Tim Derby is a gem of a professor. Easily one of the finest at State. You don't even have to buy the book. Just show up to the class regularly and take notes. Easy A.

Tim Derby is a great professor. He doesn't just teach you about the subject, he teaches you about life. He makes his class interesting, I am sure u won't be bored in his class. Maintain attendance and grab an A and a nice experience from him.

He is awesome. I love his lectures and he is very clear on what will be on the tests. Although he's actually very mysterious with his career and his past. Apparently he's done a ton in his life. Very interesting to hear about.

He is by far the best professor I have ever had in college. I would HIGHLY recommend taking his class if given the opportunity.

The BEST professor I have ever had in college. I would not think twice about taking another one of his classes.

I loved his class. He is so caring and funny. As long as you show up and participate you will get a A in the class. I will definitely take another one of his classes.

One of the best professors I've ever had. It's clear he cares about his students and wants them to succeed. He's hilarious and will definitely keep you on your toes in class. He is a man of mystery and has many fascinating stories to tell. I would recommend Dr. Derby to literally anyone, even if his or her major didn't require any of his classes.

I would take this class again!! He is a teacher that cares about his students. He keeps the class interesting.

This is the only class ive ever been excited to go to. he makes it so fun and makes everyone laugh the whole time and loves to cancel class for us. he's hilarious and cool and makes the subject as easy as he can. he never gives homework either

Went into this class expecting a blow-off and could focus on classes for my major. Instead, I was greeted with a class that was one of the most thoroughly enjoyable experiences of my college career. I'm a senior about to graduate and I wish I could have him again. Dr. Derby is an amazing man with amazing stories and if he is available, take him

Tim Derby is the real deal and one of the best professors on State's campus. The way he teaches should be known and practiced by other professors. He makes the class super intriguing and informative. He understands his students have lives outside of his classroom and does not give outrageous homework assignments. Basically, take him if you can.

Tim Derby is my favorite professor that I've had at MSU, and he is so much fun in class. He rarely gives any assignments, and they are 4 tests including the final. The tests are always only one page (front and back) and they are directly from the notes. I made a 100 on all the tests. Highly recommend him, if you can get into his class!

He is an interesting guy. This is an easy elective but you have to go to class and take notes. You will not do well if you don't do exactly what he tell you. Go to class.

I took Dr. Derby for Intro to Religion and he was an amazing professor. His lectures were very good and he was funny during them. The work is not that hard, but it makes you think and that is what I liked about is class. Great professor and I would highly recommend taking one of his classes.

I would 100% recommend Dr. Derby to any student. His lectures were funny and he taught a lot of great life lessons. He said attendance wasn't mandatory, but he gave extra credit to students who had no absences at the end of the semester.

Dr. Derby is a great professor! Volunteer for stuff and show up for class and hell help you by the end of the semester, like extra credit for not missing class or excused discussion boards for being a note taker. hes a very funny professor too, but the only thing is, his tests have different wording than the notes, but nothing too bad.

Dr. Derby knows how to get students engaged. I took Intro to Religion and genuinely looked forward to every class. He doesnt try to indoctrinate students, he just brings up lifes biggest questions. His tests are very easy but ONLY IF YOU SHOW UP otherwise prepare for mass confusion. Had zero absences and an A, he exempted me from the final.

One of the best courses to take

He knows whats hes talking about. If you go to class you will enjoy your time and get an A.

Dr. Derby is super interesting and fun! I learned about religion but also learned so many tips about life in general! I would 100% recommend! Favorite teacher ever!!!

The best class to take for credit hours. He makes the class fun to go to and is a very good teacher! All you have to do is show up for class and take notes and he will take care of you! 10/10 recommend

Dr. Derby is one of my favorite teachers at Mississippi State! He really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. He makes class super fun and explains stuff using stories which really helped me! I would 100% take him again!!!

Dr. Derby is hands down the best Professor I have had as a college student. He is both extremely intelligent and takes the time to make class engaging. Always looked forward to his class. Amazing professor and person. Could not recommend more.

Dr. Derby has been, hands down, one of my favorite professors during my undergraduate career. He truly cares about his students. He not only teaches the class material but also life lessons as well. While attendance isn't mandatory, I looked forward to going to class every day. He was one of my only intro professors to actually learn my name.

Highly recommend. Dr. Derby has very clear expectations. Class participation is encouraged and rewarded. Attendance is not taken but I highly recommend going to class. Lectures are engaging and intriguing. I'm in the national guard and Dr. Derby is the best professor to work with in regards to that. Definitely take his class if given the chance.

Dr. Derby was very kind and made clear of how to do well in his class. His tests are based on his lectures and the notes you take in class. I was dealing with a lot outside of school but if you email him he is more than willing to help you. I would definitely recommend him as a professor.

A really good professor who cares about his students. Attendance is not mandatory, but it is rewarded. I never wanted to miss his class because it was fun.

Dr. Derby is one of the best professor I had at MSU. He is amazing and everyone deserves to have a professor like him. If you can take him, do it you won't regret it if you show up for class.

Dr. Derby was an overall amazing professor. He's hilarious and makes lectures very interesting. Attendance isn't mandatory, but he lectures on notes that will be given on the test. He clarifies what you need to know for the exams, but the materials aren't accessible on Canvas, so be sure to go to class. Tests are online but can be tricky at times.

Great class with a great professor! Tests are super easy and straight forward. Doesn't use powerpoint, but tells you exactly what to write down. He's very funny and really cares bout his students! Take him if possible!

I love Dr. Derby!! He is hands down one of the best teachers on campus!! I wish he taught every subject on state campus, but sadly he is just one man. His lectures are so inspirational. I have learned so much in this class. Dr. Derby knows his stuff and he is someone that you would hope to always have in your corner! Take Him! You will not regret!

One of the best professors I have ever taken at Mississippi State. Class is very entertaining, and he will help you out in every way he can. I would definitely recommend taking this professor.

Very entertaining and wise! You will learn and laugh a lot!

I am a senior and this class has been one of my favorites. Dr. Derby gives exact guidelines on how to achieve maximum credit. I took the class online, had no problems getting an A, and learned lots of new things about religion and people in general. Great class.

Dr. Derby provided an excellent learning environment to help us as students navigate the source material and talk through our findings. This promoted a good environment that was designed to stretch our boundaries of understanding religion in an introductory perspective. I would definitely take any course from Dr. Derby!

Best professor I've ever taken! While attendance isn't mandatory, it's extremely worth it to show up to class. You get out what you put into the class.

Exactly what an intro religion class should be. Work is easy, but still makes you give genuine thought. Consists of weekly discussion boards and about 4 tests, all based on the book. No honor-lock. If you don't miss a DB you'll likely get a freebie DB grade for one of them, and if you keep a good grade, the final is optional. Love Dr. Derby!

He is very funny and makes the class interesting.

Dr. Derby's class isn't "mandatory" to attend, but you will miss out on really important information if you don't. His class is so interesting/fun from his stories that you will not feel like it's a chore to go. He makes Friday's online! He is extremely understanding and easy to communicate with. Just a great guy! I'd highly recommend Dr. Derby!!

The GOAT!!!

Take this class!! Dr. Derby is an amazing professor. His lectures are interesting and he is very personable. Although attendance isn't necessarily mandatory, I suggest still going to class because he will be more willing to help you if needed.

Dr. Derby was easily the best professor of this semester. I almost feel obligated to give a review, this is the only class I am doing it for. His passion and dedication to not the class, but rather the students is remarkable. Always left the class laughing and feeling like my brain got a workout as Dr. Derby described it. Great professor, must take

Dr. Tim Derby is an excellent professor. Though he teaches religion he doesn't force any ideals upon his students. He laid out facts and inspired us to think at a high level of intuition. You HAVE to go to class to get anything out of it as everything is based upon the lectures. I promise you will want to go to this class.

I enjoyed this class and I definitely recommend his class . He is very helpful and he is there to help.

If you need a humanities, take this class. Super easy if you go to class and get the notes (he doesn't post them). He rewards you if you go to class by giving free discussion boards but you can't miss more than one class unexcused. If you have an A with zero absences at the end of the semester you don't have to take the final.

I am a Kinesiology major, but I took his class because I had room to take an elective, I learned a lot of different things during his lectures and his style always made me feel engaged. He takes time to get to know many students while being understanding and relatable.

Great guy, one of the best classes that I have taken here at State. Attendance is not required, but you should really go as he rewards you and his lectures are used in the tests. Tests are take home and fairly easy, just make sure you've taken good notes. He tells you how to structure your notes hence why going to class is very important.

Beast

I had Tim Derby for Intro to Religion, and he changed my perspective on a lot of things. Every lecture was very insiteful and fun. Participation does matter if you want to get the best out of this class. He makes everything fun and loves to banter with you. I'm a senior and he trumps the vast majority of the ones I've had at Mississippi State.

Highly recommend this course for anybody needing humanities credits. I simply picked it because it was interesting to me and this course has made me a critical thinker, changed my attitudes in life, and has made me become a better person overall. Dr. Derby is a rare instructor and you must take any course with him if given the chance!

Dr. Derby knows you better than you know yourself before you walk into his class. He will teach very useful life skills that you can use for the rest of your life.

Dr. Derby is an amazing professor. I believe he teaches valuable life skills that will stay with students long after leaving the classroom. His passion for the subject and dedication to his students made an impact on me, shaping not just my academic journey but also my personal growth. Definitely take this class if you get the opportunity!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Dr. Derby's class. He does a great job keeping the class engaged and making the information easy to understand, even though the material can be more challenging. His class does not have too many assignments, but ensure you attend class because you will ultimately be rewarded + he genuinely makes class enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed his lectures! Participation and attendance is highly encouraged.

Write down everything he tells you to and study it all because each test is about 20 random questions of what he told you to write down. He can be a bit cocky sometimes but if you're looking for an easy humanities class take this class its an easy A.

He has be the only professor to make me want to go to class. Definitely writing down everything he tells and go to class he is an awesome guy to learn from 10/10.

One of the best professors I've ever had at MSU. He genuinely cares about the students and wants to help them succeed. His lectures are hilarious, but they're also important to listen to, not just for the class, but for good life advice. Make sure to write everything he tells you to write down, and do. not. miss. deadlines!

PLEASE take this class, he is such an amazing teacher. GO TO CLASS, do not miss class bc it will hurt you in long run, so if you skip class a lot, dont take this class. Write down everything he tells you too, the test are super easy if you do. HE IS AMAZING, one of the best teachers ive ever had!

GO GO GO GO to class! we were excused from discussion boards if you did not miss class as well as the final. He only has class on monday and Wednesdays and just posts a discussion boards instead of irl class on Fridays which is nice. super great professor and makes me want to go to class. all of his exams and quizzes on are canvas too!

I loved this class so much. His lectures were so fun and if you participated, he would give out random drop grades. He called out exactly how you should write your notes and his tests came directly from them. They were timed but open notes. there is a discussion on Fridays about topics discussed in class so go to class even though not mandatory.

He taught my class as a favor for a coworker, so glad that he did!! Go to class and participate, you will be rewarded!

Dr. Derby doesn't require attendance but most everyone in my class missed only once or twice because of how fun and influential the lectures are. You not only learn how to study religion and why it's important, but he also teaches key tips in leading successful lives. He teaches in a way that made me want to learn, meaning the content was easier.

Dr. Derby is by far the on of the best professors that I have encountered at MSU. He cares about you as a person and wants your participation in class. Go to class although it is not mandatory, although this is not hard because his lectures are so fun.

I took Dr. Derby's Intro to Religion class as an elective and really enjoyed it. Although attendance is not mandatory, I recommend going bc you will get lots of life lessons out of his lectures, along with what will be on the test. He also rewards you for your attendance. He really does care about his students and wants everyone to succeed!

Dr. Derby is a solid professor: he teaches well and manages to keep his lectures entertaining yet informative. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you have to go to class to get the material (there are no slides and no book). Also, DO THE DISCUSSION POSTS -- they're a big part of your grade (don't have to reply to others, just post). Take notes too.

He was such an interesting professor! He did not make his attendance mandatory, but if you go to every class, that will help your grade. I did not even feel like I had to come to his class because it is a fun class to go to. If you have him on Friday classes in person; he does not have the class in person, you just have a discussion board. TAKE HIM

Dr. Derby is the best professor I have ever had here at state. He does not make attendance mandatory but if you go you will get rewarded. His lectures are interesting and fun. I 100% recommend taking his class whenever you have the opportunity. It is listed as a MWF class but he NEVER has classes on Friday which is great.

Dr. Derby was amazing!! Attendance is not required but he does not post the lectures online so you need to go to class to do good on test. He doesn't have Friday classes, we did a weekly discussion board which were pretty easy and helped a lot with your grade!

YOU NEED TO TAKE THIS CLASS. This professor is absolutely amazing. He made me actually want to go to class and I enjoyed being in class. He is extremely wise and well spoken and I strongly advise going to class. DO NOT SKIP!!! Trust me, it'll pay off.

tim derby is the one professor i advise for everyone i know to take. i'm currently still in the class but he is the best teacher i've ever had. he teaches so much about just life in general and i look forward to his class every week. he really helps you grow and learn how to think, and teaches very important basic life skills through his lectures.

would take his class over and over

The best teacher I have ever had. Take this class!!! You will learn so many things outside of religion!

Paying attention in class has never been easier, you want to hear what he has to say. If you take the notes as he instructs you to and put effort into the discussion boards you will do well. He is willing to talk after class and takes note of each student individually. If you respect him he respects you!

Dr. Tim Derby's class is one of the best to take. Although attendance isn't required and there's no class on Fridays, going to class is definitely worth it—his lectures are clear, and the tests are based directly on his notes. The weekly discussion boards are very easy, and I highly recommend both Dr. Derby and his class.

Great professor really wants you to succeed and do well in his class. Definitely interesting class and I learned a lot! I recommend taking this class.

This is the only teacher I have had who made me want to go to class. If I was bleeding out after being shot 5 times in the chest, I would still try to go to class.

He was an absolutely amazing professor. The only reason I made a B and not an A is because I missed an assignment and had some tech issues going into the first exam, which was also my fault. He rewards people for showing up to class. You can tell from day 1 that he loves what he does. I would absolutely recommend to you, PLEASE take his class.

Derby is AMAZING. Yes, he can ramble, but he is so entertaining. If you show up to class, it's almost impossible to fail.

He truly enjoys teaching. Loved this class.

Dr. Derby is open to questions and ready to converse over anything you don't understand.I found him to be warm and genuine. Tests are fair, but the questions are revealed one at a time and you can't go back to previous questions. Overall, I would take a class from him again.

I would take Dr Derby over and over, One of the least stressful classes i had my whole 4 years at State. If you go to class it is actually impossible not to have a A or at least a B. Attendance is not mandatory but if you go to every class he will make sure you are fine.

Everybody should take this class. It is easy and also very interesting. There are only discussion board and tests. Attendance is not mandatory, but I highly recommend you go because he will give those who attend freebies on discussion boards. The lectures are also awesome. Just show up, take notes, and you will be rewarded for it, trust me.

I would 100% take Dr. Derby for any class. He is an amazing professor and will teach you life lessons. If you go to class, you will not regret it. He made class interesting, and I looked forward to his class every week. If you try, you will have an A and come out of his class with more knowledge and wisdom than you came in with.

Attendance is not mandatory, but you definitely have more to lose by not going to class. He tells you exactly what you need and don't need to know for exams, and as long as you follow the discussion board rubric you'll get full credit. I thought the class was engaging and eye opening, so I never regretted going to class.

Dr. Derby provided life lessons and concepts that anyone who payed attention in his class could apply to their own life.

Very friendly! Responds quickly and is VERY encouraging. He wants you to do well in his class and helps you to do so. Highly recommend! And would absolutely take him again!

Great professor, I enjoyed the class although it is heavy on the lecture importance and note taking. The tests are not easy and test your critical thinking. No class on Fridays but do ALL the discussions, they make up a big part of your grade. You do not have to take the final if you had good attendance. Not an easy elective but an enjoyable one.