure yet (2)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(0)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 15 reported grades
A: 6
A+: 3
Not sure yet: 2
B+: 1
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (8)
Respected (6)
Participation matters (4)
Inspirational (4)
Hilarious (3)
Get ready to read (3)
Amazing lectures (3)
Caring (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.12 avg change
Jul
Dec
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ECO

5.0

(1)

101J220I

5.0

(1)

101J

5.0

(1)

ECO102

5.0

(1)

MACRO101

5.0

(2)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ECON220

5.0

ECO000

5.0

ECO523

5.0

ECO220

4.5

101J

4.0

Reviews (85)
5.0
4.0
ECO101
Mar 5, 2003

GREAT professor! available and willing to help. clear on homework, tests, and clarity. gives great extra credit questions.

5.0
2.0
ECO101J
Mar 14, 2003

If all prof's in the Economics Dpt. were as approachable and modest as he is, I would declare an Economics minor. Good sense of humor; he does reviews before exams, funny extra credit. You have fun, feel relexed in his classes, and learn a lot!!! Lavinia.

5.0
1.0
ECO
Oct 13, 2003

i have taken numerous classes with michael, and enjoyed them all. he is concise, easy to understand, and a fair grader. definitely one of the best prof's ive had.

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
Nov 18, 2003

He is BEST professor ever, he is so approchable, and understanding. He makes class worth going to. He cares just as much if not more about your sucess in the course as you do. I enjoyed every minute in his course!!!!

5.0
2.0
ECO101J
Dec 3, 2003

Michael made economics interesting - and that's saying alot! He does reviews before tests and is more than a fair grader. It seemed like a pretty normal workload for a 100 level course also. He's got that hot older man thing going on too...

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Apr 13, 2004

Prof Hillard is the coolest teacher ever! He is really easy to talk to and accepts every question as if it is extremely valuable. He made economics fun and interesting, a great teacher who looks like Sully Erna from Godsmack, haha!

5.0
3.0
101J220I
Apr 28, 2004

he is the reason i became an econ major. He made it interesting because he has a genuine enthusiam about what he teaches. If he taught more upper level classes i would take them all with him.

5.0
4.0
101J
May 21, 2004

Prof. Hillard is passionate about what he does. He has a great sense of humor. He wants everyone to succeed in his class and will take the extra effort to make that happen. It’s professors like Hillard that inspire students to want to do well and he ma

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Oct 28, 2004

After getting a C in micro, i got an a- in macro, not because it was an easy class, but because he made it interesting and kept our interest up. His points were always clear and were reviewed more than once. His workload was decent and he gave plenty of oppurtunity for extra credit. Great class!

1.0
2.0
ECO101J
Nov 17, 2004

Despite my ratings, he was helpful and clear but such a booooring teacher! Definately do not take a 2 1/2 hr. class, u will want to kill yourself. He goes off on tangents and spends unnecessary amounts of time going over the simplest things just so u can get your "tuition dollars" out of the course.

4.0
2.0
ECO101J
Nov 17, 2004

So freaking boring. I had him for a 2.5 hr class and it was so hard to sit and pay attention to his constant ramblings. He would go over an easy math problem for 30 minutes and he would go off on tangents. It was a most painful class.

5.0
2.0
ECO101J
Dec 1, 2004

Hillard is the MAN! Hes very smart, and has awsome teaching methods that make the material stick. I went into the class knowing nothing and now leaving I find that I understand alot more about the economy... I'm no school nerd and Hillard made it fun and easy

2.0
5.0
ECO101J
Jan 21, 2005

He asked far too much for a 100 level class. It was too much work, and too stressful.

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
Apr 11, 2005

Very very good prof. asks littl too much for homework. If you dont get homework he is always willing to help, i would recomend taking him for ECO 101J

5.0
3.0
ECO102
Apr 17, 2005

Good prof, loves what he does and wants to help students learn the material. He will make you work some, and do the reading, but is clear what he wants on tests

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Apr 28, 2005

Hillard is very good a teaching economics. He is very passionate about what he teaches and is very clear.

5.0
3.0
MACRO101
May 5, 2005

Professor Hillard is the best professor @ USM He is very clear and very helpful. Even if you are not majoring in economics, i still recommend that you take this awesome professor's class. It is not the most interesting topic (Macro) but this professor is definitely worth you time. You Will love it!

3.0
2.0
ECON101J
Jun 8, 2005

He wants to convert all the students to the democratic party. Last time I checked, we are suposed to make our own political decisions. not with the over emphesis on libral thought. He just did not pave an even playing feild. A libral himself (which we shouldn't really know) Very opinionated against people how don't view things as he does.

5.0
3.0
ECONOMICS
Grade: B+
Aug 31, 2005

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ECO101
Sep 3, 2005

Professor Hillard is awesome! He is definitely the best I have had so far, he is knowledgable and I learned so much. The material covered, while boring to some, is extremely relavent to the real world.

5.0
4.0
MACRO101
Sep 17, 2005

Honestly, I am astonished and suprised at any student who doesn't like this professor. He is someone that tries to make everyone happy. The class is alot of work? Yes and it isn't an easy A. I disagree with the student who said prof. Hillard tries to convince his students 2become democrats cuz he is too sophisticated n he lands high2do such a thing

5.0
4.0
ECO101
Oct 20, 2005

Prof Hillard is Ivy League quality and well respected by other professors at USM. He's not an easy grader, but interested and engaged students will benefit from this excellent professor. Sign up before he's recruited by a school that charges ten times the price.

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Nov 7, 2005

Prof Hillard is a great teacher. this is one of the best classes ive taken at this school. you'll learn a lot and if you do your work you will get a good grade. awesome class!

5.0
3.0
ECO220323
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 18, 2005

Anyone interested in labor history and industrial relations these are the courses to take. Prof. Hillard is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about labor issues. There is, however, a ton of reading. Don't think you have to be pro-union as a prerequisite for these classes, Prof. Hillard welcomes all views.

5.0
2.0
INTROMACRO
Feb 4, 2006

Prof H is extremley smart and loves his job He is invested in helping students succeed, beyond the classroom, yes he is a liberal but doesn't push his beliefs upon anyone, all these conservs are just threatened by the truth, bush is a liar get over it-he complements good work and encourages open mindedness..perfect professor, couldnt ask for better

5.0
4.0
ECO101
Sep 22, 2006

In the last three years at USM, I have only had two professors that deserve an A grade. You could not ask for a more patient and respectful teacher who seems to really care that everybody in the class is learning.

5.0
2.0
ECO101
Sep 29, 2006

Awesome professor certainly deserving of praise. He really NEVER pushes his political views on anyone which was very refreshing to me. Hillard knows how to teach and cares about his students. Do what you can to take him!!!! J've never heard a bad word against him

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Oct 19, 2006

Prof. Hillard is not only one of the best looking professors on campus, he is also one of the fairest. Even when I bother him with what I'm sure are stupid questions, he takes the time to explain in great detail because he really is interested in his subject matter. P.S. Do not take this class if you don't like to read!

3.0
4.0
ECOMACR
Nov 10, 2006

So - he is a nice guy and has some what of a sence of humor... if u dont mind 5 chapters a week and writing every answer u give as an essay then he is good for u. But - if u are taking this just as a requirement save urself the hassle! He expects the stu's to know all about ECO b4 walking in the door and as passionate as him when they leave. GdLk

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
May 10, 2007

great teacher! extreamly helpful and passionate about the subject matter.

5.0
2.0
ECO101
Aug 15, 2007

Awesome teacher and guy over all. Going to his class is the biggest help he gives 99% of the answers in class during his lectures. Took it in the summer so it was a little harder so much info to learn in 4 weeks but all take a B

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
Sep 4, 2007

I really love this professor. He's very helpful, nice and understanding.

5.0
5.0
ECO220
Nov 8, 2007

His passion for labor history translates to an effective learning enviroment. Highly recommended.

4.0
4.0
EYE103
Nov 14, 2007

You need to be very focused, but he definitly is a professor that makes sure you are on the right track instead of just knowing your not doing well and letting it go.

4.0
5.0
EYE103
Dec 24, 2007

This guy is an extremely HARD teacher. I disliked this teacher for just about the whole semester because he was so challanging and I received a check minus on every paper. He's a great guy. He is also always willing to give help. If you're looking for an easy class, do not take this class. I only survived this class because I seeked A LOT of help!

5.0
2.0
ECOMACR
Jan 24, 2008

One of the best USM has to offer, Professor Hillard is intellectual and knows what he is teaching. Classes were profitable and if you do what is expected of you--you will get an easy A.

5.0
5.0
ECON220
Mar 7, 2008

Serious, helpful, and challenging. Engages you, and makes your success the centerpiece. Try this professor -- it's worth you while.

5.0
5.0
ECO101
Mar 19, 2008

I have had Professor Hillard for Macro, Labor History, and Comparative Capitalism. He is an amazing teacher, engaging, funny, smart, and a great mentor.

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Apr 3, 2008

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
May 12, 2008

The best professor I have ever had. If you can find a con of this guy I will be amazed.

1.0
4.0
EYE103I
Jun 4, 2008

boring class

3.0
2.0
ECOECO
Jun 7, 2008

This professor's heart is in the right place.. however, the class was chaotic and unfocused... spent too much time talking about his writings, his trips, his tenure, his connections ....

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Jun 17, 2008

Boring Class but its Economics .. its hard to make in fun.... Great teacher though... very helpful

5.0
4.0
ECOMOST
Sep 22, 2008

This professor tends to have a profound effect on many students.. he's one of the reasons there are students in the econ dept because he truly inspires and tends to really believe in his students. He pushes you and gives you every tool to succeed and will help in any way. He's got a knack for making economics easy. Take Hillard - never Goldstein!

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Oct 12, 2008

After 1 class, I switched my minor from writing to economics. The best professor I've ever had.

5.0
4.0
EYE103
Dec 12, 2009

by far the best professor I have ever had, and the only reason why I have given USM a second chance ... if USM had one great professor like Hillard, then they must be hiding others somewhere!

5.0
3.0
EYE103
Jan 5, 2010

He's an AMAZING professor. I was not looking forward to taking this class, especially because of the topic. Hillard made it enjoyable and interesting. He really cares about his students and will help you with anything you ask for. I liked him so much I'm taking a class with him next semester as well. Most of my friends hated their EYE course,so any

4.0
5.0
ECO000
Mar 13, 2010

an excellent professor. Your books are absolutely mandatory, and trust me, you'll use them. From what i can tell, if you've taken one class with him, you've taken all of them. pulls the same readings for multiple classes. been in a few of them which helps die down the reading load. helpful but also very liberal and likes to talk about himself.

5.0
3.0
ECO101J
Apr 27, 2010

Great professor. Gets a little side tracked....quite a bit of Spanish spoken at the beginning of class. Thought he was going to be a dink but actually was really good. Knows his stuff. Need to attend class and do the homework to get a good grade. Relies heavily on TA's to grade assignments. A little full of himself but pleasant to all students.

4.0
3.0
ECO321
May 13, 2010

Understanding Contemporary Capitalism - why are two of the three textbooks on Marxism? Because the course is not required and the prof can teach it any way he wants. I dropped the class because I didn't want to learn about socialism - I wanted to learn more about modern capitalism. Nice guy, just caught up too much on socialism and progressivism

5.0
4.0
EYEECO
Nov 2, 2010

The best professor from USM, took couple classes with him and enjoyed it very much. He does give a lot of work to do, but he is always there to help you! He cares about his students a lot. I wish I could take more classes with him. His lectures are fun. Prof. Hillard is willing help with any questions. He is THE BEST.

5.0
1.0
EYE103
Nov 19, 2010

Professor Hillard is amazing. He really does care for you to grasp the information. He works hard to provide students with study guides and helpful tips. His midterms are easy and he lets you redo the essays to boost your grade. Well worth your time if you care for Consumerism.

5.0
4.0
ECO101J
Jan 9, 2011

Prof Hillard is an awesome professor! I took his intro to macroeconomics class and it was the best class I have taken at USM. As long as you do the work you will be fine. His exams are easy as long as you can give him the answers in his words (take and use class notes!)

3.0
1.0
ECO300
Apr 9, 2011

boring boring boring

4.0
4.0
ECO101
May 17, 2011

Great professor, will work will you if you want an A. It's not impossible to get a good grade in the class as long as you apply yourself.

5.0
2.0
ECO101J
Jul 2, 2011

Great professor, really cares about his students and their progress in the class. Easy to get an A with as long as he can see that you're involved and interested in the class. Tests are easy as long as you do some studying, and homework is relatively easy as well.

5.0
4.0
EYE106
Mar 14, 2012

Took his EYE course on American Consumerism and it was by far the best class I've taken at USM. Hillard genuinely cares about his students and their progress. The workload is heavy, but he makes sure you get a lot out of what you put in. A+ professor!

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Nov 30, 2012

Hillard is a great professor. I took his class as an English major and switched to Economics during my semester with him. There is a fair amount of work and ample opportunities for extra-credit. Works in the field of study and is very down-to-earth... Great Professor!

5.0
4.0
ECO490
Feb 19, 2013

Professor Hillard is a down to earth, kind souled, brilliant minded man; who holds a passion in his heart for teaching and helping students meet the highest potential. He expects a great deal from his students yet he is immensely fair and willing to help when students are in need or are confused. He is a role model.

5.0
2.0
ECO490
Feb 19, 2013

Professor Hillard is a down to earth, kind souled, brilliant minded man; who holds a passion in his heart for teaching and helping students meet the highest potential. He expects a great deal from his students yet he is immensely fair and willing to help when students are in need or are confused. Professor Hillard is a role model

5.0
2.0
ECO101
Mar 18, 2013

Best teacher I've had at USM. He cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Makes Economics fun and interesting. I highly recommend him for any economics class.

4.0
3.0
ECO101J
Apr 30, 2013

Hilliard is a great professor! He definitely expects a fair amount of your time in homework and journal assignments, but he loves what he teaches, which makes his lectures interesting. Do not take this class if you aren't good with meeting deadlines!

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Jul 29, 2013

Hillard is one of the best professors I've had! I was required to take Macroeconomics and want to minor Economics because of him. He keeps class interesting and I learned a ton! He is also very understanding and wants all of his students to succeed!

5.0
2.0
ECO101
Dec 4, 2013

This class and this professor are honestly what made me want to switch to being an economics major. He is engaging, enthusiastic, and just a natural teacher. He's great at interacting with the class and I learned so much. He's great at balancing being funny with making sure we understand all the information. He really cares about his classes.

4.0
3.0
ECO101
Jan 14, 2014

Hillard's a good guy. He likes to crack jokes but he also really knows his stuff when it's time to lecture. Good class discussions and he was usually pretty good at staying on task.

5.0
1.0
ECO101J
Grade: A-
Apr 17, 2014

Hillard is an amazing teacher. He knows how to connect to students and keep you entertained while learning. It is definitely a class you need to attend but it is worth it. He is the reason I am minoring in Economics. TAKE HIS CLASS!!!

5.0
2.0
ECO101
Apr 27, 2014

Before I took Professor Hillard's class I had no interest in Economics. His contagious excitement about the topic spreads throughout the class. I highly recommend this class to EVERYONE!! AMAZING!! I am now thinking about minoring in Economics!!

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Apr 30, 2014

Awesome professor! Very good teaching style, and easy to understand. Exams were a lot of writing, but were easy if you studied. Definitely recommend him to anyone.

5.0
5.0
ECO101
Oct 25, 2015

This professor would rather skip his lunch and dinner breaks if it means helping his students. Most professors got rid of me very quickly when I asked them for extra help. This professor did the opposite. I began liking economics because of him. I'm so glad I met him and I will never forget him. He made me a better person. He is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

5.0
4.0
ECO220
Grade: A
May 9, 2016

Hillard assigns a lot of reading, but the books he assigns are interesting, even if you are not a fan of economics. You need to attend classes and attendance is mandatory. He also likes to call on people that don't talk a whole lot in class, so make sure you participate!

5.0
3.0
ECO101
Grade: A
Sep 4, 2016
Would take again

Gives a lot of writing assignments, but is a fair grader. Doesn't give his students a lot of slack, so be prepared to work hard. His lectures are engaging, interesting, and he has a great sense of humor.

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Hilarious
5.0
5.0
ECO101
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2017
Would take again

Hillard is a one of a kind professor at USM. He can take a subject like economics and make it fun to learn about. He does give weekly assignments that take about an hour or so to do. There are 3 exams which are all fairly easy if you just go to class and pay attention. I never studied because he gives such clear lectures that stick with you.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
ECO101
Grade: A
Jan 24, 2019
Would take again

He gives a lot of assignments and readings, but Hillard makes it easy to understand and the readings aren't too tough. He has a great personality and the lectures were great and makes you learn a lot. Hillard is the real GOAT

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Inspirational
5.0
2.0
ECO101
Grade: A+
Jun 17, 2019
Would take again

Prof. Hillard is an incredibly charismatic professor that aims to inspire and educate his students through a refined economics course. He uses a variety of visual and hands-on learning aids that make class go by quickly and leave you eager to learn more. Doesn't make you buy textbooks-(Provides reading material)! Show up & Complete HW- easy A!

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
3.0
5.0
ECO523
Oct 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Really not a fan of how he teaches - a long, dry lecture style does nothing for my learning style and I feel drained and bored after most classes. The amount of reading for this course is absolutely ridiculous, homework assignments are dense as well. Incredibly passionate and charismatic about the work he does, just not my jam.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
ECO323
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2019
Would take again

Hillard is a fantastic professor in how he gets students engaged with the material. That being said, if you aren't into the course it will be a lot of reading and notes. Take his courses if you are interested if you have to take it, maybe find a professor who mixes it up more.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Caring
1.0
3.0
ECO450
Grade: A+
Jul 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very offputting. Goes out of his way to blame republicans/capitalism for all of the world's problems while promoting marxism. No grading criteria. He increased the essay lengths from what he had listed on the syllabus. Used the first 30 minutes of every class to brag about his accomplishments. Love economics but he made the material super boring

Participation matters
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
ECO101
Dec 12, 2020
Would take again

Best teacher I've ever taken. Goes out of his way to make sure you understand the material. Anyone giving him a bad grade just most likely didn't want to any work and was looking for an easy grade. He plugged his book into one teaching-- as a negative review stated-- but at least it confirms he knows what he's talking about and it wasn't obnoxious.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
ECO101
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2021
Would take again

Funny, realistic expectations, clear grading criteria,

Gives good feedback
Respected
Inspirational
1.0
4.0
ECO101
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Hillard is a teacher you do not want to take a class with. He is a hard professor, and he made this class too difficult for a Gen ed course. If you struggle with this class, don't expect him to return your emails, or if he does, expect him to be sarcastic and rude. If I could give him less than a star I would.

5.0
1.0
ECO101
Apr 11, 2021
Would take again

Love this guy. Was shocked to see some bad reviews. Tests are literally word for word what he teaches in class. Was super easy to understand the material! Very practical, learned real-world issues.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
ECO101
Apr 11, 2021
Would take again

As a student I am so excited I decided to take Hillard's class. Makes material so easy to understand. Seems like the people who didn't like his style of teaching are an anomaly. I am going to major in economics now because of him!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
ECO101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 29, 2021
Would take again

This teacher was hands-down the best teacher I've had throughout my entire educational life. His class/syllabus was extremely well structured, he brought provocative, sound and worldly knowledge to every lecture which sincerely made it an incredibly enjoyable experience. There is not enough room for me to write everything good that should be said!

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
4.0
ECO321
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 29, 2021
Would take again

This is the 2nd class I have taken with Prof. Hillard, and I am once again blown away by the structure, engagement and dedication he has brought to his class. Coming from someone who had no knowledge of the concepts he taught, he was able to fill my brain with amazing and worldly economic and social concepts that are truly relevant in today's world

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
ECO101
Grade: A+
Apr 18, 2022
Would take again

Truly cares for all his students. He is passionate about his work and what he teaches. Makes for an amazing learning experience. Material learned in class clearly reflects what is on test and exams.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

17%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (6)
A+ (3)
Not sure yet (2)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(0)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 15 reported grades
A: 6
A+: 3
Not sure yet: 2
B+: 1
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (8)
Respected (6)
Participation matters (4)
Inspirational (4)
Hilarious (3)
Get ready to read (3)
Amazing lectures (3)
Caring (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.12 avg change
Jul
Dec
Jan
Mar
Apr
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ECO

5.0

(1)

101J220I

5.0

(1)

101J

5.0

(1)

ECO102

5.0

(1)

MACRO101

5.0

(2)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ECON220

5.0

ECO000

5.0

ECO523

5.0

ECO220

4.5

101J

4.0

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