AI Rate Professor

Computer Science

Dean Mellas

CIS101 · CIS282 · UNIX · CIS292 · CIS214 · CIS182AND282 · CIS103 · JAVAPROGRAMMIN · CIS183 · CIS182 · 65 lifetime ratings

AI rating
56/100
RMP rating
3.5/5
Take again
50%
Difficulty
2.7

The decision

if you are independent and already comfortable with computer science, but if you need beginner-friendly structure.

Best fit · Self Taught ProKnowledgeable but polarizingLecture heavyTest heavySelf-teaching riskHelpful for prepared students
  • Students agree he is highly knowledgeable, but they strongly .
  • Beginners and students needing structure face the highest risk of confusion or self-teaching.
  • Grades can be attainable, but , and limited feedback create uneven effort-reward.

Key questions

Four answers before you build your schedule.

Is this an easy A?

FairEffort

58/100

Many students earn A grades and some describe easy tests, but , and serious effort requirements.

Online reviews include both easy A reports and , while in-person reviews show better outcomes for prepared students.

Is the course easy?

Standard

46/100

The content is manageable for prepared students but becomes challenging when lectures drift, assignments are unclear, or programming background is weak.

Online courses can feel easier in some sections but less supported, while .

Is attendance flexible?

Recommended

62/100

and getting support, but reviews do not show a consistently mandatory policy.

Online students can access recorded or alternative help in some courses, while .

Is this professor recommended?

Depends

58/100

Recommendations are split because students praise his knowledge and helpfulness but , and poor beginner fit.

Online and in-person reviews are both polarized, with online comments adding stronger concerns about course organization.

Course guide

See how this professor fits your week.

Grading

Fair

55/100

Some students report , dropped assignments, and many A grades, but and test-heavy structures.

Format shift

Online reviews mention dropped assignments and few high-stakes tests, while in-person reviews range from .

Workload

Moderate

45/100

Workload varies by course, with some easy sections but , and exam preparation.

Format shift

Online workload can be constrained by short work windows, while , and studying for exams.

Teaching experience

Average

60/100

Mellas is widely seen as knowledgeable, but and can be either excellent or confusing depending on the student.

Format shift

Online reviews are more critical of structure and lecture format, while and scattered teaching.

Assessment method

FocusOnExams

78/100

, and grades based on few major assessments, with labs and assignments also present.

Format shift

Online reviews strongly emphasize tests and few graded items, while , and projects.

Luni fit check

Weigh these signals against your actual schedule.

Get help balancing workload, grading, and timing when no option is an obvious fit.

Course format

Compare the in-person and online experience.

Classroom format

In person

39 reviews

High confidence · Best fit for Self Taught Pro

In-person reviews are also split, with many praising deep knowledge and while , and poor beginner support.

Main concern

Students who need direct guidance or beginner-friendly pacing may find lectures scattered and .

What students said

“His lectures are amazing and if you pay attention and ask any questions you will learn a lot.”
CIS182
“The way he teaches in .”
CIS182AND282
“ if you are new to programming.”
CIS182
“ as well.”
214

Remote format

Online

11 reviews

High confidence · Best fit for Self Taught Pro

Online reviews are polarized, praising privacy-friendly tools and useful lectures while criticizing outdated organization, narrow work windows, and self-teaching.

Main concern

Online students may struggle with , and lectures that feel inefficient or confusing.

What students said

“Does not require a webcam or use Proctoro or .”
CIS103
“Very outdated and .”
CIS214
“Overall the class was easy.”
CIS183
“Basically taught myself the entire semester through YouTube videos”
CIS214

Exam style

Know what to expect from exams and major assignments.

, but many courses are test-heavy with midterms and finals carrying major weight.

No Webcam RequiredNo ProctorioTest HeavyMidterms and FinalGraded by Few Things

Assessment risk

Standard

63/100

Low score means less forgiving assessment conditions.

In person

, and few major assessments, but do not clearly prove proctoring or .

Quizzes and TestsFinal ExamTest HeavyGraded by Few Things
“Quizzes, and .”
CIS214
“You have to study in the because !”
CIS182
“only gives 2 exams and and there.”
CIS292

Online

Online reviews explicitly say he avoids webcam and Proctorio in at least one course, but several online , and finals.

No Webcam RequiredNo ProctorioOnline Meetings RecordedMidterms and FinalTest Heavy
“Does not require a webcam or use Proctoro or .”
CIS103
“The grade is and the final.”
CIS214
“ but make up a lot of your grade.”
CIS292

Student evidence

See what students actually said.

Top student voice

“ if you are new to programming.”

Voice snapshots generated from 50 reviews, highlighting key themes in , and student fit. Credibility rating: High.

🎯 Teaching Quality

60/100

“Mellas is extremely knowledgeable in programming - including the development of languages.”

📈 Effort for Grade

58/100

“If you don't slack-off you can learn a lot.”

⚠️ Beginner Risk

46/100

“ if you are new to programming.”

Theme 1

👨‍🏫 About Teaching Style

  • His lectures are amazing and if you pay attention and ask any questions you will learn a lot.
  • The way he teaches in .
  • Basically taught myself the entire semester through YouTube videos
  • and greatly clarify materials.

Theme 2

📈 About Difficulty and Grades

  • Overall the class was easy.
  • You have to study in the because !
  • The grade is and the final.
  • He drops 2 of the lowest assignments.

Theme 3

🧭 About Fit

  • He expects you to be a pro already.
  • if you are new to programming.
  • If your having trouble with one, try to make it to a lecture occasionally and can cater to your needs.
  • You'll have better luck on google.

Data context

See exactly what the AI read.

Analysis sample

50

Recent reviews read by the AI

65

Lifetime ratings

88/100

Evidence confidence

Fifty reviews across many years and courses provide rich evidence, though the professor is unusually polarizing.

Inside 50 stored ratings

Quality ratings

5 out of 533
4 out of 57
3 out of 55
2 out of 55
1 out of 515

Course coverage

CIS18214 reviews
CIS21412 reviews
CIS2825 reviews
CIS2925 reviews
CIS1034 reviews
Show 6 more courses
CIS1013 reviews
CIS1833 reviews
2141 review
CIS182AND2821 review
JAVAPROGRAMMIN1 review
UNIX1 review

Reported outcomes

A range results lead the reported letter grades.

21 reported outcomes

A range

10

A 9 · A- 1

B range

5

B+ 2 · B 3

C range

1

C 1

D range

1

D 1

F

1

F 1

No letter grade reported

3

Drop/Withdrawal 2 · Rather not say 1