Can I transfer credits to the Master of Engineering program?

You may transfer up to 8 non-Illinois graduate level credits and up to 12 credits from University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, Springfield or Chicago campuses) as long as requirements are met. Please see the M.Eng.ME Student Handbook for more details.

My background is not in mechanical engineering. Can I still apply to this program?

In order to be considered for admission to the program, applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in prerequisite coursework. All elements of the application are considered, from undergraduate coursework to an applicant's professional experience.

Can I apply to the Master of Engineering program and later transfer to the Master of Science program?

No. Admission or enrollment in the Master of Engineering program is not transferable to our department’s Master of Science programs.

Can I pursue a PhD at MechSE after the Master of Engineering degree?

Upon completion of the Master of Engineering degree, students are eligible to apply to the PhD program. Please keep in mind that admission is extremely selective and it is rare for M.Eng.ME graduates to be admitted to the PhD program given the research requirements of the PhD.   

After enrollment in the program, is there a minimum GPA I must maintain?

Yes. All students enrolled in the M.Eng.ME program are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. 

What is the minimum GPA required to apply for the program?

3.00 is the minimum GPA for eligible applicants. For a full list of Application Requirements, click here.

What is the cost of the program?

The cost will vary depending on whether a student is on campus, or online. For on campus students, tuition and fee rates can be found here. International students who will be requesting an F-1 visa will need to complete the Declaration of Finances form. Students in the online program are charged a flat rate of $1,110 per credit hour (2021 rates, subject to change). More information about tuition and payments can be found here. If your employer is paying your tuition, you may set up Sponsor Billing by following this link

When is tuition due and how do I pay my bill?

Tuition is due by September 28 (for Fall term) and February 28 (for Spring term). More Information about paying your bill, deadlines, and payment options can be found here.

Are international students eligible for CPT and OPT?

Yes, international students are eligible for CPT and OPT. For details, please see ISSS homepage.  This program is considered a STEM program and therefore, students are eligible for a STEM extension on their OPT. 

How long do I have to get my degree?

On campus students have a maximum of 3 semesters to complete their degree. Course planning with an academic advisor will help each student with their individualized academic plan. Students enrolled in the online program typically study part time while working full-time and therefore have up to five years to complete the program. If an extension is desired beyond 3 semesters (on campus students) or 5 years (online students), students may request an extension through the Graduate College petition process.

I will be an on-campus student. May I hold a Research Assistantship (RA)  or Teaching Assistantship (TA) while in the MEngME program? What about scholarships?

Students in the MEngME program may not hold an RA or TA position, nor are they eligible for a tuition waiver. The department does not offer scholarships or fellowships for MEngME students; however, students are welcome to apply for external fellowships or scholarships. In addition, MEngME students are eligible for hourly work on campus. Students may learn about on campus job opportunities on the virtual job board. Another good job source is the Research Park Virtual Job Board

I am a new student. How do I set up my net id, University email, and register for classes? 

Please refer to this Quick Guide for information on how to set up your net id and other essential first steps!

Some courses offer several sections. How do I know which section is right for me?

You will find information about each class on course explorer. This information describes the type of class (i.e., online, Lecture-Discussion, Lab), who can take the class (under Restrictions), prerequisite course work, and Section Type. Under "Type," it should describe if a class is online or in person (Lecture-Discussion). Further, some classes are offered online and may have sections that are designated only for online students, while other sections may be for on campus students. An example of this is TE 460. Looking at CRN 56934, one can see that this is an in person synchronous class because there is a meeting time and class location. CRN 69707 is an online class and section letters ONC mean that it is designated for on campus students, while CRN 60408 is an online section, and section letters ONL mean that it is restricted to online students. Students will receive an error message if they try to register for the wrong section. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you are having registration problems. 

Is it possible for me to defer my admission? 

Admitted students may defer admission for up to one calendar year. For example, if you have been admitted for Fall 2022 and are unable to attend during that semester, you may defer to Spring 2023, or Fall 2023. To defer admission, please go to your Application portal and you will have the option of selecting to defer your admission to a future term. Please select the term to which you would like to be enrolled. You should also email your program office to notify them of your decision to defer.