Olin Shivers Iii is a Computer Science professor at Northeastern University rated 4.0/5 by 230 students, with 3.7/5 difficulty and 77.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Olin Shivers Iii professor reviews and ratings: 4.0/5 from 230 student reviews at Northeastern (77.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Prof Shivers' lectures are both entertaining and immensely insightful. He has so much experience in software, both in and outside academia and that really comes through when he speaks. He has a way with explaining complex concepts in easy to understand ways. He is reasonable when it comes to grading.CS2800 2024-12-05 04:51:02 +0000 UTC
Prof Shivers is a really cool person and has a lot to tell. he's a good teacher and will clarify anything if you ask. He does ensure that almost everyone participates which can be daunting in a lecture hall. He doesn't respond to emails but if you go up and talk to him, he'll likely remember the email and be willing to speakCS2500 2023-06-08 18:56:09 +0000 UTC
he's the bestFUNDIESI 2015-03-26 12:48:56 +0000 UTC
Olin is a great teacher. He is superb at communicating new ideas and topics.CS1 2012-02-29 18:29:55 +0000 UTC
This guy is by far my favorite professor so far. I knew nothing of programming before coming in and he taught me a lot. No **** added either, straight how it is. Incredible. Ask him about his time in grad school for an eye opener.CS101 2009-04-01 13:45:07 +0000 UTC
Very, very interesting person. He's somewhat intimidating, and has this big thing about participating in class and getting noticed. However, the class has a real "roof" as to how well you can possibly perform. Not a hard class if youre cut out for CS. Class was very informative, and both exams (60% of grade) were easy. Learned a lot with easyish A.CSU213 2009-01-14 01:32:24 +0000 UTC
Olin is honest (i.e. bs-free) and engaging. One of the best teachers you will ever encounter. Also, he has excellent and entertaining rants.CS211 2009-01-07 21:55:39 +0000 UTC
Crazy class, You get out of it what you put in, and most will try to put in as much as posible. Olin is hard to describe, you'll be hard pressed to find a character as energetic in a freshman class, he sets an example of how computer science should be taught, and there's certainly a big emphasis on the "Fundamentals". A++, Try to be in this class.CSU111 2008-11-17 04:25:19 +0000 UTC
No CommentsCSU211 2008-10-01 11:30:30 +0000 UTC
Good professor, who is always willing to talk about his personal experiences during class or people he knows that link to what we are doing in class. He is not always the most organized, and can be inconsistent with responding to emails, but he is engaging in class and clearly cares about students. Note homework and participation is importantCS2800 2024-12-03 19:54:10 +0000 UTC
Very knowledgeable and willing to put in the effort to help you if you show you truly care and want to learn. Class content is challenging and the homework takes multiple hours every week. Participation can be daunting in a big classroom and Shivers will really challenge you when you do participate, but you can learn a lot from it.CS2500 2023-04-13 17:31:17 +0000 UTC
Hard class but Shivers is a great interesting teacher. Also dont buy the book its all online for free.CS211 2008-01-04 01:25:29 +0000 UTC
hard class but very rewarding, he is a very interesting guyCSU211 2007-11-11 21:05:31 +0000 UTC
Does not respond to email typically. Class is VERY heavily weighted on 2 midterms and quizzes (only 5-6 throughout semester and each one was 1/2 MC questions so easy to screw up) even though homework takes a long time and is very frustrating. Homework is assigned every week and TAs are mostly unhelpful or sometimes don't even show up to OH.CS2800 2024-11-21 00:31:14 +0000 UTC
As a first time programmer, I thought this class would be easy enough to get by, but with the grading inconsistencies among the TAs and no syllabus ever posted, it felt like I was set up for failure. He's also impossible to get in contact with. Homeworks did not prepare for the tests. Smart guy, but definitely not for a first time programmer.CS2500 2023-04-10 12:15:05 +0000 UTC
Olin Shivers Iii has an average rating of 4.0/5 from 230 student reviews. 77.0% of students said they would take them again.
Olin Shivers Iii's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.7/5 based on student reviews.
Olin Shivers Iii has taught CS2800, CS2500, CS4410, CS6410, CS7480 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.