Joan Fitzgerald is a Social Science professor at Northeastern University rated 3.07/5 by 239 students, with 3.64/5 difficulty and 36.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Joan Fitzgerald professor reviews and ratings: 3.07/5 from 239 student reviews at Northeastern (36.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
i would rather d1e than sit through another class with this ho3 i am dropping this minor because of her. DONT DO IT OMLLPS2301 2026-01-13 02:06:45 +0000 UTC
Prof. Fitzgerald is extremely knowledgeable and knows more than just about anyone about the field of urban planning. There is a lot of reading, so be prepared for that. Weekly reading responses are important and she grades them somewhat strictly. Extremely nice, cares about students, and willing to talk a paper/ project through outside of class.PPUA6201 2023-11-30 03:49:54 +0000 UTC
Professor Fitzgerald really knows what she's talking about on each of the topics that we covered. Definitely do most, if not all, of the reading -- it'll help you with your papers and the exam, and on your participation grade. I think her lectures were very interesting, as long as you care about the topic.LPSC2301 2021-04-15 22:49:47 +0000 UTC
Worst professor I've had.PPUA6101 2020-12-16 14:14:22 +0000 UTC
She might be a PhD but she doesn't how to teach. Her classes are just boring. She is a boring person. Grade is based on individual and group papers, plus huge final presentation, but she wont't grade on content, but only on her personal opinions on the matter! If she doesn't agree, she will question everything you write until you fail the course.POL357 2019-12-28 01:02:24 +0000 UTC
I never in a million years would think that Law and Public Policy could be boring -- but Joan made it unbearable. The lectures are long and she drones on and on // It was not engaging or interesting at all (and I LOVE the law, so I was very disappointed)LPS2300 2018-04-05 14:11:37 +0000 UTC
This professor will prevent you from getting your PhD. It does not matter how much you know, or can offer to vitalize your research field. She is a PhD student sink-hole. Avoid the LPS PhD program, unless you want to waste $36,000 and a LOT of time.LPS600 2009-02-09 22:12:45 +0000 UTC
I thought she was pretty good. I just didn't like that she took attendance every class and then wakes you up if she finds you sleeping in class. I think the people who didn't like the teacher, must not have liked the subject matter because it is very interesting and the movies were very relevant.SOC357 2005-01-10 12:40:11 +0000 UTC
This women is such a bore. It is like 100 minutes of torture with her everytime. Papers that use info from lectures are frowned upon, but you can't skip class due to strict attendence requirement. Grade papers on agreement with opinion, not content!POLU357 2003-11-17 21:29:41 +0000 UTC
Wow. Worst professor ever. I can't even begin to tell you how awful it was. Walks right into the classroom and declares herself a Hillary supporter. So not open to discussion of different views. Don't get me started on her crazy specific quizzes, absolute abomination.LPS2301 2016-12-08 12:26:30 +0000 UTC
Knows her stuff but the class was a LOT OF WORK for an intro class. 3 exams, giant presentation (30% of grade) and massive 12-15 page paper (25% of grade). policy issues discussed in class were interesting. everyone in my class was on their way to grad school the next year so as a first year it was very intimidating. tests were somewhat difficult.LPSC2301 2019-04-23 22:55:30 +0000 UTC
357omigod she makes zero sense. i had to take drugs to stay awake in her class. a chimp could of taught betterPOL357 2003-12-11 18:08:14 +0000 UTC
Take this class if you have a light semester. 2 part paper-15 pg and 8 pg -ask her to review in office hrs), 100 min group presentation, 3 quizzes(on EVERYTHING from class) & participation (TA writes down every time you talk) make up grade. Grades pretty easily. Tons of reading, do none of it except review Cole book and class notes before quizzes.LPSC2301 2018-03-21 20:58:46 +0000 UTC
lots of theory & discussion. If you're interested in law and public policy then this class is fine for you. if not definitely don't take it. Decent amount of reading, you should do most of it. some of the reading is really interesting, and some is just boring. grading criteria isn't super clear, but she lets you choose topics you are interested inLPSC2301 2017-11-02 15:26:55 +0000 UTC
Avoid professor at all costs. This class will tank your GPA. No clear and consistent grading criteria, not clear what material will be on quizzes, semester-long essay was 40% of grade and was only mentioned once. This class was the single cause of all my stress this semester. She said she hadn't taught undergrad in a long time and it showed.LPSC2301 2016-12-07 10:32:00 +0000 UTC
Joan Fitzgerald has an average rating of 3.07/5 from 239 student reviews. 36.0% of students said they would take them again.
Joan Fitzgerald's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.64/5 based on student reviews.
Joan Fitzgerald has taught PPUA6101, PPUA6201, LPSC7312, PPUA5233, LPSC2301, PPUA6204 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.