Course Information Suite

College of Engineering

engineering.illinois.edu

Office of Undergraduate Programs
206 Engineering Hall
1308 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2280

Mission
Vision
Educational Objectives
Outcomes and Assessment
Professional Component
Breadth of Programs
Illinois Engineering Freshman Experience (iEFX) and the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engineering Education (iFoundry)
Engineering Career Services

Departments and Programs

Admission to Programs in the College of Engineering
Entering Freshman Admissions
Transferring into Engineering from Other Institutions
Transferring into Engineering from Other Colleges on our Campus
Changing Curricula Within Engineering

Special Degree Programs
Combined Engineering-Liberal Arts and Sciences Program
Dual Degree Programs Within the College of Engineering

Program Modification
Custom Degree Program
Affiliations with Other Liberal Arts Colleges

Special Off-Campus Programs
Experiential Learning Programs
Study Abroad Programs
Other International Opportunities
Advanced ROTC Training

Technical Grade Point Average Requirements

Engineering Honors Programs
Honors at Graduation
Tau Beta Pi
Edmund J. James Scholars
Dean's List

General Education Requirements

Elective Course Work
Liberal Education Electives
Technical Electives
Free Electives
Credit-No Credit Option

Combined B.S.-M.S. Engineering Degree Programs
Computer Science
Industrial Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Minors Offered by the College of Engineering
Bioengineering Minor
Computer Science Minor
International Minor in Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering Minor
Physics Minor
Polymer Science and Engineering Minor
Technology and Management Minor




Mission

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867 as a state-supported, land-grant institution with a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. Based on that foundation, the mission of the College of Engineering is to meet the needs of the state and nation through excellence in education, research, and public service. The goals are to instill in students the attitudes, values, vision, and training that will prepare them for lifetimes of continued learning and leadership in engineering and other fields; to generate new knowledge for the benefit of society; and to provide special services when there are needs that the college is uniquely qualified to meet.

Vision

The vision of the College of Engineering is to be a distinguished institution, providing knowledge that focuses on the creation and management of systems and resources. This knowledge is to be shared by motivating and educating qualified students to master the most important components of science and engineering at all levels. The students are also to have an appreciation for human and ethical values and to master the skills of oral and written communication. The value of this combined knowledge is measured by its connection to effective products, processes, and services that address the needs of society.

Educational Objectives

The College of Engineering prepares men and women for professional careers in engineering and related positions in industry, commerce, education, and government. Graduates at the bachelor's level are prepared to begin the practice of engineering or to continue their formal education at a graduate school of their choice. Based on the mission and vision statement of the college, each engineering program has developed educational objectives which are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. In general, all the programs provide students with a comprehensive education that includes in-depth instruction in their chosen fields of study. The programs are designed to emphasize analysis and problem solving and to provide exposure to open-ended problems and design methods. The courses are taught in a manner that fosters teamwork, communication skills, and individual professionalism, including ethics and environmental awareness. The classroom experiences, along with outside activities, prepare students for lifetimes of continued learning and leadership. Thus, the engineering programs enable graduates to make significant contributions in their chosen fields while at the same time recognizing their responsibilities to society.

Outcomes and Assessment

To accomplish the educational objectives and to comply with current engineering accreditation standards, all engineering programs achieve the following outcomes:

  • an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  • an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  • an ability to communicate effectively
  • the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
  • a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues
  • an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

An assessment system for continuous measurement, evaluation, and improvement is in place in each academic department. In addition, the college conducts surveys, collects college-wide data, and provides coordination and assistance to the departments for the overall process.

Professional Component

Each engineering program also contains a professional component, as required for accreditation, that is consistent with the objectives of the program and the institution. The professional component includes:

  • one year of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences, some with laboratory or experimental experience, appropriate to the discipline
  • one and one-half years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences and engineering design appropriate to the student's field of study
  • a general education component that complements the technical content of the program and is consistent with the objectives of the program and the institution.

The paragraphs below further describe these elements of the programs and expected student outcomes and experiences.

Breadth of Programs

The college provides training in the mathematical and physical sciences and their application to a broad spectrum of technological and social requirements of society. The engineering programs, although widely varied and specialized, are built on a general foundation of scientific theory applicable to many different fields. Work in the classroom and laboratory is brought into sharper focus by practical problems that the student solves by methods similar to those of practicing engineers. Engineering design experience is introduced early in the programs, is integrated throughout, and culminates in a major design project team-work experience in the senior year.

Although each student pursues a program chosen to meet individual career goals, all students take certain courses. Basic courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, rhetoric, and computer science are required in the first two years. The scientific and technical portion of the majors provides the rudimentary development of technical skills, the modern engineering tools and methods for solving problems in practice, the design of experiments and associated data analysis, an understanding of values and cost, an understanding of the ethical characteristics of the engineering profession and practice, a sensitivity to the socially related technical problems that confront health and safety, and the ability and emphasis for maintaining professional competence through lifelong learning. Although the programs are progressively specialized in the third and fourth years, each student is required to take some courses outside his or her chosen field.

Non-technical courses are included in each program; they may be required or elective. Many non-technical courses satisfy the broad objectives of the humanities and social sciences requirements of the engineering programs, enabling strong, effective communications, making the student keenly aware of the urgent contemporary problems of society, and developing a deeper appreciation of human cultural achievements in a global context. The humanities and social sciences courses are usually drawn from the liberal arts and sciences, economics, and approved courses in fine and applied arts. A student who desires a broader cultural background may wish to consider a combined engineering-liberal arts and sciences program.

Illinois Engineering Freshman Experience (iEFX) and the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engineering Education (iFoundry)

Freshmen students admitted to the College of Engineering for Fall 2010 can apply to be a part of a special experience designed to make their entry into engineering particularly rewarding and engaging. The Illinois Engineering Freshmen Experience (iEFX) integrates coursework in critical and creative thinking skills (the missing basics) with hands-on projects and a student-run learning community (iCommunity). These activities combine in ways that respect and support student aspirations and choice, and lead to a celebration of the joys of engineering, community, and learning. Data collected in Fall 2009 as part of a pilot program show that participation in iEFX is a transformative experience, helping students build a strong sense of engineering identity and enabling them to adjust to the social challenges of the first year of college. The experience involves important networking engagements with other students, faculty, corporate, and alumni advisors. iEFX students build a genuine sense of engineering community and unparalleled confidence and comfort with their decision to pursue the engineering profession. Students in the inaugural pilot of iEFX displayed a level of creativity, confidence, and initiative not usually seen in students who go through more traditional freshmen experiences. iEFX in Fall 2010 will be made available to a portion of the freshmen class through a simple Web-based application.

For further information regarding iEFX, visit the iEFX Web site, contact the iEFX Office (201 Engineering Hall, iefx@engineering.illinois.edu) or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

iEFX was originally conceived and piloted by the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engineering Education (iFoundry) in Fall 2009. iFoundry is a pilot curriculum incubator initiative in the College of Engineering designed to foster curriculum innovation, deepen student engagement, and expand the breadth of students’ professional skill development. iFoundry rigorously analyzes the philosophical and organizational foundations of engineering education, in order to enhance the educational opportunities and student experience at Illinois. As a pilot incubator program, iFoundry is engaged in developing and launching new courses that may appeal to students who wish to modify their program. iFoundry can also assist students who are seeking to modify their program with course substitutions or who are seeking to shape their humanities and social sciences requirements into coherent themes that will enrich their engineering education.

iFoundry collaborates closely with departmental and College leadership, cross-campus partners, and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs to develop and pilot innovative programs. iFoundry partners with leading engineering institutions in the United States and abroad to create cutting edge courses and innovative programs, most notably with the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering.

For further information regarding iFoundry, visit the iFoundry Web site, contact the iFoundry Office (201 Engineering Hall, 217-244-3824, ifoundry@illinois.edu) or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Engineering Career Services

The College of Engineering is committed to your success as a student and beyond. Our Engineering Career Services (ECS) office offers support, guidance, and resources to help you with every step of your job search.  Whether you are interested in gaining practical experience through a co-op position or an internship, or entering the professional world upon your graduation, ECS provides a variety of services from career planning to offer evaluation and negotiation.  We encourage you to take advantage of these services both as a student and as an alum of the College.

ECS provides comprehensive services and programs designed to enable students to identify, facilitate, and negotiate successful career opportunities.  ECS offers an online job system that employers use to communicate with students by posting job opportunities and promoting on-campus recruiting activities.

ECS services include:

  • Workshops and seminars
  • Career counseling
  • Resume and cover letter reviews
  • Mock interviews
  • Career fairs and on-campus recruiting events
  • Internship, co-op, and full-time job postings
  • Company databases and contact information
  • Offer evaluation and negotiation
  • Presentations for classes and student organizations
  • Personal consultation appointments

To take advantage of these services and many more, students simply need to register with the Engineering Career Services office (3270 Digital Computer Lab, 217-333-1960 , ecs@engr.illinois.edu), or visit the Engineering Career Services Web site.

Departments and Programs

The engineering degree programs offered at Illinois awarding Bachelor of Science degrees are listed in the table below. The programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the year in which first accredited are indicated. The Computer Science program falls under the purview of the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC); all others fall under the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC).

Department Engineering B.S. Degree Programs and First Year Accredited
Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Engineering1
1950
Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ACES) Agricultural and Biological Engineering2
Bioengineering Bioengineering
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (LAS) Chemical Engineering4
1936
Civil and Environmental Engineering Civil Engineering
1936
Computer Science5 Computer Science
2002
Electrical and Computer Engineering Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering

1978
1936

Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering General Engineering
Industrial Engineering
1936
1960
Materials Science and Engineering Materials Science and Engineering
1996
Mechanical Science and Engineering Engineering Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering
1960
1936
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering6
1978
Physics7 Engineering Physics
--

1. Accredited program name was Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering until August, 2004.
2. The program in agricultural and biological engineering in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering is administered jointly by the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering with the degree granted by the College of Engineering. This program will be reviewed in a future accreditation cycle. It succeeds a program named Agricultural Engineering until
August 2008 that was first accredited in 1950. 
3. A new program (2005), to be reviewed in a future general accreditation cycle.
4. The program in chemical engineering is administered by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the degree granted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
5. The Department of Computer Science also sponsors two majors administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: a Mathematics and Computer Science Major and a Statistics and Computer Science Major.
6.  Accredited program name was Nuclear Engineering until August 2008.
7. The Department of Physics also offers a B.S. degree program in Physics and a Physics Major in the Science and Letters Curriculum, both administered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Admission to Programs in the College of Engineering

Entering Freshman Admissions

Students seeking admission to the College of Engineering who are current high school students, recent high school graduates, or who have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of credit at other collegiate institutions are classified as new freshmen and must meet the entrance requirements to the College of Engineering that are specified for new freshmen. Students are admitted to the college on a best-qualified basis as determined by a number of factors. These include ACT and SAT scores, high school percentile rank, high school grades, high school class selections, extracurricular activities, awards, and essays by the applicant.

Placement in chemistry, mathematics, rhetoric, and foreign languages is required and is based upon ACT and SAT scores, ALEKS math assessment results, or specific placement tests. Proficiency exams in many subjects, including chemistry, mathematics, and physics, are administered shortly after the fall semester begins. A student with advanced placement (AP or IB) credit in mathematics, chemistry, or physics will receive credit toward graduation and will be placed in advanced course work consistent with academic preparation.

All of the engineering curricula are built around a common core of courses. In addition all students in engineering curricula have 18 hours of social sciences and humanities electives and at least 6 hours of free electives; those choices are generally not prescribed by the curriculum. These common elements allow a student to transfer from one curriculum to another early in their college career with minimal loss of credit.

The following table gives an indication of the common elements in the early stages of the engineering curricula. There are math, chemistry, physics, and rhetoric courses required in all curricula. There are also several courses that are common to many curricula. When a course substitution applies (e.g., MATH 286 for MATH 285, or MATH 415 for MATH 225) the most flexible option is to take the more demanding course as it meets the requirements of the less demanding course (and generally provides a stronger education in that subject).

Subject Core Courses Common to All Engineering Curricula Core Courses Common to Many Engineering Curricula
Math MATH 2211, 231, 241, 2852 MATH 225, 4153
Physics PHYS 211, 212 PHYS 213, 214
Chemistry CHEM 102, 103 CHEM 104, 105
Composition RHET 1054  
Other Foundational Courses   GE 101, ME 170, ECE 110, CS 101

1. Students with no background in calculus should take MATH 220 instead of MATH 221. Four of the five credit hours of MATH 220 apply to  the degree requirements.
2. MATH 286 is required in some curricula and is an acceptable substitute for MATH 285 in all curricula
3. MATH 415 is an acceptable substitute for MATH 225 in all curricula that require MATH 225. Note that MATH 415 can be used in the Mathematics Minor whereas MATH 225 cannot.
4. SPCM 111 + 112 are acceptable substitutes for RHET 105 in all curricula for those who qualify to take those courses.

Transferring into Engineering from Other Institutions

The College of Engineering admits qualified transfer students from both community and four-year colleges and has worked closely with many of these schools in Illinois to implement coordinated engineering programs.

Students may complete courses at other accredited institutions and transfer to Illinois with little or no loss of credit, provided that they follow the proper program. A suggested list of courses that should be completed before transferring may be viewed at the College of Engineering Transfer Web site.

Students may transfer to the college for the fall, spring, or summer session. Both the overall grade point average (GPA) of all transferable courses and the separate GPA of the technical courses (mathematics, physics, chemistry) must meet or exceed the competitive cutoffs. Transfer students are normally required to have also completed the basic mathematics (through calculus), physics, chemistry, and English (rhetoric and composition). Transfer students starting their studies in the fall semester are allowed to advance enroll during the preceding summer. Students are informed of this opportunity after they are admitted.

For more information, view the Office of Admissions Transfer Web site, or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Transferring into Engineering from Other Colleges on Our Campus

Any student in good standing in a college outside Engineering is eligible to seek transfer into a curriculum offered by the College of Engineering. The likelihood of success of such an intercollege transfer (ICT) petition depends upon the qualifications of the student, primarily as evidenced by performance in U of I courses. A student with a B average and with demonstrated success (primarily A's and B's) in Math, Physics, and Chemistry may be a good candidate for transfer.

Approval of an ICT petition will depend upon the quality of the petitioner's academic record, the strength of the ICT petition essay, and availability of space in the target curriculum. Each case will be considered individually on its own merits. The student must see a dean in the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall, to initiate the process of transferring into the College of Engineering.

For more ICT information, view the College of Engineering Transfer Web site or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Changing Curricula within Engineering

Students enrolled in the College of Engineering may petition for transfer to another department within the college prior to advanced enrollment and the beginning of a new term. A petition form for interdepartmental transfer (IDT) is available in 206 Engineering Hall, at your department's Chief Advisors office, or you may click here and print one yourself. The IDT petition consists of three comment sections to be completed by you, your current department, and prospective department before submitting the petition to 206 Engineering Hall for review and approval.
Approval of an IDT petition will depend upon the reasons given by the petitioner for wanting to transfer, the comments of current and prospective departments, and availability of space in the target curriculum. Each case will be considered individually on its own merits.

For more IDT information visit the college's transfer policy Web site or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Special Degree Programs

Combined Engineering-Liberal Arts and Sciences Program

A dual degree program of study permits a student to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a field of engineering from the College of Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Urbana-Champaign campus.

This program affords the student the opportunity to prepare for a career of an interdisciplinary nature. A student who desires a broader background than can be provided in the four-year engineering programs can develop a combined program that includes a synergistic scientific education or an enhanced cultural education in addition to an engineering specialty. Each student must file an approved program with the College of Engineering's Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Affairs Office.

Advisors in both colleges assist in planning a program of study to meet the needs and requirements for both degrees. Most combinations of engineering and liberal arts programs may be completed in ten semesters if the student does not have deficiencies in the entrance requirements of either college.

Most engineering programs can be combined with one of a variety of liberal arts and sciences majors, including science, languages, social sciences, humanities, speech communication, and philosophy. This combined program operates under the following conditions:

  • Students entering the program must meet admission requirements for both colleges. Students planning completion of the two degrees in 8 semesters are recommended to submit the application in the fifth term of enrollment but no later than the first week of classes in the seventh term. Students planning completion in 10 semesters are recommended to submit the application in the seventh term of enrollment but no later than the first week of classes of the eighth term.
  • Beginning with students who matriculated in Fall 2005, an Illinois GPA of 3.25 (or above for certain programs) will be required at the time of application for a second degree.
  • Students must complete all of the requirements specified for the additional LAS degree as well as at least an additional 30 hours over and above those required for the first degree. The candidate must also complete 12 distinct advanced hours in the LAS major that are not used in meeting the requirements for any other degree program.
  • All second degree candidates in LAS must be enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a minimum of two semesters. Also, campus regulations on second degrees require at least 30 additional semester hours of Illinois credit that is not counted for the other degree.
  • A student who starts in the program and decides to transfer from it is subject to the existing graduation requirements of the college of his or her choice.
  • The degrees of Bachelor of Science in engineering and Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in liberal arts and sciences may be awarded simultaneously. If not, a student must complete the LAS degree first, having fulfilled the two-semester residency requirement in LAS, and transfer back to the College of Engineering to complete the other degree.
  • Participants must satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language graduation requirement.
  • Students electing advanced Reserve Officers' Training Corps and Naval ROTC programs are required to meet these commitments in addition to the combined program as outlined.
  • Students with 75 or more hours of transfer credit are not advised to enter this program because they cannot ordinarily complete it in five years.
  • Students transferring from other colleges and universities must plan to complete at least one year in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Urbana-Champaign and one year in the College of Engineering at Urbana-Champaign to satisfy residency requirements if both degrees are to be granted here.

For further information about this program, students should contact the Office of the Associate Dean in either the College of Engineering or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Dual-Degree Programs within the College of Engineering

Students enrolled in any department of the College of Engineering may pursue a second engineering degree if the following requirements are fulfilled:

  • Students seeking a second engineering degree must apply for the program no later than the first week of classes of the term they intend to graduate with the first degree. The two engineering degrees may be awarded simultaneously or consecutively. All candidates for engineering degrees are accorded a maximum of 10 semesters of Illinois enrollment to complete their degrees. Students must petition to request an extension beyond this limit, which must be approved by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering.
  • The Department offering the curriculum for the second degree must approve the double-degree request.  The criteria for approval are the same as the ones applied for transfer into that curriculum.
  • Campus regulations on second degrees require at least 30 additional semester hours of Illinois credit that is not counted for the other degree.  The candidate must also complete at least 12 distinct advanced hours in the second degree that are not used in meeting the requirements for the first degree program.

Advanced students with multidisciplinary ambitions may also consider pursuing a graduate master's degree as an alternative to a second undergraduate engineering degree, particularly if interested in research. Students should seek the advice of advisors and faculty members in the specific departments of interest to gather information on graduate programs and on available research opportunities.

Program Modification

A student can seek to modify his or her program of studies using course substitutions by submitting a Curriculum Modification form to the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering, 206 Engineering Hall (note that the forms can be obtained there too). The student should seek an endorsement of the change from his or her academic advisor and the Chief Advisor of the department responsible for the student's program. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs is responsible for approving all curriculum modifications. No program modification is automatically granted, and each request must come through the formal process. Once approved the student is notified by return copy of the form and the program change is entered in the graduation audit.

Custom Degree Program

Some program changes do not fit the direct course substitution mode anticipated by a Program Modification.  In such a case a student may seek permission to vary the program requirements of one of the standard Engineering degree programs by written petition to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs.  There is no standard form for this transaction.  A student should submit a letter proposal outlining the nature of the request and the justification.  The special program must be approved by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering, who will consult with the head of the department in which the student is registered.

Affiliations with Other Liberal Arts Colleges

Through a program of affiliation between the College of Engineering and a number of liberal arts colleges, a student may enroll in a five-year program, earn a bachelor's degree from one of these colleges, and at the same time earn a bachelor's degree in engineering from Illinois. In general, students spend the first three years at the liberal arts college and the final two years at Illinois. At the time of transfer, students must meet competitive transfer admission requirements and must meet certain residency requirements to participate in this program.

The five-year program encourages a student to develop a broad understanding of the social sciences and humanities while striving for excellence in technical studies. These affiliations have the added benefit of allowing students to take core engineering studies (including mathematics, physics, and chemistry) at liberal arts schools. Students interested in this dual degree program should meet with advisors from both schools to develop an individual plan of study.

Colleges affiliated with the College of Engineering are:

  • Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois
  • De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois
  • Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois
  • Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois
  • Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois
  • Illinois Benedictine College, Lisle, Illinois
  • Illinois College, Jacksonville, Illinois
  • Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
  • Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, Illinois
  • Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois
  • Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois
  • Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
  • North Central College, Naperville, Illinois
  • Olivet Nazarene College, Kankakee, Illinois
  • Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
  • Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois

For more information, view the Office of Admissions Transfer Web site.

Special Off-Campus Programs

Experiential Learning Programs

Co-ops and internships (summer and semester) provide students with a competitive advantage when seeking full-time career opportunities in industry. These Experiential Learning Programs not only enable students to gain up to a full year of professional work experience while paying for their education, but also offer the opportunity to explore engineering-related fields in-depth, to apply what you learn in the classroom to a real situation, and to provide insight into some of the nation's leading companies.

As a Co-op, a student alternates terms of work with terms of school, working at least two semesters and one summer with the same company. Students that participate in a Co-op opportunity graduate with one year of professional work experience increasing their marketability throughout the recruiting process. Semester Interns work for a period of 4-7 months with one company (a spring or fall semester may be combined with a summer). Many students also participate in summer internships, working for one company during a summer (2-3 months). Students may complete multiple internships, and all internships and co-ops are paid employment positions.

Students find these Experiential Learning Programs valuable and rewarding for a number of reasons:

  • They are able to explore opportunities within a specific field.
  • They gain industry experience prior to graduation.
  • They improve their overall communication and team skills.
  • Time spent with an employer inspires their performance in their course work and expands their classroom experiences.
  • The practical experience helps them to identify if they have really chosen the right field of interest for them and offers numerous alternative ideas.
  • They earn money that can be applied to college expenses.

ECS also offers a job shadow program, which takes place each year during winter break. The Job Shadow Program is a one day program for freshmen and sophomores interested in spending time with an engineer to better understand what it means to work in a specific industry or company. This program provides students with an opportunity for a brief yet valuable introduction to the daily demands of an engineer during the course of a day. Each student is matched with an engineer in the student's field of interest and spends time at the engineer's firm. This unique interactive experience will give participants a better idea of how the professional world "feels" in their chosen field of study.

For more information regarding Experiential Learning Programs visit the Engineering Career Services Web site, contact Engineering Career Services (3270 Digital Computer Lab, 217-333-1960 , ecs@engineering.illinois.edu) or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Study Abroad Programs

Engineering students at Illinois are presented with very attractive opportunities to study overseas as part of their university experience.  Students may spend a summer, semester, or even an entire academic year abroad.  Credits earned during this time may be transferred to Illinois to satisfy curricular requirements.  Additionally, a student may even elect to pursue an International Minor in Engineering that is focused on the country or region of the student's choice. 
A variety of study abroad and international work programs are available to provide students an international experience. Currently, International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) has programs at universities in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Russia, S. Korea, Vietnam, and West Indies, and more are continually being developed in these and other countries. IPENG's membership in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) and Global Engineering Education Exchange (GE3) consortia provides additional overseas locations and fellowships for study abroad. Students can also participate through the main campus programs in several other countries. For information on these programs visit the International Programs in Engineering Web site or the Study Abroad Office Web site or contact the Engineering Study Abroad Office (210 Engineering Hall, ipeng@illinois.edu)

To help new students gain an understanding of the importance of an international experience during their academic career at Illinois, the College of Engineering offers a freshman course, ENG 191—International Dimens of Engrg. This course provides an overview of global changes along with industrial perspectives to help prepare graduates for foreign placement as professionals. The course will also provide insights on how engineering students may build course work and experiences into their undergraduate programs that will prepare them for overseas involvement.

An overseas academic experience can begin as early as the summer after the first year at Illinois. An academic semester or year exchange program provides an even greater depth to the undergraduate experience and will greatly enhance a resume when a student begins their professional job search.

The personal and academic advantages gained by participating in the program are numerous and reflect many financial incentives. These advantages can include: IPENG help with roundtrip airfare for all engineering students who study or work abroad on approved programs and a reduced on campus tuition charge when studying. The result is that Illinois provides the opportunity to earn credit overseas at only a fraction of the cost of studying on campus.

The College of Engineering also offers scholarships for Study Abroad participants. The College of Engineering believes in this opportunity so firmly that much has been done to make this as affordable as possible for students. In addition to help with roundtrip airfare and tuition incentives, newly admitted students are offered an opportunity to apply for the International Engineering Scholarship. This scholarship provides a one-time payment of $2,500 during the Study Abroad program. Additional scholarships are also provided to students upon acceptance to a study abroad program.

For more information about study abroad, visit the International Programs in Engineering Web site or contact IPENG (210 Engineering Hall, 217-244-0054, ipeng@illinois.edu).

Other International Opportunities

The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) is a private, nonprofit organization that enables students of engineering, architecture, and the sciences to obtain on-the-job training in foreign countries. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, who is enrolled in good standing at Illinois and who has completed at least the sophomore year of study may apply. Generally, the maintenance allowance is adequate to cover living expenses while in training but does not cover transportation costs. Further information about these opportunities may be obtained from the IPENG office or the IPENG Web site.

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Illinois works with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through implementation of environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects, while developing international responsible engineering students. Current international projects include biofuel electricity generation, charge controller circuit design, and wood-stove emissions control. Furthermore, EWB-Illinois holds local events to create awareness on campus of international development and environmental issues. EWB-Illinois is open to all majors and, indeed, is always in need of dedicated people from all fields. For more information, visit the Engineers Without Borders Web site.

Advanced ROTC Training

A student in the College of Engineering may elect to participate in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps Program and earn a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, or Naval Reserve. A commission is awarded simultaneously with the awarding of the bachelor of science degree in an engineering field. Participation in these programs is limited to students who apply to and are selected by the army, air force, and navy units at Illinois. Monthly stipends are paid to those selected for advanced military training.

These programs require from one to three summer camps or cruises and the earning of specified numbers of credits in advanced military courses. Credits earned appear in all academic averages computed by the College of Engineering. Basic military courses do not count toward graduation. A maximum of 6 hours of upper-level military science courses may be used as free electives. A student should plan on taking nine semesters to obtain both a bachelor's degree in engineering and a commission in the ROTC program. For further information, write directly to the professor of military science, aerospace studies, or naval science.

Technical Grade Point Average Requirements

Technical grade point average (TGPA) requirements for graduation and advanced-level course registration apply to students enrolled in certain College of Engineering curricula. These rules apply in addition to the Illinois campus-wide drop and probation rules. The table below summarizes the TGPA rules applicable.

Note: TGPA rules for the General Engineering and Industrial Engineering curricula shown in the table below are under review and subject to change. Click here for the most current information,

Curriculum

Technical Grade Point Average (TGPA) Requirements for Graduation

Technical Grade Point Average (TGPA) Requirements for Advanced-Level Course Registration

Must earn a GPA of 2.00 (unless otherwise noted) in the following technical subset of courses: Must earn a GPA of 2.25 (unless otherwise noted) in: In order to register for:
Aerospace Engineering n/a n/a n/a
Agricultural Engineering n/a n/a n/a
Bioengineering Math, Eng, and Science courses Eng Core + Bio Core BIOE 302, 414
Chemical Engineering n/a GPA of 2.5: all courses excluding military training CHBE 430, 431, 440
Civil Engineering

n/a n/a n/a
Computer Engineering ECE courses Eng Core (minus CHEM) + CompE Core ECE 329, 385, 391, 440
Computer Science CS and Math courses n/a n/a
Electrical Engineering ECE courses Eng Core (minus CHEM) + EE Core ECE 329, 385, 391, 440
Engineering Mechanics TAM courses Eng Core + EMech Core + ECE 205 + ME 300 TAM 302, 324, 335, 412, 445, 470
Engineering Physics GPA of 2.5: required Math and Physics courses n/a n/a
General Engineering n/a n/a n/a
Industrial Engineering Required Eng and Tech Elect courses; MATH 415 Eng Core + Mech Core + ECE 205, 206 + IE 300 IE 310, 330, 340, 430, ME 330
Materials Sci & Eng n/a n/a n/a
Mechanical Engineering Required Eng and Tech (includes MechSE) Elect courses; MATH 415; MCB 150 (if taken) Eng Core + Mech Core + ECE 205, 206 + MCB 150 (if taken) + ME 300 ME 310, 330, 340, 370
Nuclear Engineering n/a n/a n/a
Notes:
Eng Core: CHEM 102, 103, 104, 105, MATH 221, 231, 241, 285, 286, PHYS 211, 212, 213, 214, CS 101, GE 101, ME 170 (Note: These courses are included in the TGPA only if the course is required in the curriculum. Inclusion on this list does not mean you have to take them!)
Bio Core: BIOE 120, 201, 202, MCB 150, CHEM 232
CompE Core:  ECE 110, 190, 210, 290; CS 173 or MATH 213
EE Core: ECE 110, 190, 210, 290
EMech Core: TAM 195, 210, 211, 212, 251, 252
Mech Core: TAM 210, 211, 212, 251
Math courses include any course offered by the Mathematics department under the MATH rubric and by the Statistics department under the STAT rubric
Engineering (Eng) courses means any course offered by a unit of the College of Engineering (i.e.,under the rubrics AE, ABE, BIOE, CEE, ...)
Science courses means any course in the basic sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.)
Required means that the course is called out by name in the curriculum (i.e., not an elective)

Engineering Honors Programs

Honors at Graduation

Honors awarded at graduation to superior students are designated on the diploma as honors, high honors, or highest honors. A student receives honors with a cumulative Illinois grade point average of at least 3.50, and high honors with at least a 3.80 grade point average at graduation. Highest honors may be awarded to any student eligible for high honors upon recommendation of his or her department. The criteria used by departments in selecting individuals for highest honors recognition include outstanding performance in course work and in supplementary activities of an academic or professional nature. Ordinarily, such a citation requires completion of an undergraduate thesis or a special project of superior quality.

Tau Beta Pi

Tau Beta Pi is a national engineering honor society that recognizes students, alumni, and engineers for outstanding academic achievements and exemplary character. The Alpha chapter at Illinois was founded in 1897 and is the fifth oldest chapter. In addition to gaining scholastic recognition, members participate in a range of activities that serve the chapter, the College of Engineering, and the community. The scholastic requirement for membership in Tau Beta Pi is that juniors must be in the upper one-eighth of their graduating class and seniors must be in the upper one-fifth of their graduating class.

Edmund J. James Scholars

The honors program in engineering is part of the Illinois James Scholar program, which was established to recognize and develop the talents of academically outstanding students. Engineering students in this program are known as "James Scholars in Engineering." Each is assigned to an honors advisor and receives special consideration in the selection of courses to meet specific needs.

New freshmen in the College of Engineering are automatically accepted into the James Scholar program if any one of the following criteria is met: an ACT composite score of 33 or higher; an ACT-equivalent SAT score; or a top 1% high school class ranking. Continuation in the program or joining as an upperclass student requires a minimum 3.30 GPA (3.50 for students in electrical engineering and computer engineering) and the development and approval of an honors contract, which is a coherent plan of special academic work. For more information about the James Scholar Program, visit the college's James Scholar Web site or contact the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Good standing in the James Scholar program at graduation requires completion of the honors contract.

Dean's List

The names of undergraduates who have achieved a grade point average in the top 20 percent of their college class for a given semester will be included on a list prepared for the dean of the college. This list is publicized on campus and is sent to news agencies throughout the state.

To be eligible for Dean's List recognition, students must successfully complete 14 academic semester hours letter grade . Credits earned during the semester through proficiency, CLEP, and advanced placement examinations are not counted .

General Education Requirements

The campus General Education requirements fall into several categories.  Those in Composition I, Natural Sciences and Technology, and Quantitative Reasoning are met by courses required in engineering curricula. Beginning with the class that entered in fall 2000, students must complete a third-level college language course. Most students satisfy this requirement by completing three years of high school instruction in a single language.

The campus General Education requirements in social and behavioral sciences and in humanities and the arts can be met while satisfying the College of Engineering's liberal education course work requirements (see below) . Proper choices will assure that these courses also satisfy the campus requirements in the areas of Western and non-Western cultures. Many of these courses satisfy the campus Advanced Composition requirement, which assures that students have the advanced writing skills expected of all college graduates.

Students may obtain credit from different academic sources, i.e., residential instruction, advanced placement (AP or IB) tests, and transfer credits. All course work taken to satisfy campus general education requirements must be taken for grade.

For more information about General Education course work requirements, consult the campus' General Education Web site.

Elective Course Work

Liberal Education Electives

The College of Engineering requires eighteen hours of liberal education course work. The courses are normally chosen to also satisfy the campus General Education requirements consisting of six hours of social and behavioral sciences (S&BS) and six hours of humanities and arts (H&A) course work. All twelve hours of these hours must be taken for grade. The remaining six hours of liberal education course work may include more approved General Education S&BS or H&A credit, foreign language credit beyond the basic requirement, and liberal education courses from a list approved by the College.

Credit for this course work may come from different academic sources, i.e., residential instruction, advanced placement (AP or IB) tests, and transfer credits.

For more information about College of Engineering liberal education course work requirements, consult the college’s Liberal Education Web site.

Technical Electives

All technical elective courses must be selected in accordance with departmental requirements. Technical electives generally include 300- and 400-level courses in engineering, mathematics, and the natural sciences.

Free Electives

These unrestricted electives are selected at the prerogative of the student with certain exceptions as noted at the College of Engineering advising Web site. Every curriculum administered by the College of Engineering has at least six free elective hours. This course credit insures the required number of credit hours for the degree is earned.

Credit-No Credit Option

The credit-no credit grade option is available for students who want to explore areas of academic interest that they might otherwise avoid for fear of poor grades. All students considering this option are cautioned that many graduate and professional schools consider applicants whose transcripts bear a significant number of non-grade symbols less favorably than those whose transcripts contain none or very few. Required courses in the College of Engineering may not be taken on this basis. For more details, consult the College of Engineering advising Web site.

Combined B.S.-M.S. Engineering Degree Programs

Computer Science

The five-year B.S.-M.S. program in Computer Science combines two degrees: a B.S. in Computer Science with an M.S. (with thesis) in Computer Science. Current Illinois Computer Science students enrolled in the College of Engineering with junior standing who maintain superior academic performance are eligible to apply for this program. Students admitted to the program will receive both degrees once all requirements for the 5-year B.S.-M.S. degree program have been successfully completed.

Course Requirements

B.S. Component (120 hours plus 3 distribution courses for 9-12 graduate hours):

  • Same required courses as the traditional B.S. degree with the minimum hours required – not counting technical electives taken for graduate credit (see below) – reduced from 128 to 120.
  • Course work shared by the B.S. and M.S. components must include the following courses which count as Technical Track Option electives in the B.S. component and the distribution course work requirement of the M.S. component: Architecture (CS 431 or CS 433), Theory (CS 473 or CS 475), and Software (CS 421 or CS 423), all which must be taken for graduate credit. (Students must take the graduate section of the courses if offered and are strongly encouraged to take the 4-hour section if available).
  • Illinois undergraduate student minimum residence requirement satisfied
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 maintained through completion of B.S. component of the program.

M.S. Component (minimum 16 additional credit hours plus 4 hours of CS 599 thesis):

  • Identical to the traditional M.S. program with the distribution course work satisfied while still classified as undergraduate (though held to the standards of a graduate student).
  • Satisfy Illinois' graduate student minimum residence requirement.
  • Overall GPA of 3.00 must be maintained through completion of M.S. component of the program.
Admission

For deadlines and procedures, consult the department Web site. Current Illinois Computer Science students with Junior standing with an overall GPA of at least 3.50 may apply for provisional admission to the program. The 5-year program is highly competitive. Admission is based on overall academic performance, letters of reference, and statement of purpose. The GRE General Test is not required.

Students provisionally admitted to the program:

  • are assigned a graduate academic advisor when admitted.
  • must maintain an overall GPA of 3.50 through completion of the B.S. component of the program, to remain in the program.
  • may register for graduate courses and earn graduate hours credit, with approval from their graduate academic advisor, even if they are more than 10 hours from completing the B.S. component.
  • must earn at least 120 hours of undergraduate credit, 9 hours of graduate credit (in the three distribution courses), and satisfy all B.S. requirements to be officially admitted to the Graduate College.

Upon successful completion of the B.S. component (including grades of B- or better in the distribution course work), and an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in all graduate course work, students:

  • will be officially admitted into the Graduate College.
  • will be issued letters of admission from the Office of Admissions and Records and the Computer Science Department, at which time they will be considered graduate students and assessed graduate tuition the following semester.
  • may apply or be considered for graduate research or teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, as well as fellowships and scholarships available to graduate students.
  • must continue to maintain a graduate GPA of 3.00 or better in order to remain in the combined program.
Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. Students who do not complete all 5-year B.S.- M.S. degree program requirements may request by petition to have graduate hours earned, including the distribution course work requirements converted to undergraduate hours and applied toward a traditional B.S. in Computer Science degree. Students reverted back to the B.S. degree program must earn the minimum number of hours and satisfy all degree requirements of whichever version of the B.S. curriculum is appropriate. Graduate credit not used to fulfill the B.S. degree requirements will remain on the transcript and may, at some future point, be considered for transfer to another degree program.

Continued Graduate Study

Students in the program are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. program in Computer Science near completion of the M.S. component. If admitted, the combined degree will count as Stage 1 of the Ph.D. program, as if the student is admitted with a master’s degree.

Students are strongly advised to seek faculty counsel about the 5-year program to be sure they understand the pros and cons of pursuing a master’s degree via the 5-year program. If their intention is to ultimately pursue a Ph.D., then it may be preferable to avoid the rapid pace of the 5-year program and instead invest time in research as an undergraduate. For admission to competitive Ph.D. programs, the expectation of publications and extensive research experience is higher for M.S. graduates. Therefore, as an alternative to the 5-year program, many top students may prefer to conduct research, possibly leading to a B.S. thesis, as a way to improve their admissions chances into top Ph.D. programs.

Industrial Engineering

The department offers a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science program in Industrial Engineering. This program allows students who wish to earn both degrees to become involved in graduate course work and thesis research during their fourth year of study. It also offers the possibility to earn both degrees on an accelerated schedule. The educational objectives of the combined program are the same as for the individual degrees.

Course Requirements

The combined program requires 120 hours of undergraduate credit and 32 hours of graduate credit. This compares to 128 hours of undergraduate credit and 32 hours of graduate credit when the B.S. and M.S. degrees are earned separately. The undergraduate requirements are identical to the four-year B.S. program shown above, except that the following requirements are waived:

  • one IE technical elective — 3 hours
  • Free electives — 5 hours

In addition, independent study project courses may not be used as IE or technical electives in the B.S. portion of the combined program.

In the M.S. portion of the program, 32 hours of credit and a thesis are required. There must be at least 24 hours of formal graded course work at the 400 level or greater, eight of which must be at the 500 level, and four of the eight must be in the major field. A Master's thesis, for which at least four and no more than eight hours of IE 599 credit is required. Students must also register for the graduate seminar course (IE 590) every semester following formal admission into the graduate portion of the program and complete MSE 492—Lab Safety. The non-thesis option is not available to students in this combined program.

A student in the combined program must spend at least two academic years in residence, full time in the combined degree program, and at least one of these years must be with graduate status. Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.00 in order to remain in the combined program.

The B.S. and M.S. degrees are granted simultaneously at the end of the program.

Admission

Formal admission to the combined program normally occurs late in the junior year or early in the senior year. Undergraduate students in IE may apply for formal admission to the combined program with the following provisions:

  • Students must have a minimum Illinois GPA of 3.60 or higher, and have earned 96 credit hours towards the B.S.M.E. requirements at the time they are invited to apply.
  • A special B.S.-M.S. application is provided to the student with the invitation. This application along with supporting documents must be submitted to the IESE Graduate Programs Office, Room 116 Transportation Building. There are two annual application deadlines: October 15 and March 15.
  • GRE scores are not required for admission to the program. However, students are strongly encouraged to take the GRE in their senior year in order, for example, to be eligible for national fellowship competitions.
  • Students in the combined program will be recommended by the department for admission to the Graduate College after they complete the 120 hours required for the B.S. portion of the combined program.
  • The department will pay the application fee ($50 US, $75 International) for these students.
  • Each student is required to identify a graduate advisor and file a graduate course plan in the semester the student is granted formal admission to the graduate portion of the program.
  • Once the student is admitted into the B.S.-M.S. program, the Director of Graduate Programs will act as the student’s advisor until a permanent advisor is found.
Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the Undergraduate Programs Office. Students who do not meet the Graduate College and departmental requirements for admission to the graduate program at the time they complete the 120-hour B.S. portion of the combined program will be required to leave the program.

Students who withdraw from the program for any reason may continue in the regular four-year B.S. degree program, which currently requires 128 hours, provided they meet the normal GPA requirements of that program. Students who withdraw from the combined program after they have taken courses for graduate credit may petition to have those credits counted toward their undergraduate program requirements.

Continued Graduate Study

Students who complete the combined program may petition to continue in graduate school for a Ph.D. These students will hold the same status (post M.S.) as students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree, and will be required to take the department's qualifying examination no later than the second calendar semester after graduation from the combined program.

Materials Science and Engineering

The five-year B.S.-M.S. program in Materials Science and Engineering combines two degrees: a B.S. in MatSE with an M.S. (with thesis) in MatSE. Current Illinois MatSE students enrolled in the College of Engineering who maintain superior academic performance are eligible to apply for this program. Students admitted to the program will receive both degrees once all requirements for the 5-Year B.S.-M.S. degree program have been successfully completed but will be permitted to participate in the Graduation Ceremonies with their class if they have completed 128 hours.  

DEADLINE : Completed application and reference letters must be returned to the MatSE Office, 201 MSEB, two months before the end of the Fall semester of the student's Junior year. Application and letter of reference forms for the B.S.-M.S. Program are available from the MatSE department office.

Admission to the Program

Current Illinois MatSE students with Junior standing with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 may apply for provisional admission to the program. The 5-year program is highly competitive. Admission is based on overall academic performance, letters of reference, and statement of purpose. The GRE General Test is not required.

Students provisionally admitted to the program:

  • are assigned a graduate academic advisor when admitted.
  • must maintain an overall GPA of 3.50 through completion of the B.S. component of the program, in order to remain in the program.
  • may register for graduate courses and earn graduate hours credit, with approval from their graduate academic advisor, even if they are more than 10 hours from completing the B.S. component.
  • must earn at least 120 hours of undergraduate credit, 9 hours of graduate credit in advanced level area courses, and satisfy all B.S. requirements to be officially admitted to the Graduate College.

Upon successful completion of the B.S. component, with grades of B or better in the advanced area course work, and an overall GPA of at least 3.00 in all graduate course work, students:

  • will be officially admitted into the Graduate College
  • will be issued letters of admission from the Office of Admissions and Records and the MatSE Department, at which time they will be considered graduate students and assessed graduate tuition the following semester.

  • may apply or be considered for graduate research or teaching assistantships, and tuition waivers, as well as fellowships and scholarships available to graduate students.
  • must continue to maintain a graduate GPA of 3.00 or better in order to remain in the combined program.

Students in the program are eligible to apply for the Ph.D. program in MatSE near completion of the M.S. component. If admitted, the combined degree will count as Stage 1 of the Ph.D. program, as if the student is admitted with a master’s degree.

Course Requirements*

B.S. component (120 hours including 3 advanced (graduate level) area courses for at least 9 hours):

  • Same required courses as the traditional B.S. degree with minimum hours reduced to 120 hours; except MSE 395** is dropped (i.e., 1 hour)
  • Two of the required remaining four area specialty courses are to be taken at the graduate level (i.e., the students will be held to the course and grading requirements of a graduate student). The third advanced level course can be either in the specialty area or in another specialty area.
  • The reduction of 8 credit hours includes:
    • 5 hours of free electives.
    • 3 hours of the area specialty course in a different area (becomes part of M.S. program requirements) for all concentrations.
  • Senior thesis is to be taken in lieu of MSE 395** and one area specialty course (5 hours total recommended, with 1 hour being the remaining hour of free elective).
  • An overall GPA of 3.50 must be maintained through completion of B.S. component of the program and minimum residency requirements satisfied.

M.S. component (minimum 24 additional hours of course work plus 8 hours of MSE 599 thesis):

  • Same overall requirements as for traditional M.S. with thesis.
  • At least one 400-500 level course (for the B.S. or M.S.) will be a MatSE area specialty course from a different area.
  • Complete a M.S. thesis according to MatSE department requirements; research for the senior thesis will often serve as a beginning for the M.S. thesis but the student may change thesis advisors.
Withdrawal

Students that do not complete all of the 5-year B.S.-M.S. degree program requirements may request, by petition to the Graduate College with approval of their advisor, the department, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs of the College of Engineering, to have graduate hours earned, including the three advanced area courses, converted to undergraduate hours and applied toward a traditional B.S. in MatSE degree. Students reverting back to the traditional B.S. in MatSE degree program must earn a minimum of 128 hours and satisfy all traditional degree requirements, including MSE 395** and the area specialty course(s) in a different area, to receive the B.S. degree in MatSE. Graduate credit not used to fulfill the B.S. degree requirements will remain on the transcript and may, at some future point, be considered for transfer to another degree program.

* The B.S. degree from the B.S.-M.S. Program is not ABET accredited.

**At present, students in their fourth or fifth year considering withdrawing from the M.S. portion of the program should register for MSE 395 in the Spring semester; the resulting B.S. degree would then be ABET accredited. It is anticipated that, in the near future, senior thesis will be accepted by ABET as an appropriate “design experience;” when approved, and if accepted in terms of satisfying the objectives of MSE 395 by the MSE 395 instructor, it can be used for the MSE 395 design project.

Mechanical Engineering

The department offers a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science program. This program allows students who wish to earn both degrees to become involved in graduate course work and thesis research during their fourth year of study. It also offers the possibility to earn both degrees on an accelerated schedule. The educational objectives of the combined program are the same as for the individual degrees.

Course Requirements

The combined program requires 120 hours of undergraduate credit and 32 hours of graduate credit. This compares with 128 hours of undergraduate credit and 32 hours of graduate credit when the B.S. and M.S. degrees are earned separately. The undergraduate requirements are identical to the four-year B.S. program, except that the following requirements are waived:

  • one MechSE elective — 3 hours
  • one Technical elective — 3 hours
  • Free electives — 2 hours

In addition, independent study project courses may not be used as MechSE or technical electives in the B.S. portion of the combined program.

The M.S. portion of the program requires completion of 32 hours of credit. This consists of a minimum of 24 hours of formal graded course work at the 400 level or above and eight hours of thesis research credit. Additionally, the formal graded course work must include eight hours at the 500 level and eight hours in the major area of study (ME) with a minimum of four of those hours at the 500 level. A Master's thesis is required, consisting of at least four and no more than eight hours of ME 599 credit. Students must also register for the graduate seminar course (ME 590) every semester following formal admission into the graduate portion of the program and complete MSE 492—Lab Safety.  The seminar and lab safety credits will not count toward the degree. The non-thesis option is not available to students in this combined program.

A student in the combined program must spend at least two academic years in residence, full time in the combined degree program, and at least one of these years must be with graduate status. Students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.00 in order to remain in the combined program.

The B.S. and M.S. degrees are granted simultaneously at the end of the program.

Admission

Formal admission to the combined program normally occurs late in the junior year or early in the senior year and is by invitation only with the following provisions:

  • Students must have a minimum Illinois GPA of 3.80 or higher, and have earned 96 credit hours toward the B.S.M.E. requirements at the time they are invited to apply (60 of these hours must have been earned at Illinois).
  • A special B.S.-M.S. application is provided to the student with the invitation. This application along with supporting documents must be submitted to the ME Graduate Programs Office, Room 164 MEB. There are two annual application deadlines: October 15 and March 15.
  • GRE scores are not required for admission to the program. However, students are strongly encouraged to take the GRE in their senior year in order, for example, to be eligible for national fellowship competitions.
  • Students in the combined program will be recommended by the department for admission to the Graduate College after they complete the 120 hours required for the B.S. portion of the combined program.
  • The department will pay the application fee ($60 US, $75 International) for these students.
  • Each student is required to identify a graduate advisor and provide a tentative thesis topic at the time of application to the program.
Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the Undergraduate Programs Office. Students who do not meet the Graduate College and departmental requirements for admission to the graduate program at the time they complete the 120-hour B.S. portion of the combined program will be required to leave the program.

Students who withdraw from the program for any reason may continue in the regular four-year B.S. degree program, which currently requires 128 hours, provided they meet the normal GPA requirements of that program. Students who withdraw from the combined program after they have taken courses for graduate credit may petition to have those credits counted toward their undergraduate program requirements.

Continued Graduate Study

Students who complete the combined program may petition to continue in graduate school for a Ph.D. These students will hold the same status (post M.S.) as students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree, and will be required to take the department's qualifying examination no later than the second calendar semester after graduation from the combined program.

Minors Offered by the College of Engineering

Students are generally eligible to take many campus minors. Several of those administered by the College of Engineering are described in this section. To obtain recognition for the College of Engineering minors, students must register in the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Bioengineering Minor

Bioengineering is a broad, interdisciplinary field that brings together engineering, biology, and medicine to create new techniques, devices, and understanding of living systems to improve the quality of human life. Its practice ranges from the fundamental study of the behavior of biological materials at the molecular level to the design of medical devices to help the disabled.

Any of the existing engineering programs can provide a good foundation for work in bioengineering. However, the engineering undergraduate needs additional education in the biologically oriented sciences to obtain a strong background for bioengineering. With such a background, the student should be able to progress rapidly on the graduate level in any branch of bioengineering. In industry, the graduate will be competent to handle engineering tasks related to biology.

Students may fulfill the requirements for a minor in bioengineering by completing the following course sequence. Engineering students who are proficient in biology may waive MCB 150 as a prerequisite for courses in this minor.

Hours Required Courses
1 BIOE 120—Introduction to Bioengineering
3 BIOE 414—Biomedical Instrumentation or
CHBE 472—Techniques in Biomolecular Eng
3 CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I
3 MCB 244—Human Anatomy & Physiology
3 MCB 246—Human Anatomy & Physiology II or
MCB 250—Molecular Genetics
3 MCB 252—Cells, Tissues & Development
2 MCB 253—Exp Techniqs in Cellular Biol
3 Bioengineering Related Technical Elective1
21 Total

1. Courses to be selected from a list of departmentally approved list of 300- and 400-level Bioengineering Related Technical Electives.

For more information regarding the Bioengineering minor, visit the Bioengineering minor Web site, contact the Bioengineering Department Office (1270 Digital Computer Laboratory, 217-333-1867, bioen@illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Computer Science Minor

This minor is offered by the Department of Computer Science for students seeking significant knowledge of digital computers without the more complete treatment of a major in computer science. This minor may be taken by any student except Computer Science and Computer Engineering majors.

The foundation upper-level courses in computer programming and software and in theory of computation are required. Three elective 200- and 300-level courses provide some specialization and depth and breadth of study. Specific requirements are listed below. Note that some courses have other prerequisites.

Hours Required Courses
4 CS 125—Intro to Computer Science1
3 CS 173—Discrete Structures1
4 CS 225—Data Structures
9 Three courses, including at least one at the 400 level, chosen from a departmentally approved list.
20 Total

1. The following substitutions are routinely allowed: ECE 190 for CS 125; MATH 213 for CS 173.

Important note for LAS students: In LAS, at least two courses (6 hours) of any minor must meet the LAS advanced hours requirement. All 400-level CS courses meet this requirement, and CS 232 and CS 257 also satisfy it.

For more information regarding the CS minor, visit the CS minor Web site, contact the Computer Science Academic Office (1210 Siebel Center, 217-333-4427, undergrad@cs.illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

International Minor in Engineering

Many College of Engineering graduates will be involved in international activities during their professional careers. In anticipation of such involvement, the college offers an opportunity for students to complete an international minor as part of any engineering degree program. All international minor requirements must be satisfied before graduation. The requirements are:

  • completion of all degree requirements in the student's selected engineering discipline;
  • completion of foreign language studies in a language of the student's choice of geographical area (proficiency level will vary with the geographical area selected);
  • completion of a minimum of 21 hours of cultural and language studies related to the geographical area of concentration; 9 hours must be other than language credit and include at least one 300- or 400-level course. These courses can be used as campus and college general education requirements. Courses taken on campus for the minor must be taken for grade;
  • completion of a minimum six-week approved residence in the chosen country or geographic area, whether it be for work or study.

The student will be expected to select a specific geographical area for concentration, which will be identified in the designation of the minor; for example International Minor-Latin American studies. Course work selected for the minor must be approved by the International Programs in Engineering Office; a list of suggested courses is available.

International Programs in Engineering sponsors academic year, semester, and summer programs that include language and cultural courses and satisfy the residency requirement. With sufficient foreign language background before entering engineering, a student will normally be able to complete the degree and minor in four years. Those not having this background, or taking a year of study at a foreign institution, may take four and one-half to five years to complete their degrees.

For more information regarding the International Minor, visit the International Minor Web site, contact the Engineering Study Abroad Office (210 Engineering Hall, 217-244-0054, ipeng@illinois.edu) or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Materials Science and Engineering Minor

Materials are the basis for all engineering and also are the basis for much of the research in various areas of science. The Minor in Materials Science and Engineering is designed to give students in other areas of engineering and science both a broad view of all materials as well as several courses in a particular area of materials, knowledge that will be of value whether the student pursues a career in industry, government, or academia.

The courses, listed below, have been selected to give an undergraduate student both a strong background in all types of materials as well as more detailed knowledge of a particular area of materials (e.g., ceramics, metals, polymers, electronic materials or biomaterials

The following six courses are required:


Hours Required Courses
10 Core Course Work
3       MSE 280—Intro to Eng Materials
4       MSE 401—Thermodynamics of Materials1
3       One additional course chosen from an approved list .
3 Introductory Area course chosen from an approved list .
3 Senior lab course chosen from an approved list .
3 Advanced Area course chosen from one of several approved lists.
19 Total

1. Other thermodynamics and mechanics of materials courses may be substituted upon petition.

For more information regarding the Materials Science and Engineering minor, visit the Materials Science and Engineering minor Web site, contact the MatSE Department Office (201 MSEB, 217-333-1441, matse@illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Physics Minor

Physics and technology go hand in hand, with physics providing the foundation for a broad range of technical fields. This minor is intended to encourage you to expand your understanding of physics beyond the introductory level, to deepen your understanding of fundamental principles, and to enhance your ability to keep abreast of an ever-changing technological world. Depending on your choice of 300- and 400-level physics courses, a total of 21-25 hours is required.

Hours Required Courses
4 PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
4 PHYS 212—University Physics: Elec & Mag
2 PHYS 213—Univ Physics: Thermal Physics or
PHYS 214—Univ Physics: Quantum Physics
2 PHYS 225—Relativity & Math Applications
3 PHYS 325—Classical Mechanics I
6-10 Any two PHYS courses at the 300 or 400 level except PHYS 419 and PHYS 420
21-25 Total

For more information regarding the Physics minor, visit the Physics minor Web site, contact the Physics Undergraduate Programs Office (233 Loomis Laboratory of Physics, 217-333-4361, undergrad@physics.illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Polymer Science and Engineering Minor

Currently, this minor cannot be provided to new students. Check with the MatSE department (see below) regarding future availability.

Polymer science and engineering is a broad, interdisciplinary field that brings together various aspects of chemistry, physics, and engineering for the understanding, development, and application of the materials science of polymers. Many of the existing engineering programs provide a good foundation for work in polymer science and engineering. However, the undergraduate student needs additional courses specifically dealing with the science and engineering of large molecules. With such a background, the student should be able to progress rapidly in industry or at the graduate level. In addition to those students specifically desiring a career in polymers, this minor also can be valuable to students interested in the development, design, and application of materials in general.

The courses listed below have been selected specifically to give an undergraduate student a strong background in polymer science and engineering. A minimum of eight courses is required, including 3 Core courses, one course each in thermodynamics, mechanical properties, and chemistry and two additional polymer-related courses, as listed below. Several of these the student would normally take to satisfy the requirements of the basic degree. The student should consult the Department of Materials Science and Engineering when formulating a plan of course work.

The following courses are required. Credit hours will exceed 25 if a Thermodynamics course-pair option is chosen.


Hours Required Courses
9 Core Course Work
3

MSE 450—Polymer Science & Engineering or
CHBE 456—Polymer Science & Engineering

3

MSE 452—Polymer Laboratory

3

MSE 453—Plastics Engineering

3-8 Thermodynamics: one course (or a course pair) chosen from an approved list 
3 Mechanical Properties: TAM 251—Introductory Solid Mechanics
4 Chemistry: CHEM 236—Fundamental Organic Chem I
6 Polymer-Related Course Work: two courses chosen from an approved list .
25-30 Total

For more information regarding the Polymer Science and Engineering minor, visit the Materials Science and Engineering minor Web site, contact the MatSE Department Office (201 MSEB, 217-333-1441, matse@illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.

Technology and Management Minor

Successful management of technology-driven businesses today requires that employees work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. Team-based project management requires that each member of the team contribute not only in his or her own area of expertise but in other aspects of the project as well. The better equipped a new employee is to reach this level of competency quickly, the more valuable will be his or her contributions. Moreover, an employee having such competency will be better prepared to assume positions of increased responsibility and challenge.

The Hoeft Technology & Management Program offers a minor in Technology & Management to undergraduate students in the College of Business and the College of Engineering. Students in the Colleges of ACES and LAS may also be eligible based on their major. The minor is designed to prepare students for success in a wide variety of careers. Today more than ever employers have high expectations of undergraduate hires; the T&M Program provides a comprehensive experience to ready graduates for early career success.

Students in the minor are able to acquire a thorough foundation in their major course of study and a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental elements of a cross-discipline education. The course of study leading to a minor in technology and management is comprised of the following:

Hours Required Courses Taken by Engineering Students Only (in order taken)
3 BADM 365—New Product Marketing
3 ACCY 200—Fundamentals of Accounting
3 FIN 221—Corporate Finance

Hours Required Courses Taken by Business Students Only (in order taken)
3 MSE 101—Materials in Today’s World
3 TAM 201—Mechanics for Technol & Mgmt
3 ECE 317—ECE Technology & Management

Hours Required Courses Taken by Engineering and Business Students Together (in order taken)
3 TMGT 367—Mgmt of Innov and Technology
3 TMGT 366—Product Design and Development
3 TMGT 460—Business Process Modeling
4 TMGT 461—Integrated Project

Throughout the minor, emphasis is placed on an interdisciplinary team approach to the development of comprehensive solutions to real-world problems. In many cases, the problems are provided by industry sponsors who, along with business and engineering faculty advisors, provide assistance and guidance to student teams.

The T&M Program is sponsored by leading companies in a variety of industries; these companies provide strategic guidance, access to senior executives, real world business problems, and internship and employment opportunities. The current T&M Corporate Affiliates include Abbott, BP, Boeing, Bosch, John Deere, Motorola, State Farm, and Wal-Mart.

In addition to formal courses the T&M Program offers a comprehensive set of extracurricular activities to develop skills and provide valuable experiences to students. These include a leadership development program, career development workshops, business skills workshops (for example etiquette dinner, dress for success, and golf lessons), and an international business trip.

The Hoeft Technology & Management Program aims to prepare graduates for successful careers in a variety of functions and industries. T&M students have pursued careers in a wide range of industries and fields.

Students who wish to pursue this minor must apply for admission to The Hoeft Technology & Management Program in the spring semester of their sophomore year. Enrollment in the minor is limited and admission is competitive. Applications are reviewed by the program staff and offers of admission are based on the student's academic record, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership, and career goals.

For more information regarding the Technology & Management minor, visit the Technology & Management minor Web site, contact the Technology & Management Program Office (470K Wohlers Hall, 217- 244-5752, tech-mgmt@illinois.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 206 Engineering Hall.