Online Degrees, Certificates, and Courses

News

Learn more about the iMSW and attend an information session | 11.21.2019

Interested in getting a Masters in Social Work while staying employed? Attend an upcoming informational session to learn more about the Illinois iMSW program, with part-time online and hybrid program options as well as the application process.

Select the session that works best for you:

Face-to-Face iMSW Session
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Illini Center, Orange & Blue Room
200 S Wacker Drive, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
RSVP

iMSW Zoom Virtual Session
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
5:30 - 6:30 pm
RSVP
About the School of Social Work

The School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is ranked 17th by U.S. News & World Report and 6th among all social work programs in the world. To obtain a Master’s in Social Work, students have an on-campus option, a 100% online option and a hybrid option. Graduates have a 96% job placement rate. The School of Social Work serves the citizens of Illinois by linking knowledge development to community needs, by educating students for public service in child welfare, health care, mental health, and school settings, and by sharing the School’s resources with the community. To learn more about the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois, go to socialwork.illinois.edu.

About Illinois Online

At the University of Illinois, we continue to lead and explore innovations in higher education that build on our academic reputation and proven strengths in online teaching and learning. Longevity and experience have made Illinois a pioneer and leader in innovative distance and online education, and today, we continue to rethink how technology is integrated into education, regardless of the modality. Our world-renowned faculty and award-winning content developers have worked collaboratively to develop more than 94 online degree and certificate options and more than 800 online courses for learners across the globe. To learn more about online programs at the University of Illinois, go to online.illinois.edu.

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Illinois Online offers short-format winter session courses | 10.18.2019

Urbana, IL –The University of Illinois will be offering short-format online courses to current undergraduate students and non-degree students from around the globe this winter.
The courses are rigorous, yet manageable, and provide students with the chance to either complete general education requirements, alleviate credit hours needed during the spring or fall semester, or increase their overall G.P.A.
Online courses offer the flexibility to learn from nationally recognized faculty wherever you are. Check out our website to hear more about what students who have completed online courses had to say about their experience!
For more information about winter courses at the University of Illinois, visit online.illinois.edu/winter.

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Coursera for Illinois Provides Free Access to Online Courses and Specializations | 7.31.2019

Coursera for Illinois, a program specifically for the Urbana-Champaign campus community, provides free access to Illinois’ 60+ noncredit online courses and specializations offered on the Coursera platform.
Created by our colleges, Coursera for Illinois courses are taught by our faculty and feature material from their on-campus courses and scholarly work. The courses are developed using best practices in online course design to create engaging, effective learning experiences. Course certificates can be shared on LinkedIn profiles or social media, and can be mentioned on a job application or resume.
“Our partnership with Coursera extends access to high-quality instruction and education to anyone in the world. The Illinois courses are designed to create virtual transformative learning experiences that advance individuals in their knowledge, passions, talents and careers,” said Provost Andreas Cangellaris. “Now, with Coursera for Illinois, we are excited to extend those same opportunities to our own faculty, staff and students. We hope this program empowers them to further fulfill their goals and dreams.”
With Coursera for Illinois, we are putting an Illinois education in the hands of anyone in the world. The courses available enable you to advance your career, explore an interest, or expand your skill set. By completing a series of courses, you can earn a course certificate which can be used to share your accomplishments, highlight a new skill, and gain knowledge to further share with employers and peers.
About Coursera
Coursera was founded in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors who wanted to share their knowledge and skills with the world. Professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng put their courses online for anyone to take – and taught more learners in a few months than they could have in an entire lifetime in the classroom.
Since then, they’ve built a platform where anyone, anywhere can learn and earn credentials from the world’s top universities and education providers.
About Illinois Online
At the University of Illinois, we continue to lead and explore innovations in higher education that build on our academic reputation and proven strengths in online teaching and learning. Longevity and experience have made us a pioneer and leader in innovative distance and online education, and we are always integrating new best practices, regardless of the modality. Our world-renowned faculty and award-winning content developers have worked collaboratively to develop more than 90 online degree and certificate options and more than 1700 Online Course Sections for learners across the globe.
For more information about this Coursera for Illinois program, visit online.illinois.edu/online-courses/moocs.

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University of Illinois College of Applied Health Sciences Launches Open Online Course in Accessibility and Inclusive Design on Coursera | 7.8.2019

Urbana, Ill. - The University of Illinois College of Applied Health Sciences has launched an online course that allows students to explore the fundamentals of accessibility and inclusive design on Coursera, the world’s largest open online education provider. An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design is taught by the university’s top faculty and is accessible to anyone.
This course introduces some of the fundamental principles of accessibility and prepares learners for further study in accessibility and inclusive design. Learners will have an opportunity to explore the major types of disabilities and related assistive technology and adaptive strategies, the most salient contours of the legal landscape, and major principles that guide universal design and accessible content creation. Spotlight guest videos will highlight firsthand perspectives on disability, as well as topics like disability etiquette, universal design and universal design for learning, accommodation in higher education, campus accessibility policy, and accessibility in a corporate setting.
Illinois’ courses on the Coursera platform, created by our colleges, and taught by Illinois faculty, feature material from their on-campus courses and scholarly work. The courses are developed using best practices in online course design to create engaging, effective learning experiences.
About Illinois Online
At the University of Illinois, we continue to lead and explore innovations in higher education that build on our academic reputation and proven strengths in online teaching and learning. Longevity and experience have made us a pioneer and leader in innovative distance and online education, and we are always integrating new best practices, regardless of the modality. Our world-renowned faculty and award-winning content developers have worked collaboratively to develop more than 90 online degree and certificate options and more than 1700 Online Course Sections for learners across the globe.
About Coursera
Coursera partners with over 120 top universities and educational institutions to offer hundreds of online courses and Specializations in topics from computer science to social psychology and beyond. Earn certificates from prestigious learning institutions for courses and projects developed in collaboration with top employers that teach the skills you need to succeed. Whether you want to advance your career or pursue a passion, Coursera provides open online education for everyone. For more information on Coursera, visit www.coursera.org.

To enroll visit https://www.coursera.org/learn/accessibility.

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Events

Date	Event
12.11.2019	Last Day of Fall Classes (?)
12.13.2019	Final examination period (December 13 - December 20) (?)
12.23.2019	First day of instruction for Winter classes (?)
1.21.2020	Spring Semester Instruction begins (?)

Online Illinois Calendar

Blogs

7 Tips for Success When Taking Online Courses | 11.25.2019

Written by Kendall Job, Editorial Intern
Online classes typically offer a lot of flexibility with when and where you complete the coursework. However, with that flexibility comes even more responsibility. There are some key steps one must take to be successful in an online course. You need to create the structure and organization a traditional classroom provides for yourself and hold yourself accountable for your work and studies.
Here are a few tips to help you on your way to being successful throughout your time taking an online course.
1. Know the expectations
Online courses are sometimes considered “blow-off” classes. However, that’s not the case with most courses offered and taken online. Many online courses are condensed from the normal semester length into eight-week classes. They require the same amount of rigor and work as a traditional in-person class.
2. Establish a functional workspace
With an online class, there is no time spent sitting in a class full of other people listening to a lecture. One of the most important aspects of classes online is finding or creating a space that is helpful and functional for you to work in. Whether it’s working from a desk at home or packing up your laptop and heading to the library, a quiet space with a good internet connection is ideal for your brain to be able to connect studying and school with whatever space you choose.
3. Be aware of your resources
As soon as you get that introductory email from your professor, read the syllabus! It will likely have all the information, websites, due dates, etc. that you need to be successful in the class. After you find the web platforms you’ll be completing your coursework through, bookmark them on your computer so you never lose them. Also, if there are web or library resources at your disposal, be aware of where those are to help with assignments throughout the course.
4. Keep track of your past work
This is a huge part of staying organized in an online class. If for whatever reason you experience a technology issue, either with the class platform or your internet connection, be sure to keep a copy of all of your written work once it’s completed. A smart way to keep track of this is by writing anything you need to submit on a different platform first (ie. MicrosoftWord or GoogleDocs) and copying and pasting it later. This way, you’ll always have your completed work and will never run the risk of losing it if something goes awry.
5. Manage your time wisely
Just because nobody is reminding you of due dates and when to complete your assignments doesn’t mean you don’t need to study! Be sure to take a long look over the syllabus at the very beginning of the course and write down all due dates in whatever organizational fashion you prefer. In addition, set aside blocks of time on days you know you have free time to commit to working on your online classwork. This way, it won’t interfere with other traditional classes or your career.
6. Introduce yourself to the professor
As in any traditional, in-person class, it’s a great idea to know the professor. If you can’t do so in person, send them an email introducing yourself and showing your eagerness to perform well in the class. If you will be on campus and have the opportunity, pop into their office hours to say hello so they can match a name to a face. Chances are, they’re never going to actually know you in an online course, so if you have the option to introduce yourself upfront, it may help your grade in the future!
7. Ask for help if you need it
Just because you can’t always see your professor in person, doesn’t mean they don’t want to help you. If you need help, just ask for it! You’re one simple email away from getting the answers you need to complete an assignment or pass an exam with flying colors. In online courses especially, there’s usually an online discussion board for the class where students have the opportunity to ask and answer one another’s questions, too.
Do you have any other tips you’ve found helpful when taking an online course? Start a conversation and help others out by commenting your best online class success tips below!
Other resources:
https://bit.ly/2U6uVvx
https://bit.ly/2MBJKot
https://bit.ly/2J84Vwo

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Top 5 Study Playlists on Spotify | 11.15.2019

Written by Kendall Job, Editorial Intern
Let’s face it. Studying is probably not high on anyone’s list of favorite things to do. However, when taking classes either at the University or online, it’s definitely a necessary aspect of achieving success. The only thing worse than studying itself is doing it in silence. No thank you! Listening to some fun tunes while studying is even proven to ease student stress and even test anxiety, as music can be a huge help with processing emotions and can be uplifting in many cases.
As students, I’m sure we can agree we would love nothing more than to stress less! Here are just a few playlists to get you started on the right path to studying with music.
1. Brain Food
This playlist features hundreds of lyric-free songs all in one place. It’s described as “hypnotic electric,” perfect for when you need to sit down and study for a while. These tracks are interesting and stimulating for your brain, but don’t include any lyrics so you won’t get distracted! The songs will feed your brain while you work so you don’t get bored while studying.
2. Chill Tracks
Chill Tracks is again, a more calming electronic playlist if that’s what you’re in to. It’s a chill enough playlist to study with on in the background. However, some of the songs on this one do have lyrics, though, so it might not be perfect for a reading-heavy study sesh. This is a list of songs for a day you’re looking to focus, but are looking to relax while you do so, too.
3. Totally Stress Free
This five-hour playlist is sure to keep you calm while studying. Created by Spotify, it includes some of the lightest and most upbeat songs to reduce your study stress. The mellow tunes are the perfect background to your work and won’t preoccupy your mind with too many lyrics.
4. House Focus
Created by Spotify, this playlist is over six hours long and features the most up to date songs in the genre. It’s filled with songs labeled as “Instrumental House” and feature catchy beats that can almost make you forget you’re even listening to any music at all. And the best part? No lyrics!
5. Trabajo Relax
This three-hour playlist is perfect for the daily study grind. It’s known for helping with concentration because the songs are so calming to listen to. Relax with these chill-out songs while you work hard on your classes!
More resources:
https://bit.ly/366LBJB
https://spoti.fi/2WfQnA2
https://spoti.fi/2Nbm5u9
https://spoti.fi/31O8deG

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5 Benefits of Online Courses vs. A Traditional Classroom | 10.22.2019

Written by Kendall Job, Editorial Intern

If you are considering the idea of taking an online course but aren’t convinced quite yet, you’ve come to the right place! Some are hesitant to try out an online course because many have become so accustomed to the traditional face-to-face classroom interaction. However, there are definitely perks to taking an online course over those held in person. Here are five benefits to taking that leap of faith and studying online.
1. Schedule flexibility
There is an incredible amount of flexibility that online courses can offer. Often there are assignment deadlines set at different times throughout the course, allowing for participants to learn at their own pace and complete the coursework on their own time. If you’re balancing a current full-time job, online courses can work around your life and schedule without interrupting your career. Online students also have the opportunity to create their own study environment without the distractions a traditional classroom sometimes presents.
2. Cost-Friendly
Taking online courses tends to be significantly cheaper than taking classes on a traditional college campus. The average online student will spend approximately $100-$400 per credit hour in an online course. As an on-campus student, there are often additional costs associated. Therefore, this is a much more cost-efficient option. All course materials are presented online, and many textbooks can be downloaded or rented in an e-reader version for much less than traditional books.
3. Boost Career Advancement
Sometimes the difference between your current position and your next promotion is another degree or certification. Not only will you be taking the opportunity to increase your skills and knowledge in your subject area, but you can also pick and choose the exact courses you need or want to take. According to The Learning House, over half of online students employed full or part-time were able to have their tuition reimbursed by their employers. Taking online courses won’t stunt your career growth, but instead will allow you to grow as an individual and set yourself up for success in your position.
4. Self-Discipline
Online courses can teach students organization and time management by imposing a certain sense of accountability on the individual. One must set aside a considerable amount of time to complete the work and meet the deadlines associated with an online learning schedule. A typical 3-credit course requires around 8 hours of work per week. Adding online coursework to your daily schedule will allow you to learn how to work efficiently and complete your work when you know it’s necessary. You’ll learn how best to hold yourself accountable and stay organized, too, so you never miss a deadline!
5. Course Variety
Higher education today allows for an immense variety of courses that can be taken toward a degree. Since they all can’t physically be offered at the same university, your best bet to have the most options for classes is online. Being able to choose from a wide range of courses won’t force you to pick classes based only on requirements, but out of personal interest, too. No matter what or where you are studying, there are many options to choose from. You can usually take the exact courses you need that will count toward your certificate or degree, without worrying about missing out on a class.
Though there are many more benefits to skipping the traditional classroom and engaging in online learning, these are just a few of the top reasons to consider taking your next course online. Share any of your top reasons to take online courses with others below in the comments!

More Resources:
https://bit.ly/28LvTHz 2016
https://bit.ly/2BYd70c 2017
https://bit.ly/2VSGhF0 2018
https://bit.ly/2MMvbgw 2019

Hyperlinked sources:
https://www.bestvalueschools.com/faq/is-attending-college-online-cheaper-than-attending-a-traditional-college/
https://49hk843qjpwu3gfmw73ngy1k-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/OCS-2019-FINAL-WEB-Report.pdf
http://learnmore.uncg.edu/blog/bid/157407/how-much-time-should-one-commit-to-online-degree-coursework#targetText=How%20much%20time%20you'll,or%20an%20online%20graduate%20degree.&targetText=Most%20college%20courses%20are%203,class%203%20hours%20per%20week.
https://oedb.org/ilibrarian/10-advantages-to-taking-online-classes/

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Spice Up Your Summer With One of Our Online Courses | 5.2.2019

Summer is quickly approaching, which means tasty barbeques, crackling bonfires, and best of all, online courses! If you’re still looking for something to fill your time this summer, or simply want to get ahead or learn something new, consider registering for one of our many online courses.

Online summer courses are a great way to get ahead in your studies or to catch up if you’re a little behind. Not only can you take a class from anywhere in the world, a majority of them offer a flexible class schedule that allows you to work at your own pace. With such a large offering of courses, online courses are also a great way to learn about subjects that are relevant and interesting specifically to you. We’ve highlighted a few of the courses being offered this summer below!

ATMS 140: Climate and Global Change

You may have heard a lot about climate change over the past couple of years, but do you know the major factors behind it? In ATMS 140, students will examine the physical, chemical, biological, and social factors contributing to global change. Students will also learn the steps being taken to combat climate change, as well as the little things they can do to aid the fight.

GEOL 100: Planet Earth

Are you interested in natural disasters and how they’re formed? How about learning more about the formation of life on Earth, including Dinosaurs? We have the perfect course for you! GEOL 100 will introduce non-science majors to physical and historical aspects of our planet Earth. While you may call Earth home, you’d be surprised at how much you don’t know about it, and how much there is to learn.

ASTR 100: Introduction to Astronomy

Not traveling anywhere this summer? Register for ASTR 100 online and take a trip to outer-space! This course will cover topics including the night sky, the nature and evolution of stars, and the origin of the solar system. Everybody’s wanted to be an Astronaut at some point in their life, so why not explore outer space while you can?

PHIL 102: Logic and Reasoning

Have you ever had a friend who was unnaturally good at winning arguments? Well, now’s your chance to finally learn the skills to take them down. PHIL 102 will allow students to study logical reasoning, and learn techniques for analyzing and criticizing arguments. Now’s your chance to finally learn how to win that argument, take advantage!

Theatre 101: Introduction to Theatre Arts

Immerse yourself in the art of theatre this summer in THEA 101! This course will give you an introduction to the arts of theater including acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, and playwriting. You’ll be a theatre buff before you know it!

While we’ve highlighted several excellent online courses above, there are many more interesting courses to choose from. Check out the rest of the courses offered at https://online.illinois.edu/online-courses/summer-session.

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University of Illinois Illinois Online University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Illinois Online offering online winter courses

Access free online courses with Coursera for Illinois

An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Online M.S. Health Communication

Online M.A. in Translation & Interpreting

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