Cheng Tan is a Computer Science professor at Northeastern University rated 3.64/5 by 129 students, with 4.02/5 difficulty and 67.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Cheng Tan professor reviews and ratings: 3.64/5 from 129 student reviews at Northeastern (67.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
One of the most knowledgeable and honest professors I met with. His course is inspiring if you have required background knowledge and he talks about many in-depth and advanced modern topics in Operating Systems. I learned a lot about operating systems and got many concepts clearer, sometimes just with the help of his one or two sentences.CS5600 2023-08-24 03:42:29 +0000 UTC
Two types of professor: 1) Gives you workload that is below your full capacity. Doesn't really care if you're learning much. You will surely get an A 2) Gives you workload that uses your full capacity. Giving you homework / lab that forces you to learn the topic in depth. You might not get an A If you prefer professor Type 1, don't go for Prof TanCS5600 2023-06-20 16:52:29 +0000 UTC
Without prior knowledge of computer systems, be prepared to spend 20+ hours per week on this class, especially when completing labs which are 2-week projects. He does not return exams requiring you to auto-grade yourself from memory and if necessary, challenge graders with a max of 3 questions. Accessible during office hours and appointments.CS5600 2023-06-13 12:54:33 +0000 UTC
He was alright, knowledgeable. The class format/exam grading made things kind of annoying but in all he was a decent professorCS5600 2023-05-25 16:31:51 +0000 UTC
Pros: Knowledgeable about the subject, more personable in office hours. Responsive through emails. Cons: Boring lectures. Lecture time wasted on course logistics. Confusing sometimes. Too much work, especially towards the end. Mistakes in his homework, lab grading, and exams. Weird exam grading policy resulting in lacking transparency.CS5600 2023-04-28 20:39:08 +0000 UTC
CS5600 is a challenging course that can't be mastered by attending lectures alone. Success requires a deep understanding of every detail. Labs are tough(some are literally harvard labs) but rewarding, and achieving breakthrough moments makes it all worth it.CS5600 2023-04-24 21:54:05 +0000 UTC
Enrolled in CS5600 to learn about computer systems, but the professor's lack of empathy and strict guidelines made me hate the subject. His approach created anxiety and hampered learning. It is disappointing to find oneself in a situation where a potentially engaging subject becomes a source of dread.CS5600 2023-04-10 14:12:43 +0000 UTC
He is really responsible and prepare well for the class. If you ask question or send email to him, he is willing to answer. When someone has difficulty in learning, he is willing to have a talk with him and help. He's really nice and fair.CS5600 2023-04-07 19:08:27 +0000 UTC
For 50% of the course, Prof. Tan is decent. For the other 50% (labs) however, he throws you into the deep end and expects you to teach yourself. Labs are copied from Harvard, and his lectures do not prepare us for that level of difficulty. He also does not return exams, so if you don't remember what you answered once grades are out, tough luck.CS5600 2023-03-25 18:15:06 +0000 UTC
Cheng Tan has an average rating of 3.64/5 from 129 student reviews. 67.0% of students said they would take them again.
Cheng Tan's classes have a difficulty rating of 4.02/5 based on student reviews.
Cheng Tan has taught CS7670, CS4973, CS6640, CS3650, CS5600 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.