Online Degrees, Certificates, and Courses

News

U of I's COVID-19 Homepage | 3.5.2020

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to create uncertainty and concern, globally and in our community. Visit the University of Illinois' central starting point for information and updates about the impact of this virus.

https://covid19.illinois.edu/

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Summer courses offered at the University of Illinois | 2.20.2020
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 450 online course sections to undergraduate and non-degree seeking students this summer.

Urbana, IL – Illinois Online at the University of Illinois offers more than 450 online summer courses to current undergraduate students and non-degree students from around the globe. Course sections are taught in 4-, 8-, and 12- week options with various start dates.

The summer session provides an excellent opportunity for students to continue their academic work. "I found the online format very helpful. The course was very well organized for being an online class.", said a Geology 101 student.

Illinois has been offering high-quality online options for over 22 years. Whether our students are on campus, traveling, working, or involved in a summer internship; they can benefit from the rich learning experiences the University of Illinois offers.

Online courses provide the flexibility to learn from nationally recognized faculty wherever you are. A wide variety of courses are offered and use the same technology as we use in our everyday lives. The courses can provide the opportunity to meet curriculum needs, access high-demand and general education topics, decrease time to complete a degree, and update your professional skill set.

Here is what a few students who have taken summer courses had to say:
- SOC 275: "I really enjoyed it. Very interesting course. Not too difficult if you're looking for more credits when you already have a difficult course load."
- ECON 102: "This class honestly was awesome all around."
- PS 100: "I found the discussion posts very helpful to being successful in this course. It was helpful to get feedback from other classmates."
- SPAN 130: "The quality and speed with which the instructor was available to help, and I think the program used for online assignments is well made. I also appreciated the lectures for the additional information and experience they were putting into the course."
For more information about summer courses at the University of Illinois, visit online.illinois.edu/summer.
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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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Events

Date	Event
5.6.2020	Instruction Ends (?)
5.18.2020	First day of instruction for POT S1 and POT SF summer classes (?)
5.25.2020	Memorial Day (?)
6.15.2020	First day of instruction for POT S2 and POT S2A summer classes (?)
7.3.2020	Independence Day, observed (all-campus holiday) (?)
7.13.2020	Instruction begins for POT S2B summer courses (?)

Online Illinois Calendar

Blogs

Ways to connect with your online classmates during a time of social distancing | 3.22.2020
Now that you are an online student, you may find yourself wondering how to stay connected with your classmates. While it may feel challenging at first, you can make friends just as easily as you did in the traditional classroom.
1. Introduce yourself
2. Use the provided discussion boards
3. Connect on Social Media
4. Have virtual study sessions
5. Remember you aren't alone
Below is a list of additional resources on how to keep learning via alternative online modes of course delivery and ways to stay connected:

Keep Learning: A university resource to help students transition to online learning

Technology Services information for IT support and resources

University of Illinois COVID-19 Homepage
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Adapting to Being an Online Student | 3.12.2020
For students who are suddenly entering the world of online learning for the first time, here are some things you should know and advice on how to be successful.

Communicate with your instructor
Given the situation, your instructor will be communicating with you about how your course is set up and how you can connect to the course. Be sure you are clear on how and when the course will be held, what materials are needed, and how to communicate with your professor and classmates.

Know the expectations
Your course will be either synchronous and given at a specific time, requiring you to login with the rest of your classmates. Or, it will be asynchronous, where you are provided the materials and can learn on your own time. Whichever method your course is delivered through, be sure you are clear on the expectations that have been set and hold yourself accountable for the work you need to complete.

Your instructor will still be holding you accountable for the work you do in online discussions and collaborations, just as they would in a face-to-face class. Be sure the expectations are clear and if not, don’t hesitate to reach out to them with questions!

Establish a functional work space
You will want to set up a dedicated learning environment to partake in your online course and study. Determine what space lends yourself to greater productivity and the least distractions. Make sure you have a high-speed internet connection available to use. If you have to go to a public space, have headphones available for listening to lectures or discussions.

"I love taking courses online and feel the class engagement is just as good as an in-person class. We connect through small groups, online forums, and if we know our classmates, through emails and texts. Additionally, I can do my class comfortably from my bed. I've taken all three of my classes online and the online platforms (Blackboard, Zoom, and Moodle) are fairly intuitive to use and there is great tech support. I recommend online classes very highly.” -Samantha Carroll
Utilize your resources
After your instructor has set the expectations for the class, be aware of the resources provided for you. Mark due dates on your calendar and bookmark websites that you’ll use frequently. Just because you won’t physically be with your professor doesn’t mean they aren’t still there to educate you. There will likely be an online discussion board for the class to ask and answer questions, but never hesitate to email your professor or instructor directly (unless you can find the answer in the syllabus!). If you need help, ask for it!

"The first two weeks I decided that I needed to get organized from the very beginning and not let this coursework get ahead of me since I decided to work full time and go to school. Being organized is the best suggestion that I can give to new students. Once you get the hang of it and get in a rhythm of adapting schoolwork into your daily routine, it seems like you are just rolling along. Also, do not be afraid to use resources. Asking my professor, fellow classmates and Tim questions helped me not to feel overwhelmed during times when it was likely that I would have felt that way." ---- from a Recreation, Sport and Tourism Master’s Student
Manage your time wisely
If your course is asynchronous, it may be a new concept not to have to be in class at a specific time. That said, this doesn’t mean you have free range to complete all the work right before the course ends. Be sure you follow your syllabus and are active in discussions so that you don't miss out on any due dates or deadlines. Set aside time to participate in the class and work on your coursework.

Actively participate and leverage your network
At first, it may feel like you are learning on your own, especially since you can't see any of your classmates in person. However, that is not the case. Professors and instructors encourage you to participate actively and work together with classmates to complete assignments and lessons. Engage in the discussion, read your emails, ask questions, and be an active participant in the course.

"Generally from my perspective, online courses can be a really great experience. I’ve loved it. It takes a little getting used to but I do feel like you can get just as much out of an online class as an in-person one. It can be easy to get distracted, so you have to consciously put yourself in the headspace of “this is class, I’m in school, I’m here to learn” because you’re not in that physical space. The chat can be overwhelming because it can move really quickly, but you don’t need to keep up with every message sent. Having friends in class that you can text with (not during class, of course) to discuss assignments, readings, etc. can really help. And, of course, keeping in mind that even though you’re not physically with your classmates, you’re all in the same boat. If you suddenly had to jump into online learning and you’re disoriented, they probably are too! So cut yourself some slack and do your best, it’s okay to not be comfortable right away.” -Miranda Axworthy, iSchool student
For more information and tips on learning online, visit the following websites:
- How to connect with your online classmates: https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2020/03/04/how-to-connect-with-your-online-classmates
- Staying organized throughout your online course:
  https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2020/01/08/staying-organized-throughout-your-online-course.
- Roadmap to group project success in online courses:
  https://online.illinois.edu/articles/online-learning/item/2017/07/13/roadmap-to-group-project-success-in-online-classes
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How to Connect With Your Online Classmates | 3.4.2020

Written by Kendall Job, Marketing & Communications Intern

1. Introduce yourself
From day one, make an effort to connect and build relationships with your classmates. You have the opportunity to extend these connections far beyond just the online course. Once you really get to know some people, they become a part of your network. Say hello, give some background about you (and your career, if applicable) and connect with people on LinkedIn. Just because you don’t see these people in person doesn’t mean you can’t help each other out in the future. Plus, simply putting your name out there into the class makes it feel a little less like you’re taking the class either alone or with total strangers.

2. Use the provided discussion boards
Discussion boards are a beautiful thing. Not only is this a great place to introduce yourself (hint hint!), but you can also ask and answer questions, share ideas, ask for clarification from the instructor and help out other students, too. It should not be intimidating to add to the discussion board. The piece most people feel is missing in an online course is face to face interaction, and discussion boards are about as close as you can get to achieve this!

3. Work together
You’re not alone in the online class world! Chances are, everyone is experiencing the same worries about staying organized and keeping on top of their work as you are. Each student took this class for a reason and everyone just wants to succeed. By utilizing any sources of connection that you can, especially discussion boards, you can all work together to work out issues and help one another out if there is ever any confusion on work or assignments.

4. Plan meet-ups
If you happen to live in the same area as anyone in your online class, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact them to meet up. This is a great way to make a much more personal connection and actually build relationships with those in your course. You can work together on assignments, talk about the course and how it relates to your academic or career path or simple get to know one another to match a name to face. If in-person meet-ups aren’t possible, connect through social media. Make a Facebook group, add everyone to a group chat or exchange emails to keep up with your classmates.

Overall, taking an online course is such a great way to not only continue down your academic or career path, but also to connect with your classmates and grow your professional network. Don’t me intimidated just because you can’t see them! They’re their through discussion boards, social media, LinkedIn and in-person or video meet-ups. If you work to cultivate relationships with your fellow students, it will surely pay off in the future.

Other resources:
http://bit.ly/2NkZjQv
http://bit.ly/34aSbNC
http://bit.ly/34cnAim

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Apps Every Student Should Have | 2.7.2020

Written by Kendall Job, Marketing & Communications Intern

Both classroom and online learning can definitely guarantee a few more distractions than you bargained for. However, there are surely a few apps that can be helpful to have on your phone for learning outside any classroom. Here are some apps for your use to help you on your way to success as a student, all while staying focused and on track during your study sesh.

1. Google Drive

Whichever note-taking platform you choose to use for your classes, check the app store for an app version of it. Specifically with Google Drive, getting the Drive app, as well as the associated Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps make everything in Drive completely accessible from your phone or tablet if you’re not near your laptop or desktop computer. This way, you can access all of your notes and other materials when you’re on-the-go and may not be at home for easy accessible viewing of them.

2. LinkedIn

Why might you need an app for professional networking? So you can connect with the students in your online classes, of course! Especially in an age where digital communication is the most common and convenient, it only makes sense to add networking to the list of things technology can enhance. While online classes are a great way to build connections and cultivate professional relationships, LinkedIn is an amazing tool to use to keep in contact with your classmates long after the class has ended.

3. Quizlet

If you're out and about and have some free time or are sitting on the bus on your way to class, Quizlet is an awesome learning tool for on-the-go. You can flip through your flashcards, take made-up practice exams of your vocabulary terms and play games to help with learning, retention and memorization. This is a great app to pull out of your pocket to get in some last minute studying right before class or a big exam.

4. SelfControl

This app is a great way to reduce distractions from your online study environment. There is no reason to be looking at more than one screen and the one to pay attention to is the one with your online class on it! Your phone or other tech device can be a huge distraction while studying and SelfControl allows you to lock yourself out of certain apps for a certain amount of time (which you can control and set yourself) so you’re not tempted to use them when you know you shouldn’t.

5. IlliniSpaces

Specific to the University of Illinois is a versatile app that finds you study spaces on campus. You can customize the type of study environment you are looking for in order to match your study mood or needs. There are several filters to narrow down your options, such as the type of space, the resources it has, whether food is allowed, location and much more. This app is a great way to utilize all the great study spaces we have here at the University of Illinois but you may not be aware of. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next favorite study spot!

These few apps, among so many others, are the ones I have found to be a great help since beginning life as a college student. As long as you use these for their purposes and can commit to not being distracted with other phone or tablet technology, these can help you add in an extra study session and find your next great study environment! Feel free to share any other educational apps you use to be successful in college in the comments below.

Other Resources:

https://www.onlineeducation.com/features/great-apps-for-online-students

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/03/22/5-apps-that-can-help-students-manage-college-life

https://elearningindustry.com/25-digital-learning-tools-apps-university-students

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

Take Online Courses This Summer

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

News

Select the session that works best for you:

Events

Blogs

Communicate with your instructor

Know the expectations

Establish a functional work space

Utilize your resources

Manage your time wisely

Actively participate and leverage your network