College of Engineering
Office of Academic Affairs206 Engineering Hall
1308 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-2280
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 bachelors 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 that are further explained in the program sections of this catalog. 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
- 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 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
This site describes the various engineering programs offered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Further descriptions of these and any additional educational objectives and outcomes are presented at the beginning of each program listing. An assessment system for continuous measurement, evaluation, and improvement is in place at each 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/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 compute 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 under standing 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 the 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 science program.
Faculty Members
The college's distinguished faculty of nearly 400 professors includes more than 50 current and emeritus individuals elected to the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Science as well as two current Nobel Laureates and a recipient of the National Medal of Technology. N umerous others have been recognized for their research and teaching. Working directly with their graduate and undergraduate students, they continue to expand the college’s expertise, research, and programs in some of the most exciting and important areas of engineering and science.
Library Resources
The Grainger Engineering Library Information Center is a major resource center for students in all programs. State-of-the-art resources include a digital imaging lab, computer and multimedia lab, instructional services lab, information retrieval research lab, and high-tech classrooms. It also contains the reference books, periodicals, catalogs, and technical publications that students need constantly and provides materials for general reading and private research.
Departments and Programs
The College of Engineering includes the Departments of Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, General Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering, Physics, and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. The undergraduate programs described later in this section are administered by these units. The program in chemical engineering is administered by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program in agricultural 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.
The programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the year in which first accredited are:
- Aerospace Engineering* (BS) [1950]
- Agricultural Engineering (BS) [1950]
- Chemical Engineering (BS) [1936]
- Civil Engineering (BS) [1936]
- Computer Engineering (BS) [1978]
- Computer Science (BS) [2002]
- Electrical Engineering (BS) [1936]
- Engineering Mechanics (BS) [1960]
- General Engineering (BS) [1936]
- Industrial Engineering (BS) [1960]
- Materials Science and Engineering (BS) [1996]
- Mechanical Engineering (BS) [1936]
- Nuclear Engineering (BS) [1978]
* Accredited program name was Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering until August, 2004
Computer Science falls under the purview of the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC); all others fall under the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC).
Each student entering the College of Engineering declares his or her choice of a program. All first-year students follow a program that is essentially common.
Admission Requirements
Entering Freshman Admissions
Students seeking admission to the College of Engineering who are 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 weighed by a number of factors. These include ACT/SAT composite scores, high school percentile rank, high school grades, rigor of high school class selections, and review of the personal and professional essays of the application.
Although new freshmen take common, or similar, courses (shown below), they are required to choose a program in which they wish to study. Program changes may be possible after the freshman year. Some restrictions apply when programs are full. Because first-year courses are essentially the same for all freshman students, such changes can often be made without loss of credit toward graduation.
Placement in chemistry, mathematics, rhetoric, and foreign languages is required and is based upon ACT/SAT scores or specific tests. Proficiency exams in chemistry, mathematics and physics are available. 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.
| Hours | Common First-Year Courses |
|---|---|
| 0 | Engineering lectures |
| 0-4 | Introductory engineering course |
| 6-8 | Chemistry1 |
| 8-10 | Mathematics2 |
| 4 | Physics |
| 4 | Rhetoric |
| 0-6 | Engineering electives |
| 3-6 | Electives |
1. The normal freshman chemistry sequence is CHEM
102/103 and CHEM 104/105.
2. Entering freshmen may be required to take MATH 016, depending on math placement.
Transfer Student Admission
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 the first two years of study in other accredited institutions and transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with little or no loss of credit, provided that they follow the proper program. A suggested list of courses that should be completed in the first two years before transferring is given in the UIUC Transfer Handbook.
Students may transfer to the college for the fall, spring, or summer session provided they have met competitive grade-point average cutoffs and have completed 60 or more semester hours of work. Both the overall 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 required to have also completed the basic mathematics (through calculus), physics, chemistry, and English (rhetoric and composition) sequences in the 60 or more semester hours required for transfer. 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. Questions are invited concerning this procedure.
Some sophomore-level technical courses may not be offered by a community college. However, junior-level transfer students can usually arrange their programs on the Urbana-Champaign campus so that all technical requirements can be completed in a four-semester period on this campus if they wish to do so. If the number of hours remaining to complete a degree requires more than four semesters, the student may enroll for an additional summer session or semester.
For more information, view the Office of Admissions Transfer Website.
General Education
The College of Engineering requires 18 hours of humanities and social sciences as outlined in the Electives section. The campus also has general education requirements in this area that can be satisfied within the structure of the college requirements. Students should consult with the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 206 Engineering Hall, department offices, and their advisors for specific information.
Special Programs
Combined Engineering-Liberal Arts and Sciences Program
A five-year 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 Academic Affairs Office 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 and should apply by the end of the sophomore year.
- 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 are awarded simultaneously. No student in the combined program is permitted to receive a degree from either college before completing the entire program.
- 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.
- A student is expected to maintain at least a 2.5 grade-point average to be accepted or to continue in the program. A higher grade-point average may be imposed.
During the first year, students take the common freshman
program for engineers, while enrolled in the College of Engineering. Students are normally enrolled in the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences for the second and third years and in the College
of Engineering for the fourth and fifth years.
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.
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 the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In general, students spend the first three years at the liberal arts college and the final two years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 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 pre-engineering studies 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 Website.
Work Experience Programs
Engineering Career Services offers two Work Experience Programs to assist students in gaining professional engineering experience and in exploring careers in engineering and technology. Through either a semester internship or co-op assignment, a student gains practical engineering experience and insight into some of the nation’s leading companies.
Students who choose to participate in a co-op program alternate two semesters of work with semesters of study, and generally they begin the program their sophomore or junior year of college. All work terms are with the same employer, enabling students to focus on increasingly complex and challenging projects with each assignment. Co-ops also graduate with one year of professional work experience, providing them with a competitive advantage when seeking full-time employment.
Semester Interns work off-campus four to six months (one semester or one semester plus a summer) with one company and then resume their coursework. Once the single work term is complete, students can pursue additional internships with the same employer or with other employers of choice. Semester interns generally delay their graduation one semester and gain valuable work experience related to their engineering discipline.
Both co-ops and semester internships are paid employment positions, with hourly wages ranging from $12 - $25, based on major, completed coursework, location, and previous experience. Students also have the option of maintaining their full-time student status while employed.
For more information regarding Work Experience Programs visit the Engineering Career Services website, contact Engineering Career Services (3270 Digital Computer Lab, 217-333-1960, ecs@engr.uiuc.edu) or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 206 Engineering Hall.
Program Modification
A student interested in modifying his or her program by course substitutions may do so by checking with his or her department and advisor to determine the petition procedure for making a program modification.
Custom Degree Program
Students of high scholastic achievement, with exceptional aptitudes and interests in special fields of engineering and their application, may be permitted to vary the course content of the standard programs to emphasize some phases not included or not encompassed by course substitutions and selection of electives. These unwritten programs, however, must include all of the fundamental courses of the standard programs, with the variations being made mainly in the so-called applicatory portions of the standard programs of the college. The program of study of each student permitted to take such a special program must be approved by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in consultation with the head of the department in which the student is registered. A specially chosen faculty member in the student's department becomes the student's advisor.
Advanced ROTC Training Combined with Engineering
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 the University. 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.
College Minors
Students are generally eligible to take many campus minors. Several of those administered in the College of Engineering are described in this section. The International Minor in Engineering is described in the International Opportunities section. To obtain recognition for the College of Engineering minors, students must register in the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 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. For engineering majors, there is a Bioengineering Minor. The Bioengineering Option formerly offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) has been discontinued. However, students may wish to inquire about emphases in bioinformation & computational biology, biophysics, and physiology within the molecular and cellular biology major in LAS.
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 one of the course sequences in the following areas of specialization: biomedical engineering, biomolecular engineering, bioprocess engineering, and cell and tissue engineering. Biology prerequisites will be waived by the instructor for advanced engineering students. For further information on the waiver of biology prerequisites, please contact the Bioengineering Department. Depending on the area of specialization, 18 to 23 hours are required.
Biomedical Engineering Specialization
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 1 | BIOE 120—Introduction to Bioengineering |
| 3 | BIOE/ECE 414—Biomedical Instrumentation
or BIOE/CHBE 472—Techniques in Biomolecular Engineering |
| 3 | CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I |
| 3 | MCB 401—Cell & Membrane
Physiology or BIOP 401—Introduction to Biophysics |
| 3 | MCB 402—Sys & Integrative
Physiology or MCB 103—Intro to Human Physiology |
| 2 | MCB 403—Cell & Membrane Physiology Lab |
| 2 | MCB 404—Sys & Integrative Physiol Lab |
| 3 | Technical Elective1 |
| 20 | Total |
Biomolecular Engineering Specialization
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 1 | BIOE 120—Introduction to Bioengineering |
| 3 | BIOE/ECE 414—Biomedical Instrumentation
or BIOE/CHBE 472—Techniques in Biomolecular Eng |
| 3 | MCB 450—Introductory Biochemistry |
| 3 | CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I |
| 3 | MCB 401—Cell & Membrane
Physiology or BIOP 401—Introduction to Biophysics |
| 2 | MCB 403—Cell & Membrane Physiology Lab |
| 3 | Technical Elective1 |
| 18 | Total |
Bioprocess Engineering Specialization
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 2 | ABE 485—Food and Process Eng Design |
| 1 | BIOE 120—Introduction to Bioengineering |
| 3 | BIOE/ECE 414—Biomedical Instrumentation
or BIOE/CHBE 472—Techniques in Biomolecular Eng |
| 3 | MCB 300—Microbiology or MCB 100—Introductory Microbiology |
| 2-5 | MCB 301—Experimental Microbiology
or MCB 101—Intro Microbiology Laboratory |
| 3 | MCB 434—Food & Industrial Microbiology (same as FSHN 471) |
| 2 | MCB 312—Applied Microbiology Methods |
| 3 | Technical Elective1 |
| 19-22 | Total |
Cell and Tissue Engineering Specialization
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 1 | BIOE 120—Introduction to Bioengineering |
| 3 | BIOE/ECE 414—Biomedical Instrumentation
or BIOE/CHBE 472—Techniques in Biomolecular Eng |
| 3 | MCB 450—Introductory Biochemistry |
| 3 | CHEM 232—Elementary Organic Chemistry I |
| 3 | MCB 313—Cells and Tissues (course discontinued, contact the Bioengineering Department for advice) |
| 2 | MCB 315—Cells and Tissues Laboratory |
| 3-5 | MCB 400—Cell Structure and
Function or MCB 401—Cell & Membrane Physiology |
| 3 | Technical Elective1 |
| 21-23 | Total |
1. Courses to be selected from a list of departmentally approved list of Bioengineering Related Technical Electives.
For more information regarding the Bioengineering minor, visit the Bioengineering minor website, contact the Bioengineering Department Office (3120 Digital Computer Laboratory, 217-333-1867, bioen@uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Studies, 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 Science |
| 3 | CS 173—Discrete Structures1 |
| 4 | CS 225—Data Structure & Softw Prin |
| 9 | Three courses chosen from the following, including at least one 400-level class: |
3 |
CS 231—Computer Architecture I1 |
3 |
CS 232—Computer Architecture II1 |
3 |
CS 257—Numerical Methods |
3 |
CS 273—Intro to Theory of Computation |
3-4 |
Any course number between CS 411 and CS 489 except CS 413, CS 417, CS 435, and CS 443 |
0-4 |
CS 498—Special Topics in CS |
| 20 | Total |
1. The following substitutions are routinely allowed: MATH 213 for CS 173, ECE 290 for CS 231, and ECE 390 for CS 232.
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 website, contact the Computer Science Academic Office (1210 Siebel Center, 217-333-4427, undergrad@cs.uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 206 Engineering Hall.
Food and Bioprocess Engineering Minor
The food processing industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States and in the world. Nearly all food products require some preservation, processing, storage, and shipping. Preservation and processing techniques for foods, pharmaceuticals, and related products are becoming increasingly scrutinized to insure safety of the products and to increase productivity of the processes.
Technical developments in the food, pharmaceutical, and related processing industries have created a need for professionals with training in food and bioprocess engineering. The demand for engineers with specialized training is increasing as processing techniques become more sophisticated and as companies improve their facilities.
Engineering students interested in developing a background in food or bioprocess engineering may pursue a structured program of study that will lead to a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and a minor in food and bioprocess engineering at graduation. This minor is intended for engineering students in all major disciplines. In most cases, courses from the minor can be applied as electives in the student's major.
To receive a minor in food and bioprocessing engineering, a student must complete the following requirements:
-
a. Twelve semester credit hours of required courses. (See Required
Courses below.)
b. Four semester credit hours of elective courses. (See Elective Courses below.)
c. An internship at a food, pharmaceutical, or related processing company. (See Internship below.)
d. A bachelor of science degree in the student's chosen field of engineering study.
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 3 | ABE 483—Eng Properties of Food Mat |
| 2 | ABE 485—Food and Process Eng Design |
| 1 | FSHN 274—NonMajors Food Microbiology |
| 3-4 | FSHN 332—Science of Food Systems |
| 3 | FSHN 465—Principles of Food Technology |
| 12-13 | Total |
| Hours | Elective Courses |
|---|---|
| Choose 4 semester credit hours from the following: | |
| 3-4 | ABE 425—Eng Measurement Systems |
| 3 | ABE 487—Grain Drying and Conditioning |
| 3 | ABE 488—Bioprocessing Grains for Fuels |
| 3 | ABE 489—Process Des for Corn Milling |
| 3 | ABE 498—Special Topics |
| 4 | FSHN 260—Raw Materials for Processing |
| Other courses, subject to approval |
Internship
An internship with a food, pharmaceutical, or related processing company is required (ENG 310). It is expected that all students making satisfactory progress in the minor will have opportunity for employment. Assignments will be determined by interviews and contacts with company representatives, and students will compete with others in the program for specific positions. Each student is required to write a paper that summarizes the internship. (Under certain conditions this requirement may be replaced by an additional three semester credit hours of course work.)
For more information regarding the Food and Bioprocess Engineering minor, visit the Food and Bioprocess Engineering minor website , contact the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department (338 Agricultural Engineering Sciences Bldg, 217-333-3570, age@uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 206 Engineering Hall.
Manufacturing Engineering Minor
Recent national attention on quality and productivity improvements in the manufacturing sector has led to a resurgence of emphasis and activity in manufacturing engineering. The demand is increasing for engineers who will be qualified to design and operate the factories of the future. This field requires the integration of information technology, materials, and machines. It is believed that no single engineering discipline can supply the type of engineer needed for system integration. The option in manufacturing engineering provides an opportunity to engineering students to learn a common language of manufacturing systems engineering.
This minor is intended for engineering students in all major disciplines who are interested in manufacturing engineering. The option in manufacturing engineering requires a total of 18 semester hours of course work. Only a small number of these courses may be above and beyond the requirements of the student's regular program, particularly if the student can make use of technical elective or similarly designated hours.
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 3 | MFGE 310—Intro to Mfg Systems |
| 6 | Level 2 courses: |
3 |
MFGE 420—Dec-Making & Cntrl Appl in Mfg |
3 |
MFGE 430—Introduction to Mechatronics |
3 |
MFGE 450—Info Mgmt for Mfg Systems |
| 9 | Level 3* courses. In order for the minor to have some coherence, the three courses must be selected from specified groups of courses related to the Level 2 courses. |
*Level 3 Courses: Each Level 2 course is supported by approximately twenty to thirty Level 3 courses that now exist within the course structures of the various engineering departments. These courses provide students with the opportunity to specialize in one or more aspects of manufacturing engineering.
Courses within a given discipline that are required for completion of the bachelor's degree in that discipline may not be used by students in that discipline to satisfy the Level 3 course requirements of the option.
It is recommended that one of the Level 3 courses be an independent study project course dealing with an open-ended manufacturing design problem. Students enrolled in the project course will apply engineering principles and techniques learned from manufacturing-related courses and topics covered in their major disciplines in the formulation, analysis, and solution of manufacturing design problems.
The course of study for a manufacturing minor is thus provides a student with a flexible in that it can be tailored to suit the area of interest and the major engineering discipline in which the student is enrolled. To foster an interdisciplinary learning environment, a set of laboratories has also been developed.
For more information regarding the Manufacturing Engineering minor, visit the Manufacturing Engineering minor website contact the Manufacturing Engineering Program Office (4404 Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, 217-333-1938), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 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 6 courses are required:
| Hours | Core Courses |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 280—Intro to Eng Materials |
| 4 | MSE 401—Thermodynamics of Materials1 |
| 3 | Choose one of: MSE 304, MSE 402, MSE 403, MSE 405, MSE 4061 |
| Hours | Area Introductory Courses |
|---|---|
| 3-4 | Choose one of: MSE 420, MSE 441, MSE 450, MSE 460, MSE 470 |
| Hours | Senior Lab Courses |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Choose one of: MSE 423, MSE 442, MSE 452, MSE 462, MSE 472 |
| Hours | Advanced Area Courses |
|---|---|
| 3-4 | Choose one course from among all shown: |
| Ceramics: MSE 421, MSE 422 | |
| Metals: MSE 440, MSE 443, MSE 445, MSE 486 | |
| Polymers: MSE 453, MSE 455, MSE 457, MSE 458 | |
| Electronic Materials: MSE 461, ECE 444 | |
| Biomaterials: MSE 473 | |
| General MatSE: MSE 480, MSE 481, MSE 484, MSE 485, MSE 498 |
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 website, contact the MatSE Department Office (201 MSEB, 217-333-1440, mse@uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Studies, 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 300/400-level physics courses, a total of 19-23 hours is required.
| Hours | Required Courses |
|---|---|
| 4 | PHYS 211—Univ Physics, Mechanics |
| 4 | PHYS 212—Univ Physics, Elec & Mag |
| 2 | PHYS 213—Univ Physics, Thermal Physics or PHYS 214—Univ Physics, Quantum Physics |
| 3 | PHYS 325—Mechanics and Relativity I |
| 6-10 | Any two courses at the 300 or 400 level except PHYS 419 |
| 19-23 | Total |
For more information regarding the Physics minor, visit the Physics minor website , contact the Physics Undergraduate Programs Office (233 Loomis Laboratory of Physics, 217-333-4361, physics@uiuc.edu ), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, 206 Engineering Hall.
Polymer Science and Engineering Minor
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 coursework.
| Hours | Core Courses |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 450—Intro to Polymer Sci
and Eng or CHBE 456—Polymer Science & Engineering |
| 3 | MSE 452—Polymer Laboratory |
| 3 | MSE 453—Plastics Engineering |
| Hours | Thermodynamics |
|---|---|
| 3–8 | Choose one of: |
CHBE 321, CHEM 442 and CHEM 444, ME 300, MSE 401, PHYS 427 |
| Hours | Mechanical Properties |
|---|---|
| 3 | TAM 251—Introductory Solid Mechanics |
| Hours | Chemistry |
|---|---|
| 4 | CHEM 236—Fundamental Organic Chem I |
| Hours | Related Courses |
|---|---|
| 6–7 | Choose at least two of:1 |
CHEM 436, CHEM 437, FSHN 469, ME 450, MSE 455, MSE 457, MSE 458, MSE 480, TAM 427, TAM 428 |
1. Other polymer-related courses may be substituted upon petition.
For more information regarding the Polymer Science and Engineering minor, visit the Materials Science and Engineering minor website, contact the MatSE Department Office (201 MSEB, 217-333-1440, mse@uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Studies, 206 Engineering Hall.
Technology & 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 a 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 College 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. 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 | ACCY 200—Fundamentals of Accounting |
| 3 | FIN 221—Corporate Finance |
| 3 | TMGT 365 / BADM 365—New Product Marketing |
| Hours | Required Courses Taken by Business Students Only (in order taken) |
|---|---|
| 3 | MSE 101—Materials in Today’s World |
| 3 | TAM 201—Mechanics for Techn and Mgmnt |
| 3 | ECE 317—Intro ECE Tech & Management |
| Hours | Required Courses Taken by Engineering and Business Students Together (in order taken) |
|---|---|
| 3 | TMGT 367 / BADM 367—Mgmt of Innov and Technology |
| 3 | TMGT 366 / BADM 366—Product Design and Development |
| 3 | TMGT 460 / BADM 460—Business Process Modeling |
| 4 | TMGT 461 / BADM 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. In 2006 the T&M Corporate Affiliates include ADM, Boeing, Eaton, GM, Honeywell, John Deere, Kimberly-Clark, Motorola, and State Farm.
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 comprehensive 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 typically obtain higher starting salaries than their peers and 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 website, contact the Technology & Management Program Office (218 Wohlers Hall, 217- 244-5752, tech-mgmt@uiuc.edu), or visit the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Studies, 206 Engineering Hall.
International Opportunities
International opportunities are tremendously valuable and can lead to pivotal experiences in your academic career. Whether you choose a short-term trip, a summer, semester, or year abroad, you can enrich your academic program while graduating in the same amount of time. Your international experiences will broaden your horizons and add value to your Illinois degree. Employers seek job applicants with international experiences, and intercultural skills can often be a deciding factor for selecting new employees. Illinois engineering students are strongly encouraged to develop intercultural sensitivity, understanding, and skills by studying abroad.
Engineering students can use the services of the International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) office and the campus Study Abroad Office (SAO) in International Programs and Studies. Our mission is to provide an extensive range of international, intercultural experiences for engineering students.
For more information about any of these opportunities, contact the IPENG office: 210 Engineering Hall, 217-244-0054, ipeng@uiuc.edu, or visit our web site.
Study Abroad Programs
Engineering students may choose from several types of study abroad programs.
Short Term
Courses abroad, study tours, and other short-term opportunities serve to introduce you to a foreign culture while earning credit or performing some project. Many of these opportunities are available during semester breaks and Summer Session I (mid-May to mid-June). These opportunities change as we expand your choices, so check the IPENG and SAO websites for the most current information. A short-term experience may entice you to consider longer term programs.
Summer
Summer programs allow you to earn 6 or more semester credit hours while studying for 6-8 weeks in another country. Typically these programs include courses in language and culture that can be applied to your social science, humanities, Western, or non-Western cultural studies requirements and toward the International Minor in Engineering, if enrolled.
Many summer programs also include an informal experiential exposure in the form of a lab experience, industrial tours, shadowing in a company or non-pay work in a company. This allows you to learn a bit about the culture of your technical discipline. Some programs may include a living experience with a family. Excursions, tours, and travel to points of interest are included in these programs, and you can often choose to extend your stay if you would like to travel on your own or with other students at the completion of the program.
Although no language instruction is necessary to apply for some of these programs, a credit course in the appropriate language may be required in the spring semester before departure.
IPENG currently has summer programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, and Russia, and the campus Study Abroad Office offers even more choices. We are continuously developing new programs, so check with IPENG and SAO for the most current list of opportunities.
Semester and Academic Year
Semester and academic year programs offer the most beneficial way to learn about another culture via immersion for an extended time. If you are serious about developing your intercultural understanding and skills, consider spending one or two semesters studying abroad.
IPENG has exchange agreements for you to study in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. In addition, the campus SAO has exchange agreements with more than 200 other locations, so your opportunities are extensive!
Requirements for language skills vary with each program. You should plan well in advance for prerequisite course work, language training, and travel preparations, and your academic advisor and the IPENG office can help you with that planning. A few specific programs are highlighted below.
France and Belgium
College of Engineering students may participate in the French exchange programs at the Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine (INPL), Nancy, or Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Compiègne. You should be a sophomore and should have credit for FR 104 or the equivalent, although additional courses in French are recommended. Compiègne also offers a special program for students in mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering students can take courses in English and take French language classes. No prior French is required for the program. One- or two-semester programs are available, with tuition and certain academic-related expenses provided.
Another program, the ENST (Techniques Avanceés) program, offers upper-level engineering students a chance to study at one of Paris's Grandes Ecoles. This institution emphasizes electrical and computer engineering, but courses are also offered in chemical, industrial, and mechanical engineering and computer sciences. Students with junior- or senior-level standing and advanced French-language skills can apply to this program. This program offers you the opportunity to live among French students, experience European culture, and improve language skills for a semester or academic year. You can earn credit toward your engineering degree while participating in this program. Students not having as much French language background may also participate in ENST's special program in Nice along the French Riviera.
Students who speak French can also choose to study engineering at the Université de Liege in Liege, Belgium. Students who are interested in taking engineering or technical courses must be either seniors or graduate students. Sophomore- and junior-level students can take social sciences and humanities courses. All participants must have at least two years of French-language study and a minimum GPA of 3.2.
Germany
The College of Engineering has exchange scholarships with the Technical University in Munich and the Technical University in Darmstadt. Under the terms of the agreement, two University of Illinois students are given tuition scholarships at the Technical University in Munich and five are given scholarships at the Darmstadt University of Technology. Stipends to cover living expenses for the year are included in the Munich program.
Students from any UIUC engineering discipline are encouraged to apply. Technical University in Munich offers programs corresponding to civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, and engineering physics. Technical University of Darmstadt has programs similar to civil and environmental engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. As with any study abroad program, you should choose courses in advance, determining which credits will apply to your UIUC program requirements and electives.
To be eligible, you must have completed GER 104 or the equivalent (additional courses in German are recommended) and finished your sophomore studies in engineering at the Urbana-Champaign campus. You must be an outstanding scholar who will be an excellent representative of the University of Illinois, and you must be a U.S. citizen. The programs are under the general administration of the Engineering College Honors Council, although you need not be an honors student if you have an outstanding undergraduate record. You can earn credit towards you engineering degree while participating in these programs.
Japan
The College of Engineering programs in Okayama and Yokohama are designed to introduce and immerse students in Japanese language and culture. They include:
- the opportunity to take intensive Japanese-language classes
- lectures in English on Japanese culture and society
- classes in specific fields of interest, such as chemistry, agriculture, and the natural sciences
- an opportunity for individual research study with a professor of engineering.
Although not mandatory, students are encouraged to study Japanese before departure. The program is limited to three students per semester. Students are eligible for their program after their freshman year.
A scholarship (AIEJ) is available to students who qualify. The scholarship provides a stipend and pays for round-trip airfare. To receive a scholarship, students must apply, be in good standing at the university, and need financial aid. This scholarship is given by the Japanese government.
Hong Kong & Taiwan
Hong Kong – Engineering students can choose to study at the City University of Hong Kong (CUHK) or the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Both schools offer courses in English that students can participate in to earn credit towards their UIUC degree. With an academic calendar similar to that of UIUC, students can choose to participate for either the fall or spring semester or the whole academic year. Students studying at CUHK will receive free room. Students will also have the option of participating in a 1-2 week trip to mainland China. Students at both CUHK and HKUST can participate in paid interships if they desire. They may also take courses in non-technical related areas.
Taiwan – Engineering students can choose to study at the National Chiao Tong University (NCTU) or the National Taiwan University (NTU). Students participating in the program at NCTU will receive a stipend from NCTU to help with living expenses. Both NCTU and NTU allow students the opportunity to participate in a paid internship program during the summer after the spring term. Students can also take coursework in non-technical related areas at both institutions.
On-the-Job Training in Foreign Countries
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 the University 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.
Volunteering in Foreign Countries
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) UIUC 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-UIUC holds local events to create awareness on campus of international development and environmental issues. EWB-UIUC is open to all majors and, indeed, is always in need of dedicated people from all fields. For more information, visit netfiles.uiuc.edu/ro/www/EngineersWithoutBorders,UIUCChapter.
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 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 in a foreign institution, may take four and one-half to five years to complete their degrees.
Financial Benefits for Study Abroad
You have extensive financial opportunities as an engineering student studying abroad.
High School Seniors
High school seniors who are admitted to an engineering program at Illinois are invited to apply for the "International Engineering Scholarship," which involves studying abroad for one or two 16-week semesters with substantial financial benefits. See the IPENG web site for details. Application and selection is done prior to fall registration.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate students may apply for a "Travel Fellowship," which helps to cover the cost of round trip airfare for all of IPENG's short-term, summer, semester, and academic year programs. For those students who prefer one of the SAO campus programs, we will help pay most of your airfare.
Undergraduates who participate in an IPENG program for at least one semester may also receive a $1,000 stipend per semester for living expenses. Further, in most cases when you study abroad during a semester, you pay a lower tuition (Range IV tuition rate, currently about $560 per semester), so for many students studying abroad saves money.
Students may also apply for other financial aid and scholarships that are available for study abroad. We can help you identify these opportunities.
Graduate Students
Graduate students in an engineering discipline may apply for the "International Graduate Research Fellowship," which pays for round trip airfare and a weekly stipend for up to three months while conducting research in a laboratory overseas. The program also includes round trip airfare for the student's major professor to visit the lab during the student's stay.
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 University of Illinois grade-point average of at least 3.5, and high honors with at least a 3.8 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 the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 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 University's 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 a 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 3.3 GPA (3.5 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. Details are available from the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
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 within the university 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 of which at least 12 must be taken for a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F, ABS). Credits earned during the semester through proficiency, CLEP, and advanced placement examinations are not counted toward the 14 semester hour requirement.
Electives
Humanities and Social Sciences Electives
Eighteen hours of humanities and social sciences are required (in addition to rhetoric); these are normally chosen to also satisfy the campus general education requirements in this area. Six hours of social sciences and six hours of humanities must be taken for grade. The remaining six hours of social sciences or humanities may be taken credit/no credit. Note: campus general education requirements must be taken for credit.
Information about general education requirements is available in the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Students may obtain credit from different academic sources, i.e., residential instruction, advanced placement (AP or IB) tests, and transfer credits. Credit in any specific subject may be used toward degree requirements only once. Because of the variety of sources available for social sciences and humanities electives, students may receive duplicate credit in specific courses, such as American history. Students should be aware that such duplication cannot be used toward degree requirements.
Technical Electives
Each engineering program offers some elective opportunities, which may be specified as technical or non-technical. 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 electives are selected at the prerogative of the student except as noted below.
Credit will not be allowed for courses of a remedial nature, such as mathematics below analytic geometry or basic military training. No more than 3 semester hours of physical education course work (basic level, i.e., activity courses) may be used as free electives nor may they be applied toward degree requirements. No more than 4 hours of religious foundation courses or 6 hours of advanced military science courses may be used as free electives.
Total transfer credit in required basic courses in mathematics (through integral calculus), physics, rhetoric, freshman chemistry, computer science, and engineering graphics may be used for free electives only if the credit covers topics beyond those in equivalent courses at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Further restrictions on the acceptance of transfer credit for free electives may be imposed by the departments with the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. For more details, consult the college website.
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 website.