Mark Wells is a Philosophy professor at Northeastern University rated 3.88/5 on Rate My Professors by 59 students, with 3.1/5 RMP difficulty and 73% who would take them again (RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated October 2026).
Mark Wells professor reviews and ratings: 3.88/5 from 59 RMP ratings at Northeastern (73% would take again). RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
I think, for a 1000-level course, it is a lot of work for what it is. He has unclear grading criteria and waits till the last minute to put in some grades. Also, he does make sure to add his opinion on topics. Take it if you have to but not as an elective.PHIL1165 2026-04-28 21:29:45 +0000 UTC
Does plenty of examples, homework helps a lot.1180 2026-04-28 19:09:21 +0000 UTC
Wells was a pretty good professor overall, he made class engaging and interesting. There was a good amount of readings that we would often discuss during class, but he also had us play games before the lectures to discuss. The games were usually interesting and he tries his best to have everyone engage during class.PHIL1145 2026-04-28 17:24:42 +0000 UTC
I ended up transferring from Northeastern, but PHIL2302 remains one of my favorite classes I've ever taken. I found it challenging but reasonable, and I think he teaches in a very unique and engaging way that I continue to seek in other classes. As others have said, he genuinely cares about students and is accessible outside of class.PHIL2302 2025-10-07 21:33:28 +0000 UTC
Very specific grader, the different grading system makes you do 1 assignment for half of a semester until you satisfy him. You will learn a lot but good luck with a homework.PHIL1195 2023-04-17 19:18:54 +0000 UTC
He is clearly passionate- as long as you show up and understand his expectations for the assignments you'll be fine. The lectures are primarily discussion-based and you don't have to participate, just annotate the assigned reading. Overall a really good prof. just sort of boring sometimes.PHIL1165 2026-04-03 19:19:02 +0000 UTC
The class itself is very discussion based on the required readings before every class, so if you dont do the reading you're going to be very lost with group work and class discussions. Your grade is based on very few assignments that as long as you just DO you can pass. LOVE how he grades anonymously bc I think a lot of other profs do have bias!1180 2026-04-01 18:15:20 +0000 UTC
Mark's lectures are engaging and easy to follow along with. The rubric for the class is clear, and you get unlimited attempts on all four major assignments. He's very down-to-earth and connects well with students.PHIL1145 2025-12-27 19:27:08 +0000 UTC
Research Ethics offers simple content but challenging writing assignments. Mark is extremely helpful in office hours. If you're stuck, go to office hours. Cannot stress how much office hours help. Philosophy is hard, even introductory philosophy. Go to office hours and he will help so much.PHIL1195 2021-02-19 04:00:41 +0000 UTC
Professor Wells makes his class very interesting and fun. We are assigned a reading after every class, then next class we have class discussion which he encourages the students to participate in. There are 4 major assignments that you need to complete by the end of the semester, most are pretty easy. Definitely recommend his class!PHIL1165 2026-03-21 18:39:19 +0000 UTC
Participation does matter for grade but not much. He is nice and allows for lots of second chances!PHIL1145 2025-12-08 23:39:55 +0000 UTC
Wells is one of the worst professors I've had at Northeastern. He grades like it is a graduate level class with little feedback. The work he assigns is not manageable. I wish I didn't take this class with him, and would not recommend him to anyone.PHIL1195 2019-11-13 19:16:45 +0000 UTC
Professor Wells is an amazing professor and sparked an interest in Philosophy for me. Every class has a 15-20 page reading. As you annotated it, you don't have to participate in class. There are few assignments, and grading is easy. He gives so many chances for good grades, as long as you show up and try at least a little you will do well.PHIL1165 2026-01-04 23:52:43 +0000 UTC
One of my favorite parts of the classes was the engaging hypotheticals he asked, as if we were moral judges of the subject at hand. I took War and Peace with him, and although a serious topic that has a lot of taboo pieces to it, the class provides an extremely in-depth view and it is definitely the class I've learned the most in so far.PHIL1145 2024-05-09 22:31:01 +0000 UTC
Prof.Wells is one of my favorite professors at Northeastern. He made me enjoy philosophy so much and every reading that was assigned was very engaging. He is super enthusastic and knows what he is teaching. I found his feedback helpful on assignments, If he is teaching please take the class he is the best I promise it will make you a better studentPHIL1165 2025-12-08 02:39:23 +0000 UTC
Mark Wells is rated 3.88/5 on Rate My Professors from 59 ratings. 73% of RMP reviewers said they would take them again.
Mark Wells's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.1/5 on Rate My Professors.
Mark Wells has taught PHIL1165, PHIL3302, PHIL1180, PHIL1145, PHIL2302, PHIL1290, PHIL2325, POLS2325 and 1 more at Northeastern.
Data updated October 2026.