Mark Fontenot is a Computer Science professor at Northeastern University rated 2.82/5 on Rate My Professors by 91 students, with 3.3/5 RMP difficulty and 48% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Mark Fontenot professor reviews and ratings: 2.82/5 from 91 RMP ratings at Northeastern (48% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Like all CS content, a good learning outcome in his class is based on your willingness to be interactive. This means being present in his lectures, a willingness to approach him during office hours, and extra time outside of lecture spent on material you may not have initially understood. You will get back what you're willing to put in.CS3200 2026-08-27 08:15:51 +0000 UTC
I ended up doing well in the class, but it was a frustrating experience overall. Lectures often felt unclear, and it was hard to understand what would be important for exams. When I tried to ask questions, I didn't always feel like I got helpful clarification, which made it difficult to know how to prepare effectively.CS3500 2026-04-19 02:16:51 +0000 UTC
Not a good experience. The professor feels unapproachable and often dismissive, which makes asking questions uncomfortable. Lectures are unclear and poorly structured, so most material has to be learned on your own. Grading lacks transparency, and communication is minimal. Overall, a stressful and frustrating class.DS4300 2026-04-17 09:38:18 +0000 UTC
The class was easy until the final project. Lectures weren't very helpful and often times confusing. When asking Fontenot questions he would often times be unclear and not very helpful. The TA's were more helpful in my experience.CS3200 2026-08-03 17:48:29 +0000 UTC
Really disappointing class. The professor often seems impatient and unhelpful, making students uncomfortable speaking up. Lectures are confusing and lack structure, so most learning is done independently. Grading is unclear, feedback is minimal, and communication is poor. Overall, a frustrating and stressful experience.CS3500 2026-04-17 09:40:04 +0000 UTC
Took this course when he taught it Spring 2025. He made sure that EVERYONE got something out of the class, whether it was through lectures or group projects. He made sure that everything came together nicely so no lecture was ever useless. Fontenot taught us important industry concepts like RAG and AWS.DS4300 2025-11-20 21:07:35 +0000 UTC
Final project had super specific and lengthy guidelines. He talks down to students and would call out random people in lecture. Mostly only struggled with tests. Had a weird experience with a participation grade that got resolved after reaching out, but no explanation was given. Just bleh vibes overall.CS3200 2026-06-15 20:31:01 +0000 UTC
Poor experience overall. The professor is often dismissive and unhelpful, which makes the class uncomfortable. Questions aren't encouraged, lectures lack clarity, and expectations are unclear. Most learning happens outside class. Communication is weak, and grading feels inconsistent. I would avoid this course if possible.CS3500 2026-04-17 09:37:12 +0000 UTC
Fontenot is a great lecturer and his classes are enjoyable. You learn a lot but he's slow at grading and responding outside of class. This semester, he introduced the concept of 'Practicals' which were like mini projects so in total we had 4 HWs (if you submit early you get 2 bonus points), 2 practicals, 1 final project, and 1 exam. Fair grader.DS4300 2025-04-28 18:45:27 +0000 UTC
Dr. Fontenot is a great professor from my experience! No final exam. The two midterms fairly reflect the material (you can use a cheat sheet too). Lectures are engaging. Attendance isnt required but random days he'll take attendance for extra credit. Early homework submission gets you extra credit. Group project is heavy so choose ur group wisely!CS3200 2026-05-01 22:07:38 +0000 UTC
Dr. Fontenot is far and away my favorite professor at Northeastern. Aside from great teaching skills, he's a great human. Always available to connect outside of class and cares deeply about his students. Also, if you have the chance to apply to the dialogue he runs, 10/10 recommend. Great professor and great mentor, if you can handle a little sass.CS3500 2025-12-03 20:12:49 +0000 UTC
I hate to give him a low rating because I genuinely enjoyed his class and what we learned. But the grading is so slow. Stuff we submitted in February still hasn't been graded and we have no idea how well we're doing throughout the class. Also very rude in class, makes students feel uncomfortable by calling them out and drawing attention to them.DS4300 2025-04-25 20:31:26 +0000 UTC
Easy class until the final projectCS3200 2026-04-27 14:39:40 +0000 UTC
Hiis lectures are literally useless, spends more time reminiscing about his time in industry than the material Final project was impossible with his rushed semester schedule I'd avoid this professor like the plague if you don't need this class to graduate Don't take this class if you want to learn anything, especially for resumes/co-op interviewCS3500 2025-11-05 00:15:43 +0000 UTC
Fonte is awesome. Genuinely very caring, hard working, knowledgable. If you put in effort in his class it will pay dividends. Prof is dedicated to creating new engaging assignments that go beyond the book and teach you real skills.DS4300 2025-04-21 21:11:29 +0000 UTC
Mark Fontenot is rated 2.82/5 on Rate My Professors from 91 ratings. 48% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Mark Fontenot's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.3/5 on Rate My Professors.
Mark Fontenot has taught CS4535, DS4300, CS3200, CS1200, CS3520, CS3500 at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.