Madhavi Venkatesan is an Economics professor at Northeastern University rated 4.56/5 on Rate My Professors by 36 students, with 2.7/5 RMP difficulty and 83% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Madhavi Venkatesan professor reviews and ratings: 4.56/5 from 36 RMP ratings at Northeastern (83% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Discussion-based class that challenge you to think critically and question assumptions rather than just memorize material. Professor Venkatesan brings economic, historical, and social context into every class. Come prepared and participate—you'll get a lot out of the course.ECON3711 2026-09-24 20:05:50 +0000 UTC
I took Ecological Economics & you'll have a fantastic time in the class if you're a critical thinker. We covered many topics in cohesive ways, from thinking through the history of economics to the use of GDP to the problems with production that prevent sustainability. I still return to our readings - they shifted my understanding of economic life.PPUA5260 2026-08-06 18:56:45 +0000 UTC
Summer course with many assignments but despite the limited 6 weeks, the course was impactful, the professor knowledgable, and the outcome hopeful...economics literacy is transformational Dr. V.ECON1711 2026-06-18 17:51:47 +0000 UTC
LOVED HER, YOU WONT REGRET TAKING HER.ECON1240 2025-12-28 00:29:42 +0000 UTC
Professor Venkatesan was one of the best professors I've ever had! Her class made me question everything and actually think—not just memorize. No electronics, but trust me, the convos (weed, prostitution, homelessness…) were the most engaging I've ever had. Just a tip: she can be picky if she's not a fan, but if she likes you, you will get an A.ECON1116 2025-05-05 04:05:47 +0000 UTC
Great Professor! Adds so much to the understanding of the relevance of history and culture in the framing of present day society and economic perspectives. The class transformed how I view economics.ECON3520 2025-05-03 22:07:11 +0000 UTC
One of the best professors I had at Northeastern! She is very passionate about what she does and very smart. She is very kind, cares a lot about students, and tries to do her best so everyone succeeds. There are readings and hw every week and 3 non-cumulative exams. If you pay attention in class, all quizzes are easy. The TA is annoying, though.ECON3711 2025-04-14 19:30:24 +0000 UTC
This online course (Ecological Economics) was engaging; informative; clear in explaining new concepts; and the professor was available to speak and explain. Overall a great experience that highlights that economic literacy is a needed foundation to promoting sustainability. As the professor notes: change the goal, change the outcome!PPUA5260 2024-12-25 21:52:47 +0000 UTC
Exceptional. Professor deeply cares about topics that are neglected. Her genuine dedication sustainability and to growth makes this course a must-take. Highly recommend for those who wants to think out of the box of mainstream economics.ECON1711 2026-06-18 02:44:36 +0000 UTC
Third class with her and would recommend if you are interested in the application economics to social situations. Homework, lectures and a lot of reading but overall good course.ECON1240 2024-04-15 10:00:03 +0000 UTC
really nice and easy course to take with her-- she does a lot of preaching though which are true but not always engagingECON1116 2024-01-12 01:37:40 +0000 UTC
Going to class was like listening to a Ted talk. The professor is passionate, and gets you to think about how economics has become our culture. Recommend if you want to exercise your thinking.ECON3711 2024-04-15 09:56:25 +0000 UTC
I had no background in economics but the online materials and professor feedback made the material accessible and applicable to my public policy focus. I learned a solid foundation and hope to take an in-person class with the professor to build on! Highly recommend the professor and course for those interested in operationalizing sustainability!PPUA5260 2024-07-14 19:03:08 +0000 UTC
Prof V is passionate abt the class, and very kind if you come to her w/ concerns, but I don't think she understands how much she assigns: 300 pages to read + 2 reading responses + quiz on the readings + LCA project work, in 1 week. Also, the course is called Econ of Sustainability, but we barely discussed how a sustainable economy would look/work.ECON1711 2026-04-30 23:06:12 +0000 UTC
Prof Venkatesan is my favorite professor EVER. Reading-intensive course, required to write a lot of papers but she did not deduct a point from all the assignments as long as you have a proper citation format. She loves to offer opportunities for students. Greatest professor ever.ECON1240 2022-09-29 20:13:49 +0000 UTC
Madhavi Venkatesan is rated 4.56/5 on Rate My Professors from 36 ratings. 83% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Madhavi Venkatesan's classes have a difficulty rating of 2.7/5 on Rate My Professors.
Madhavi Venkatesan has taught ECON1711, ECON3711, ECON4997, ECON3520, ECON1240, ECON2316, ECON3916, ECON5200 and 5 more at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.