What are the most challenging courses at Arizona State University?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at Arizona State University include SER334 (Operating Systems and System Programming), BIO342 (General Genetics Laboratory), HST460 (World War II). Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. See the full ranked list above and open any course for the detailed breakdown.

How are the most challenging courses at ASU determined?

Each course is scored on difficulty, a 0–100 measure built from student ratings and sentiment aggregated across the web, and ranked accordingly. Courses with the highest reported challenge levels. Students can also add their own reviews on each course page.

Is this ranking based on real student feedback?

Yes. The ratings aggregate real student feedback, so each score reflects many data points rather than one opinion. We show how many ratings back each course so you can gauge confidence, and written student reviews add firsthand detail on top.

Hardest Classes at ASU: Most Challenging Courses

The hardest classes at Arizona State University, ranked by student-reported difficulty. Plan your schedule around the most challenging courses before registration.

In-person registration for Spring 2027 at ASU is open until Sat, Jan 2. Registrar dates

Tap + on a class to add it.

Most Challenging Courses

Top 25 · courses with the highest reported challenge levels

1
SER334Operating Systems and System ProgrammingSoftware Engineering
89/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 35 ratings
89/100
2
BIO342General Genetics LaboratoryMicrobiology
87/100 difficulty1.1 out of 5 stars1.1· 32 ratings
87/100
3
HST460World War IIHistory
87/100 difficulty2.0 out of 5 stars2.0· 17 ratings
87/100
4
MSE415Mathematical and Computer Methods in MaterialsEngineering
86/100 difficulty1.8 out of 5 stars1.8· 27 ratings
86/100
5
CSE515Multimedia and Web DatabasesComputer Science
85/100 difficulty3.6 out of 5 stars3.6· 51 ratings
85/100
6
CEE321Structural Analysis and DesignCivil Engineering
85/100 difficulty3.2 out of 5 stars3.2· 43 ratings
85/100
7
EGR340Engineering
85/100 difficulty4.0 out of 5 stars4.0· 20 ratings
85/100
8
ACC340External Reporting IAccounting
84/100 difficulty3.8 out of 5 stars3.8· 325 ratings
84/100
9
ECN410Applied Regression Analysis and ForecastingEconomics
84/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 59 ratings
84/100
10
MIC420Immunology: Molecular and Cellular FoundationsMicrobiology
84/100 difficulty3.3 out of 5 stars3.3· 54 ratings
84/100
11
EEE460Nuclear Power EngineeringElectrical Engineering
84/100 difficulty2.9 out of 5 stars2.9· 37 ratings
84/100
12
BIO476Cellular and Molecular NeuroscienceBiology
84/100 difficulty2.1 out of 5 stars2.1· 23 ratings
84/100
13
CRJ260Criminal Law I: Introduction to Substantive Criminal LawCriminal Justice
83/100 difficulty2.2 out of 5 stars2.2· 78 ratings
83/100
14
EEE334Circuits IIComputer Science
82/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 181 ratings
82/100
15
CSE365Information AssuranceComputer Science
82/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 131 ratings
82/100
16
CSE466Computer Systems SecurityComputer Science
82/100 difficulty3.9 out of 5 stars3.9· 36 ratings
82/100
17
CHE384Numerical Methods for Chemical EngineersChemical Engineering
82/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 30 ratings
82/100
18
GLG305Dynamic EarthGeology
82/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 23 ratings
82/100
19
BIO340General GeneticsBiology
81/100 difficulty2.7 out of 5 stars2.7· 704 ratings
81/100
20
BIO351Developmental BiologyBiology
81/100 difficulty3.1 out of 5 stars3.1· 90 ratings
81/100
21
GRA121Principles for Graphic Design IGraphic Arts
81/100 difficulty3.1 out of 5 stars3.1· 51 ratings
81/100
22
CSE471Introduction to Artificial IntelligenceComputer Science
81/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 39 ratings
81/100
23
FIN303Honors FinanceFinance
81/100 difficulty3.5 out of 5 stars3.5· 37 ratings
81/100
24
EEE352Properties of Electronic MaterialsEngineering
81/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 30 ratings
81/100
25
ARS345Art and TelevisionArt
81/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 29 ratings
81/100

Give back

Took a class at ASU? Your review is what the next student reads.

Anonymous, about two minutes, no account.

Find your class

Most Challenging Courses