Current instructor

Michael Arnold

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.90/5 from 10 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

What students say

Original student reviews · all captured dates

MSE756 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
It is interesting to find a professor so well versed in the nuances in the field of electronic materials. He knows it all, and is not afraid to get into the specifics when you ask detailed questions. Homework makes you think, but you learn a lot. Wish more professors were like Mike. 10/10, absolutely recommend this class no matter what.
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MSE756 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
This is an excellent class for learning advanced EOM properties of materials. He makes difficult concepts and mathematics accessible, and the homework assignments (while difficult) are reasonable and educational. The lectures are detailed and well-organized, but if you miss lecture you'll have trouble keeping up (he writes on the board).
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MSE331 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
By far one of the best professors I have had. The material is very difficult, but he finds a way to explain the concepts so well, everything made perfect sense. He is very kind and always willing to help his students. The textbook used is also extremely useful and includes a ton of incredible information.
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MSE756 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
He's a great professor! His lectures are interesting and he makes he toughest material accessible and interesting. He's a fair grader, but homeworks can be challenging. He's fun and easy to talk to.
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MSE331 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
Professor Arnold was an amazing professor. He was able to explain hard concepts in a simple way, and he was a very approachable guy and always answered questions. One of the best engineering profs I have had so far, would recommend him for anyone!
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MSE331 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 3/5
He taught me about light bulbs and for that i will be ever grateful
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Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.

Classes with Michael Arnold

CHEM 699

Directed Study

1–6 credits

CHEM 699 is a directed study course involving an advanced mentored research project arranged with a faculty member.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Matt BowmanTehshik Yoon+103 more

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026
INTEREGR 601

Topics in Interdisciplinary Engineering

1–3 credits

INTEREGR 601 covers various interdisciplinary topics of special interest to engineering students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Michael ArnoldGreg Harrington+2 more

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026
MS&E 260

Materials Experience

2 credits

MS&E 260 provides an overview of Materials Science and Engineering, focusing on the societal impact of materials and hands-on design, synthesis, and fabrication skills.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Recent recorded grades — Fall 2020: 3.77 GPA, 88.5% A/AB (n=26 letter grades); Fall 2022: 3.81 GPA, 92.3% A/AB (n=13 letter grades); Fall 2024: 3.92 GPA, 92.3% A/AB (n=13 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.

Michael ArnoldMatthew Schaefer

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2022–Fall 2025 · limited sample
MS&E 299

Independent Study

1–3 credits

MS&E 299 is an independent study course conducted under faculty supervision.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Michael ArnoldSebastian Kube+6 more

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Fall 2022 · limited sample
MS&E 699

Independent Study

1–4 credits

MS&E 699 is an independent study course in Metallurgical Engineering requiring consent of the instructor.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

AJ BoydstonIrena Knezevic+38 more

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Fall 2022 · limited sample

Recorded teaching history

Explore courses taught by this instructor →
Browse recorded courses
TermCourseTitle
Fall 2026CHEM 699Directed Study
Fall 2026INTEREGR 601Topics in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Fall 2026MS&E 260Materials Experience
Fall 2026MS&E 299Independent Study
Fall 2026MS&E 699Independent Study
Fall 2026MS&E 790Master's Research or Thesis
Fall 2026MS&E 890Pre-dissertator's Research
Fall 2026MS&E 990Research and Thesis

Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.

Instructor identity & provenance 
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