4.1

Samaneh Berenjian

Computer Science - New Jersey Institute of Technology

4.1
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
74%
Would Retake
92
Reviews
4.1
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

74%

Would Retake

92

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
92 total ratings

5

64

4

6

3

3

2

4

1

15

What Students Say

Everyone loves to say things like "this prof just read off the slides" which is terribly unproductive criticism

cs356 - 1.0 rating

This professor is no help at all

CS351 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

87%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 41 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (43)
A (17)
B+ (15)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(16)
Based on 87 reported grades
Not sure yet: 43
A: 17
B+: 15
A+: 3
Common Tags
Group projects (24)
Amazing lectures (17)
Respected (10)
Tough grader (9)
Beware of pop quizzes (9)
Graded by few things (8)
Participation matters (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.29 avg change
May
Jun
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

cs356

4.3

(36)

CS656

4.1

(30)

CS696

4.0

(23)

CS351

3.0

(2)
Difficulty by Course

CS696

3.9

CS656

3.7

cs356

3.2

CS351

3.0

Reviews (91)
1.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: C
Dec 22, 2023

Everything was from UMass and Kurose's Networking textbook. This professor never gave any clear guidance and was hard to get in contact with. When people in the class complained she said it was a "self-guided course". Spent 4000$+ to use free lectures and text from UMass.What a joke. I would love to be a NJIT professor and get paid to do nothing.

1.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2024

Avoid this professor; she uses 'self-directed learning' to justify reliance on free online materials. The professor failed to meet even the most basic expectations, with minimal to no active participation throughout the course - for example, using AI to write email responses to students. This course was a complete waste of time and money.

4.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: A
Jan 19, 2024

Took her in person, which from the looks of it was a much better experience than online. She just reads the slides, and from time to time she adds more substance to them; could do better. She's pretty nice, I just watched the Jim Kurose videos on YouTube to ace the exams.

1.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: A
Jan 29, 2024

Syllabus does not match up with coursework/material that is taught. Extra quizes and projects that are not listed in the syllabus. We did a Java project and group presentations however there was nothing about that in the syllabus. The exams are all open ended and she has no grading criteria/rubric. Grade is based on her opinion and length.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS696
Grade: A
Feb 1, 2024

Was a waste of time and money. No proper teaching very racist and rough attitude towards students. Not even good advice and manners to talk when asking for questions. One thing to tell if you want to learn and value your hard-earned money avoid her else you will go through PAIN.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS696
Grade: A
Feb 1, 2024

The professor gave very hard time unable to understand anything interesting she expected 100% from students but delivering was not at all up to the mark. You may lead to difficulties and low grades even with diligent effort. The professor tends to deviate from her stated expectations and appears uncertain about her own teaching approach.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
CS656
Mar 18, 2024
Would take again

She is perfect. She teaches everything you need very well and is trying her best for you to learn the mater. I love her and her class.

5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: A
May 8, 2024
Would take again

Read the books, follows the materials then it's all good! She is good with this topic.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Respected
4.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: B+
May 9, 2024
Would take again

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is better to attend every lecture, assignments are group projects and exams are mostly based on the interactive exercises, pretty easy class.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Group projects
1.0
5.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Aug 6, 2024

The format of this class was terrible. Semester long group project needing to record 2 15-30 minute long Youtube videos for each project. All of the material comes from the textbook, including the questions for the midterm and final. There are "lectures" in the form of weird AI voiceover videos but everything else is material from another college.

Group projects
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: A+
Sep 18, 2024
Would take again

The professor knows the material. Very good class and lecture

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 25, 2024
Would take again

I pretty much like this class. The lecture is designed very well and you will learn a lot about the Network Security.

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2024
Would take again

I was taking CS 356 with her. She clearly explains everything, with examples , … Assignments are group assignments, and are good practice for the course.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 30, 2024
Would take again

I take CS696, network management and security class with her and it is really going well. You learn a lot about the cisco devices like routers, switches, … and the configurations. I really enjoy her class.

5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 4, 2024
Would take again

I am happy to take CS356 with her. She is really knowledgable of this course, and helps and supports the students a lot.

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 6, 2024
Would take again

She is good.

5.0
3.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 8, 2024
Would take again

It is a very good and informative class.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 12, 2024
Would take again

Very informative class. Highly recommend it.

5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 18, 2024
Would take again

Very informative professor. The best one for CS656

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 22, 2024
Would take again

Good professor

4.0
2.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 23, 2024
Would take again

So far the course has been a breeze. 60% of your grade is group assignments. So make sure to get a really good group in the beginning of the course. Midterm was straight out the text book. So overall, it's a pretty easy A tbh.

Group projects
5.0
3.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 24, 2024
Would take again

You will learn about network devices for security, firewall, … in details. The professor is nice and knowledgeable.

5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 28, 2024
Would take again

She is the best thing happened for CS656. Love love the class!

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 1, 2024
Would take again

She teaches in a way that is understandable for all of us. Really better than the previous professor for this course .

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 2, 2024
Would take again

She prepared you well to get all the knowledge you need for networking. Very good professor.

Group projects
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2024
Would take again

Everything you need to know about networking is here. She is nice and knowledgeable.

Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 7, 2024
Would take again

Professor Berenjian is a very good teacher who genuinely cares about her students' learning. Her ability to simplify complex concepts and make them understandable is great.

Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 10, 2024
Would take again

I took CS696 online class with her. The modules were good including supporting materials, videos, … I recommend this course.

5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2024
Would take again

I highly recommend her for CS356.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2024
Would take again

I like this class so much. You learn a lot in each module. You will have midterm, final and one online presentation.

5.0
5.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2024
Would take again

I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to take it. She knows about the subject very well.

Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2024
Would take again

She is really good at this subject. Highly recommend her.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 17, 2024
Would take again

Professor Berenjian is a great teacher! She really knows her stuff and explains things in a way that's easy to understand. She's always willing to help and genuinely cares about her students. Definitely recommend taking her class!

5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 27, 2024
Would take again

If you want to learn about networks, you should take her class. Rich contents, great lectures, and her knowledge of networking makes her class amazing. Group assignments will help you a lot to better understand about networking. Totally like her class.

5.0
3.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2024
Would take again

Good professor.

5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2024
Would take again

If you want to lear about Networking, she is the one!!

5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Dec 7, 2024
Would take again

I just audit her class for Networking. She is amazing for Networking class.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

She is a very good professor and is very knowledgable about CS696.

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2024
Would take again

She is the best one for teaching this course. She is very knowledgable about Networking and know how to teach and manage the class.

1.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 21, 2024

Professor won't reply to the emails, and bad grading and horrible TA Runjeeth Nikam

Tough grader
Group projects
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 21, 2024

Professor won't respond to emails, and TA who she assigned, he is not correct fit for this subject and his is horrible.

Tough grader
Group projects
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: A
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

She is great with the course. The course materials are great, and she is knowledgable.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

I had a pleasant experience with CS 696. The course content was engaging and insightful, and I learned much that I can apply in my field.

Inspirational
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

I really enjoyed taking CS656 with this professor and would highly recommend it to anyone. The class is definitely challenging and requires a lot of effort and participation, but it's worth it.

5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

She put a lot of effort into teaching this course, and it shows. The course is definitely challenging, but if you keep up with the materials, you'll do just fine

5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

Honestly, this was a tough course, but the professor made it so much easier to handle. Her explanations were super clear, and she was always there to help if you had questions. Just stay on top of the material, and you'll do fine. The grading was fine.

1.0
5.0
CS696
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 23, 2024

Waste of money and time. You are given so much reading materials, you are expected to memorize, then gives you exams that are 7 and 9 questions. Exam reviews are not reviews and tells everyone read everything and expect everything but will not give any guidelines to what would be on the exams. You cannot review the exams to see what you did wrong.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

The class was great. Had a good experience with her teaching style and fair gradings.

5.0
5.0
CS696
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

Although the course was tough and challenging, the professor was ready to help. This course has weekly discussion, midterm, final and you have to record a presentation.

5.0
5.0
CS696
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

Great professor who really knows her stuff and puts in a lot of effort to help students succeed. The bad reviews seem to come from people who didn't put in the effort or struggled with the material. If you stay on top of the coursework and ask questions, you'll be fine and actually learn a lot!

5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

Had a great experience with her class. Clear materials, great explanations and fair grades

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Respected
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

She is a good professor and a fair grader.

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

I really enjoyed taking CS356 with her. She explains everything clearly and made the material easy to understand. She cares about the students alot

5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2024
Would take again

I think she is perfect she is knowledgeable about the course, she cares about students a lot and if she present another course that I can take, i will take it with her. Definitely take it.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Dec 25, 2024
Would take again

Professor Berenjian is a fantastic teacher for the Networking course. She explains things clearly, keeps the class engaging and is great at managing the classroom.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: B
Dec 25, 2024
Would take again

Professor Berenjian is an excellent teacher who explains concepts clearly and keeps the class engaging. She's very organized and always makes sure students are on track. Even though the course was challenging, I learned a lot and appreciated her support throughout. Highly recommend her for CS356!

Amazing lectures
Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: B+
Dec 26, 2024
Would take again

I think she is an amazing lecturer but she's a little tough , However, if she presents a course again that I can take, I will definitely take.

Participation matters
Group projects
Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Dec 27, 2024
Would take again

She is truly a great professor. I experience really amazing lectures at her class. Also, she cares a lot about the students and supports them .

Group projects
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: A
Jan 3, 2025
Would take again

She is great. Thanks for the semester.

Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
cs356
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2025
Would take again

The professor is very professional and speaks with a genuine interest in subject matter.

Group projects
Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
4.0
cs356
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Jan 29, 2025
Would take again

Great Professor! She has deep knowledge about the course!

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 11, 2025
Would take again

I think she is the best choice for teaching CS356. Her deep knowledge helps to understand the course material very well.

Group projects
Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 13, 2025
Would take again

Professor Berenjian is very respectful. She is caring and very supportive.

Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 19, 2025
Would take again

Really good professor for cs356. She explains everything with her deep knowledge and is very supportive.

Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 19, 2025
Would take again

She has deep knowledge of the course and answers the questions very well. Great professor!

Respected
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

She is pretty good for this course. Just like the class!

EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 26, 2025

Class is fine

Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
4.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 1, 2025
Would take again

She is very knowledgable for this course and on time for replying emails, ...

5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 9, 2025
Would take again

She is very professional and knowledgable for this course. Highly recommend her.

5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 17, 2025
Would take again

She is very knowledgeable about the course material.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2025
Would take again

I'm currently taking the CS696 online class with Professor Berenjian. I enjoy the course content—it's both engaging and informative. She's also thoughtful and supportive. I do feel the number of office hours is a bit limited though.

Group projects
Caring
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
cs356
Grade: A
May 4, 2025

Generic slide reader. Calls on students randomly in class to answer questions to topics she hasn't introduced yet, but when you give a answer she says "what else?" as if we are supposed to know (like the whole point is that we are sitting in lecture to learn). She has a "i'm right and you're wrong" attitude which makes sitting in lectures a drag.

Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
May 4, 2025
Would take again

She is knowledgeable and caring. The review session before the final was especially helpful. My only issue was the fully asynchronous format of the class and limited time office hours. Otherwise, good professor!

Caring
Respected
1.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: Not sure yet
May 7, 2025

Honestly just a horrible professor, and I also had a rating removed. Literally just reads off slides, and punishes you for not attending class by assigning in class quizzes. Why would I attend the class when I can read off the slides myself?

2.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: B
May 7, 2025

Most of these ratings were probably left by her TAs. Her lectures are hardly worth going to, except she likes to give pop quizzes based on her lecutres anyways. Likes to randomly call on students which wastes about 5-10 minutes every class because almost no one understands what we're learning since she just reads straight off the slides. Easy exams

Participation matters
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: B+
May 10, 2025
Would take again

She is knowledgeable and understands the material she teaches. The class includes group projects and quizzes, and the assignments and projects are fairly easy as long as you stay on top of the material. In total, the class is fine.

EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
2.0
CS696
Grade: A
May 12, 2025
Would take again

The CS696 online course was a good experience with her. She was helpful during and after the exam. The exams are usually on ProctorU, which can make them tricky due to technical issues. But she is online during the exam and will help if there is a problem. Overall, it is a good course to consider.

5.0
1.0
cs356
Grade: A+
May 14, 2025
Would take again

Honestly don't know how people are complaining about her course. Yes she like any other professor who reads slides. The course itself is brain dead easy. Just cruise by and get an A. Make sure to get good people in your group because that's a big chunk of your grade.

Participation matters
Group projects
2.0
3.0
cs356
May 16, 2025

Reads straight off the slides and calls on students to explain topics she hasn't even introduced yet. Did not disclose the grading scale throughout the entire semester and at the end she told us anything below a 70 is a failing grade. No curve. She got most of her rate my professor reviews taken down.

Beware of pop quizzes
3.0
3.0
cs356
May 16, 2025

Most of these reviews are fake and are probably written by the professor. The honest ratings have been reported and taken down even though theyre telling the truth.

2.0
3.0
cs356
Grade: B+
May 16, 2025

Real reviews are taken down by the prof, doesn't reveal grading scale, doesn't curve, pop quizzes, reads off the slides, nice, but the class is just an info dump.

Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: A
May 19, 2025
Would take again

Have a good experience on CS656 online course with her. Modules are well prepared and the exams are based on the ProctorU. She usually sets up review sessions before the midterm and final exam.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
CS656
Jun 18, 2025
Would take again

The course includes video lectures along with supplementary videos, and assignments. The professor is supportive and responsive. I recommend this course.

Group projects
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
CS656
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 12, 2025

Professor uses only Jim Kurose videos/slides, no original content. Emotionally invested but gives no exam guidance beyond 'study interactive questions.' No tutor available, must ask her/TA directly. Has an attitude. Won't take again, will voice concerns to school.

Tough grader
Group projects
Lots of homework
1.0
2.0
cs356
Grade: A
Sep 29, 2025

Everyone loves to say things like "this prof just read off the slides" which is terribly unproductive criticism. Berenjian is simply not good at teaching She struggles immensely to explain the concepts that she clearly understands. There should be a minimum communication skills requirement for anyone who wants to be a teacher or professor.

Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
2.0
CS696
Grade: A
Oct 13, 2025

Avoid this professor. This is one of four professors who require ProctorU, which many find to be more invasive than Respondus. Second, and this is the most important part: You will learn nothing. Our learning modules are YT videos, an a.i. narrating a single slide, and little else. Her attitude is aggressive and without cause.

3.0
1.0
cs356
Grade: A-
Oct 16, 2025

Guaranteed a quiz the class after you finish a chapter from the book/slides. As for difficulty: they're piss easy, literally look up the online end-of-chapter problems on the Kurose website and they're LITERALLY the same with the random generated options. Midterm and final are the same thing: 2 questions max from slides. Focus on group work 200%.

Group projects
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
CS656
Grade: B+
Oct 18, 2025
Would take again

I took CS656 with Professor Berenjian. The class was well-structured and she really knows the material. However, the course relies heavily on the Kurose and Ross textbook, and sometimes it feels like the lectures just follow the book too closely. Still, I think the class is worth taking, especially if you stay on top of the readings.

Amazing lectures
Respected
1.0
5.0
CS351
Grade: F
Oct 19, 2025

This professor is no help at all. The slides miss half the material, and the exams cover topics we never even went over. Every time someone asks for help, it's no help. No real guidance, no clear reviews, and nothing matches the tests. Completely frustrating. All her reviews are FAKE. Our class has decided to submit a formal complaint.

Tough grader
Group projects
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
CS696
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 19, 2025

Professor does less than the bare minimum to teach. Weekly material is mostly just an AI-narrated static background video with vague discussion posts. Insists on using ProctorU Live when she's not supposed to. Her class is a huge waste of both time and money, you will learn absolutely nothing. One of the worst professors I've taken at NJIT so far!

Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CS351
Grade: A+
Nov 10, 2025
Would take again

Honestly, her CS351 is brain dead easy. Her quiz/midterm is based on slides. And group projects can be done in an hour.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

87%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 41 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (43)
A (17)
B+ (15)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(16)
Based on 87 reported grades
Not sure yet: 43
A: 17
B+: 15
A+: 3
Common Tags
Group projects (24)
Amazing lectures (17)
Respected (10)
Tough grader (9)
Beware of pop quizzes (9)
Graded by few things (8)
Participation matters (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.29 avg change
May
Jun
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

cs356

4.3

(36)

CS656

4.1

(30)

CS696

4.0

(23)

CS351

3.0

(2)
Difficulty by Course

CS696

3.9

CS656

3.7

cs356

3.2

CS351

3.0

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