CEE Online Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers

What are the benefits of the online master’s program at Illinois?

Benefits include a degree from a top program and the flexibility and convenience of being able to “attend” class whenever you want from wherever you are. Practicing engineers who wish to continue their education and earn the Master of Science degree, as well as professional development hours, can do so while working in the profession.

How does the online program work?

Current on-campus classes are recorded and made available within a few hours of the class completion for online students to view at their convenience. Homework and projects are submitted electronically, and students must take exams with a proctor (arranged with the Grainger Engineering Online office). Course information is available on the course Website, and you will be able to contact your professors and the department by email or telephone. Some courses will also allow you to stay connected through chat rooms, online office hours, skype meetings, and through group projects and group presentations (including multi-site presentations).

Are international students eligible for this program?

Yes, this program is open to any student, regardless of location. Students are never required to come to the university, although they are certainly welcome at any time!

What are the requirements for the degree?

The M.S. degree offered online is our non-thesis degree and requires 36 credit hours; see program requirements.  The degree must be completed within 5 years.

Is the online degree the same as the degree awarded on campus?

Yes! A degree earned through our online program is the exact same top-ranked degree awarded to students attending the University of Illinois on-campus at Urbana-Champaign.

What courses can I take?

See our course list.

Can I specialize within civil and environmental engineering?

Yes. There are opportunities for you to specialize in selected areas of civil engineering. Students choose one of the following concentration areas: Construction Management, Infrastructure, Structural Engineering, or Transportation Engineering (which includes Railroad Engineering). 

Can I undertake a broad program of study?

You have the flexibility to create a broad program of study, and can even take courses from other departments in the college of engineering.  You can contact us with specific questions regarding your desired program of study.

Who teaches the courses?

Regular full-time faculty who teach the on-campus courses teach the online courses. The instructors are listed in the current course listing.

What if I’m not sure if online courses will work for me?

Try it! Students may take courses before being admitted to a degree program. Registration for classes as a non-degree student is available in late June for the fall semester.Courses count for professional development hours and may be combined to earn a certificate (See Certificate information on the Academics page). Up to 12 hours of credit taken prior to being admitted may be transferred into the degree program with departmental approval. Taking courses prior to admission does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.

What if I take some courses and later decide I want a degree?

Up to 12 hours of credit taken prior to being admitted may be transferred into the degree program with departmental approval. Taking courses prior to admission does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.

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Questions and Answers

What are the benefits of the online master’s program at Illinois?

Benefits include a degree from a top program and the flexibility and convenience of being able to “attend” class whenever you want from wherever you are. Practicing engineers who wish to continue their education and earn the Master of Science degree, as well as professional development hours, can do so while working in the profession.

How does the online program work?

Current on-campus classes are recorded and made available within a few hours of the class completion for online students to view at their convenience. Homework and projects are submitted electronically, and students must take exams with a proctor (arranged with the Grainger Engineering Online office). Course information is available on the course Website, and you will be able to contact your professors and the department by email or telephone. Some courses will also allow you to stay connected through chat rooms, online office hours, skype meetings, and through group projects and group presentations (including multi-site presentations).

Are international students eligible for this program?

Yes, this program is open to any student, regardless of location. Students are never required to come to the university, although they are certainly welcome at any time!

What are the requirements for the degree?

The M.S. degree offered online is our non-thesis degree and requires 36 credit hours; see program requirements.  The degree must be completed within 5 years.

Is the online degree the same as the degree awarded on campus?

Yes! A degree earned through our online program is the exact same top-ranked degree awarded to students attending the University of Illinois on-campus at Urbana-Champaign.

What courses can I take?

See our course list.

Can I specialize within civil and environmental engineering?

Yes. There are opportunities for you to specialize in selected areas of civil engineering. Students choose one of the following concentration areas: Construction Management, Infrastructure, Structural Engineering, or Transportation Engineering (which includes Railroad Engineering). 

Can I undertake a broad program of study?

You have the flexibility to create a broad program of study, and can even take courses from other departments in the college of engineering.  You can contact us with specific questions regarding your desired program of study.

Who teaches the courses?

Regular full-time faculty who teach the on-campus courses teach the online courses. The instructors are listed in the current course listing.

What if I’m not sure if online courses will work for me?

Try it! Students may take courses before being admitted to a degree program. Registration for classes as a non-degree student is available in late June for the fall semester. Courses count for professional development hours and may be combined to earn a certificate (See Certificate information on the Academics page). Up to 12 hours of credit taken prior to being admitted may be transferred into the degree program with departmental approval. Taking courses prior to admission does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.

What if I take some courses and later decide I want a degree?

Up to 12 hours of credit taken prior to being admitted may be transferred into the degree program with departmental approval. Taking courses prior to admission does not guarantee future admission to a degree program.