Online Degree and Certificate Programs

The Grainger College of Engineering’s online engineering degree and certificate programs offer flexibility and convenience while maintaining the integrity and academic rigor of our elite on-campus programs. The learning environment is inclusive and interactive, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to deliver an authentic classroom experience.

In fact, online engineering students are challenged by rigorous, enriching curriculum to receive the exact same degrees and certificates as awarded to on-campus students.

Whether you are interested in earning your master’s degree online or simply sharpening your professional skill set through a certificate program, you will be supported by The Grainger College of Engineering to invest in yourself and your future.

How It Works

Learn more about our state-of-the-art online programs, including more information about what to expect from a virtual classroom experience, program and course pacing, test proctoring and grading, course numbering and credit, and technology requirements.

Learn more about online education

Online Course Registration

Designed to accommodate the complex scheduling needs of a working professional, our online courses and programs create opportunities for career advancement and lifelong learning by offering the same level of academic excellence that students experience on campus.

Learn more about online registration

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Meet Online Alumna Jackie Wong

Jackie Wong (MSCE ’15) discusses how she discovered our online master’s in civil engineering degree program, the wide variety of available online courses, and her enriching experience as an online student.

Meet Jackie

A Tradition of Excellence in Engineering Education

The Grainger College of Engineering stands among the nation’s most prestigious and largest engineering institutions, with a rich history of accomplishment by faculty, students, and alumni. Grainger Engineering graduates have gone on to lead some of the largest companies in the world and develop innovations that significantly impact our day-to-day lives.

Grainger Engineering's online degrees, courses, and certificate programs were created to make the top-ranked programs available beyond the Urbana-Champaign campus. Online students enroll in courses led by Grainger Engineering’s world-renowned faculty, and degrees earned online are exactly the same in quality and substance as those awarded on-campus.

Review our College Rankings to learn why The Grainger College of Engineering is continuously ranked as one of the leading providers of in-person and online engineering degree programs and certificates.

Flexibly Designed for Working Professionals

Balancing the demands of a professional career and family life with a rigorous academic schedule can be a challenging proposition for anyone seeking higher education. Grainger Engineering’s extensive student support services and sophisticated online learning platform offers the flexibility and convenience you need to pursue an advanced degree, certification, or specialized training without sacrificing your career or the comforts of home.

Immersive Learning Experience

The Grainger College of Engineering online learning experience is engaging and interactive, utilizing innovative educational technologies that establishes a genuine, authentic classroom experience. 

Online students truly benefit from the same enriching, holistic student experience as our on-campus students. World-class Grainger Engineering instructors deliver impactful lectures that are immediately applicable to current career responsibilities, and online students are encouraged to collaborate with on-campus peers and faculty to challenge new perspectives and develop innovative solutions.

Learn more about how online learning works, and get to know our world-class engineering faculty.

Online Student Resources

The Grainger Engineering online education experience mirrors that which is offered on campus, including providing access to a variety of campus resources, including the University Library, Grainger Engineering Library (the world’s largest engineering library), Engineering Work Station (EWS) computer laboratories, the CITES Web Store, numerous research centers, and a variety of professional development services. Additionally, there is a Grainger Engineering staff dedicated to ensuring online engineering students succeed and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Explore some of the Grainger Engineering resources for online students below:

Online Learning Fast Facts

  • Courses in the Grainger Engineering Online program are the same as the on-campus sections for each course.
  • Grainger Engineering Online has been an innovative pioneer in online education, offering online courses since 1998.
  • Diplomas awarded to Grainger Engineering Online students are the same as those awarded to on-campus students. Degrees and transcripts never distinguish between local and online degree delivery as it is the same program.
  • Lecture recordings generally post two (2) hours following the conclusion of the lecture.
  • Grainger Engineering Online courses are not self-paced. It is important to schedule time each week to attend the lectures and complete the assignments by the deadline.

Achieve Your Goals Through an Online Education at The Grainger College of Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering has a 23-year history of delivering excellence in online education through a vast number of elite degree, courses, and certificate programs, helping students like you to achieve your academic and professional goals.

If you have any questions about online learning at The Grainger College of Engineering, contact our Office of Online Programs team at 217-333-6634 or engr-o2pep@illinois.edu. We are here to help every step of the way.

If you are ready to take the first step in achieving your goals, learn more about online registration today.