What are the most challenging courses at University at Buffalo?

Based on student ratings aggregated from across the web, the most challenging courses at University at Buffalo include CSE 331 (Algorithms and Complexity), CIE 435 (Foundation Engineering), MGA 302 (Intermediate Financial Accounting II: Equities and Liabilities). 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 UB 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 UB: Most Challenging Courses

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

Undergrad registration for Spring 2027 at UB opens Mon, Nov 2. Registrar dates

Tap + on a class to add it.

Most Challenging Courses

Top 25 · courses with the highest reported challenge levels

1
CSE 331Algorithms and ComplexityComputer Science and Engineering
89/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 63 ratings
89/100
2
CIE 435Foundation EngineeringEngineering
89/100 difficulty1.5 out of 5 stars1.5· 33 ratings
89/100
3
MGA 302Intermediate Financial Accounting II: Equities and LiabilitiesAccounting
84/100 difficulty3.7 out of 5 stars3.7· 60 ratings
84/100
4
CHE 205Organic Chemistry 1 LABChemical Engineering
84/100 difficulty1.5 out of 5 stars1.5· 40 ratings
84/100
5
CIE 323Structural AnalysisEngineering
83/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 40 ratings
83/100
6
AAS 355Race, Class, and SocietyAfrican-American Studies
83/100 difficulty2.1 out of 5 stars2.1· 27 ratings
83/100
7
CSE 560Data Models Query LangComputer Science and Engineering
82/100 difficulty1.9 out of 5 stars1.9· 41 ratings
82/100
8
ENG 386Postcolonial LiteratureEnglish
82/100 difficulty1.0 out of 5 stars1.0· 9 ratings
82/100
9
CSE 396Introduction to the Theory of ComputationComputer Science and Engineering
81/100 difficulty2.2 out of 5 stars2.2· 46 ratings
81/100
10
PSY 450Advanced Research Methods in PsychologyPsychology
81/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 45 ratings
81/100
11
CHE 204Organic Chemistry IIChemical Engineering
81/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 44 ratings
81/100
12
CSE 379Introduction to MicroprocessorsComputer Science and Engineering
81/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 34 ratings
81/100
13
MTH 311Introduction to Higher MathematicsMathematics
80/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 72 ratings
80/100
14
ES 207Human Form & Function IExercise Science
80/100 difficulty2.8 out of 5 stars2.8· 43 ratings
80/100
15
EE 336Fundamentals of Energy SystemsElectrical Engineering
80/100 difficulty1.6 out of 5 stars1.6· 18 ratings
80/100
16
PSY 431Mind-Body Connection in a Social WorldPsychology
80/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 13 ratings
80/100
17
CIE 334Soil MechanicsEngineering
80/100 difficulty1.1 out of 5 stars1.1· 9 ratings
80/100
18
CSE 531Algorithms Anal & Dsgn 1Computer Science and Engineering
79/100 difficulty3.0 out of 5 stars3.0· 102 ratings
79/100
19
BIO 319GeneticsBiological Sciences
79/100 difficulty2.6 out of 5 stars2.6· 79 ratings
79/100
20
MGA 311Accounting Information SystemsAccounting
79/100 difficulty2.3 out of 5 stars2.3· 40 ratings
79/100
21
MGF 402Investment ManagementManagement Finance
79/100 difficulty3.4 out of 5 stars3.4· 33 ratings
79/100
22
AAS 254Race in FilmsAfrican-American Studies
79/100 difficulty2.2 out of 5 stars2.2· 27 ratings
79/100
23
MAE 315Analysis of StructuresMechanical and Aerospace Engineering
79/100 difficulty1.7 out of 5 stars1.7· 26 ratings
79/100
24
PSY 300Communicating for Psychological SciencesPsychology
79/100 difficulty1.4 out of 5 stars1.4· 15 ratings
79/100
25
ES 380Exercise PhysiologyExercise Science
79/100 difficulty2.5 out of 5 stars2.5· 12 ratings
79/100

Give back

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

Anonymous, about two minutes, no account.

Find your class

Most Challenging Courses