The Grainger College of Engineering

Transferring to Engineering Undeclared


This page is for current Illinois students.
Not an Illinois student? Please refer to the prospective students page.

Transferring from one college to another within the same university is called an Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT). Engineering Undeclared (EU) accepts a limited number of ICT students each semester, so the application process is competitive. Prepare well in advance by reviewing this page, which includes eligibility requirements, information sessions and application best practices.

Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) Process to Engineering Undeclared (EU)

If you entered the University of Illinois as a freshmen, you are eligible to apply to Engineering Undeclared in your second and/or third semester.

Fourth-semester students, juniors, seniors, and transfer students are not eligible to ICT into EU.

Start with an ICT Information Session

ICT Information Sessions are the first step to understanding the transfer process. You’ll learn about transfer requirements, the basic process, application timelines and a summary of the Engineering Undeclared experience. Bring your questions and get ready to meet with a member of the EU team.

Sessions are held every fall and spring semester, virtually and in person. For dates, times, registration and other information, sign up for an information session.

Sign up to attend an information session

Please note: These sessions are for current Illinois students and advisors only. Prospective U of I students should direct questions to the Grainger Engineering Admissions Team at engineering@illinois.edu or, for questions specific to the EU program, engr-undeclared@illinois.edu.

Apply With Purpose

In the application, you’ll be asked to list three possible engineering majors. Strong applicants can explain which areas of engineering interest them and why, so start exploring majors now.

Utilize these resources:

Build Your Technical Foundation

Show us you’re ready to tackle engineering curriculum. Complete the course requirements for ICT to EU:

  • Calculus 1 (MATH 220 or 221)
  • General Chemistry 1 (CHEM 102 and 103)*

*If you earned credit for CHEM 102 through AP, IB, or A-level exams, the CHEM 103 requirement is waived. Some majors may still require CHEM 103. If you earn credit for CHEM 102 through a proficiency exam, credit for CHEM 103 is still required.

With those under your belt, dive into more technical/STEM courses that count toward your majors of interest. If you’ve taken these required courses through AP/IB/A-level/transfer credit, it’s important to take technical/STEM courses at Illinois. Common options include math and physics.

The following information is an informal guide for students. Always consult with your academic advisor to discuss course selections for upcoming terms. Because admission to EU is competitive, EU advisors aren’t able to course plan for students who aren’t in the program yet.

MATH courses: MATH 220 or 221, MATH 231, MATH 241, MATH 257, and MATH 285*

*Engineering Mechanics takes MATH 441 instead of MATH 285. If you’re considering this option, talk with your academic advisor.

CHEM courses: CHEM 102 & 103

CHEM 104 & 105 is required for the following majors: Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Environmental Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. CHEM 104 & 105 is also one option to satisfy the Science elective for Mechanical Engineering.

Physics: PHYS 211, PHYS 212*

*Some tracks in Environmental Engineering do not require PHYS 212. We still recommend you take it if possible, since it’s required by all other majors.

For more course options, refer to Grainger engineering’s dynamic curriculum maps. Please note any restrictions on those courses that may affect their availability.

CS 101 - Required for all majors except Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

TAM 211 - Required for Aerospace Engineering*, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering*, Industrial Engineering, Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering* and Systems Engineering & Design. Majors indicated with an asterisk * require TAM 210, but accept TAM 211 in its place. Majors that require TAM 211 do not accept TAM 210.

MCB 150 - Required for Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science & Engineering Biomaterials Track and Neural Engineering. Can count as science elective for Mechanical Engineering.

Your academic record demonstrates your potential to thrive in an engineering program. For that reason, you should meet the following ICT requirements to be considered for EU:

To protect your academic success, reach out to your departmental or college advisor(s) any time you encounter difficulties in your classes. Advisors can connect you with U of I’s tutoring resources and other solutions, as well as help you decide whether to drop a course or grade replace a course.

Grainger Engineering encourages all students to utilize tutoring resources and office hours as able and as appropriate.

Submit Your Application

The ICT application is available online during designated application periods:

  • Application for Fall admission: May 1 – 15
  • Application for Spring admission: November 15 – November 30

All applications must be submitted by 11:59PM on the last date of the application window for consideration. Standard application periods may be modified to prevent the application from closing on weekends or holidays.

The Fall 2025 application will be open November 15 - December 1, 2025.

Apply to EU via ICT

The following will be required to apply:

  • Specify three majors of interest, in ranked preference. Only two majors can be competitive majors. Competitive majors are: Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Neural Engineering. Indicating more than two competitive majors will have a negative impact on an application.

  • Submit a PDF of your professional resume. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the Resume Review sessions offered by The Career Center. 

  • Academic Record Essay: Comment (150-250 words) on your college academic record (courses, grades, any low grades, missing courses) Use this space in whatever way suits you best - to highlight academic strengths, explain challenges, discuss courses you couldn't take or share anything else you'd like the review committee to understand. This is your chance to provide context and tell a story beyond transcripts and GPAs.

  • Extracurricular Involvement Reflection Essay: Describe (150-250 words) your involvement in activities outside the classroom. You may discuss participation in student organizations, research, internships or jobs, job shadowing, independent projects and similar experiences. Focus on how these activities have shaped your exploration and deepened your interest in your three intended majors. Emphasize engineering-related involvement where possible.

  • Professional Statement of interest: Submit a professional statement (250-500 words) of interest that explains your interest in the majors you selected and how you intend on exploring majors during your time in Engineering Undeclared.

  • Optional essay: Please state (maximum 250 words) any circumstances that have affected your academic performance that you would like the Admission Review Committee to consider.