Online Degrees, Certificates, and Courses

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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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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
3.14.2020	Spring Break Begins (?)
3.23.2020	Instruction Resumes (?)
4.20.2020	Summer 2020 Registration Opens for Non-Degree Students (?)
5.6.2020	Instruction Ends (?)
7.6.2020	Fall 2020 Registration Opens for Non-Degree Students (?)

Online Illinois Calendar

Blogs

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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5 Tips for Success using Coursera for Illinois | 1.24.2020

Written by Kendall Job, Marketing & Communications Intern

Coursera is a web platform containing free, completely online university courses, certificates, and degree programs. Lucky for you, University of Illinois students and faculty have completely free access using Coursera for Illinois! It’s a great opportunity to take a class or classes on topics you may be curious about but either can’t fit in your regular class schedule or just want to take as an extra interest-based endeavor. However, since the courses are all uploaded as online video lectures and projects, it can be challenging to hold yourself accountable when it comes to sitting down and completing the coursework. Here are some helpful tips for success on Coursera so you can be on your way to your next certificate in no time.
Tip 1: Choose something you actually like
There is no point in choosing a course you don’t want to take or a certificate you don’t want to complete. After all, the courses are free in the first place, so choosing something that doesn’t motivate you makes you a lot less likely to prioritize your time to complete it. Since there are no specific due dates set or penalties for not completing your work, you are essentially your own professor. If you choose a topic or certificate you are truly passionate about, you will be more excited about it overall and will be able to get yourself to commit to the amount of time it will take to complete.
Tip 2: Be prepared and organized
Just like any other traditional classroom course, it is extremely important to read through the entire syllabus so you know what to expect from the course. Log on to the Coursera website at the beginning of each week and see what it is that needs to be completed. Head to the course site for the class you choose as well in order to get acquainted with the inner-workings of the platform and become accustomed to how to grades, assignments and projects are displayed on the page. Knowing all this important information about the courses themselves before starting will have you less stressed once you’re well into the course.
Tip 3: Commit to a schedule
Again, if you aren’t excited about the class, you won’t really want to do it. So once you’ve chosen a topic that you are passionate about and have read through the course syllabus, estimate how much time you will need to commit to the coursework each week. For each class, there is usually a designated number of weeks or months it will be accessible for you to complete it. In order to stay on track and ensure you finish all of the work, you need to set aside a certain number of hours or a specific day each week in which you know you will be able to commit to finishing that week’s worth of work. Setting small goals for yourself each week, like completing one chapter or lesson, is a good way to start and not immediately overwhelm yourself.
Tip 4: Interact with your classmates
Though it is an online platform, Coursera allows the opportunity for plenty of interaction with your fellow classmates. Discussion forums allow students to ask and answer questions, share information and ideas about the course, and even receive feedback from volunteer mentors. The volunteers essentially act as TAs would in a traditional course and are available to provide insight and answer questions. Course instructors also hold a pre-recorded video version of office hours each week, in which they record answers to the most commonly asked questions from that week. Another great reason to use those discussion boards!
Tip 5: Give and receive feedback
Take the time to not only complete and submit your own work, but also take a look at the work of others. Since there is no in-person discussion for people to chime in with ideas or comments, it’s important to look at and review the work of your classmates. In doing so, you have the opportunity to see what others are thinking and gain new insight and ideas you may not have thought about before. There are also opportunities to give and receive comments on one another’s work, a great tool for feedback since the work is not graded by a professor as it would be in a traditional classroom.
The Coursera for Illinois online class experience is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of. They are open to all University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students and are a great way to gain knowledge on a topic of interest or earn credit toward a certificate to push you further down the career path you want to follow. Remember these tips when signing up for your first (or next!) course for guaranteed organization, commitment, and success!
Other Resources:
http://bit.ly/36aeaWC
http://bit.ly/2MUGQvl
http://bit.ly/2qKjmQH

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Staying Organized Throughout Your Online Course | 1.8.2020

Written by Kendall Job, Editorial Intern
For those that don’t live life by their planner or phone calendar, it can be difficult to stay organized in class. In a traditional classroom? Challenging. In an online course? It seems next to impossible. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are some manageable ways to stay on top of your work so you never miss a thing in your online course.
1. Read the syllabus
This seems like a given, but I’ve always heard professors complain about getting questions with answers that can easily be sought out in the syllabus. At the beginning of the course, write down all due dates, whether that be in your phone calendar, a physical planner or a master note on your laptop. Whatever method is the simplest way for you to see what needs to be completed in a given week is the best way to ensure your success. This is also a helpful way to split up your work throughout the course and each week so you feel as if your time is best managed and you do not feel overwhelmed by the work you need to complete.
2. Log in at the beginning of the week
In my experience, many professors of online classes post the week's worth of work and assignments with links and due dates at the beginning of a new week. Log in on Sunday or Monday when a new chapter or module begins for a reminder of what is necessary to complete that week and all the work that is to be finished by the end of it. It is important to do so in case anything on the syllabus has been changed or added. By taking this simple step, you can ensure you are on top of what to do on that specific week and will not miss out on anything you shouldn’t.
3. Stay on top of announcements
Announcements from the course instructor or professor are typically posted on the class learning platform, whatever that may be. Course announcements are highly important to keep up with and read on a regular basis, as they will likely contain clarifying information about questions being asked or any assignment or grade update made to the course, as well. Make it a habit to check the announcements tab each time you log into your learning portal. Don’t skip out on reading these! I guarantee each one contains helpful information that applies to the entire class, including you.
4. Read your emails
I know an astounding amount of friends and fellow students that have thousands of unread emails in their school email account. The first step here is going through and clearing out all the previous professor emails that no longer apply to you. Delete ones from old classes or ones that just do not need to be sitting unread in your inbox anymore. In addition, read and star the emails sent by your online professor(s) so you are always up to date with the class information. You’ll never know what you’re missing out on if you don’t read these. You can even create a separate email folder to move them to once you have read them so they’re all in one place and are easy to refer back to later.
5. Check your grades
If you do any of these things regarding your online courses, keep up with your grades! Since all the required work is online, it can be easy to simply complete it in one sitting and forget about it completely when you become busy and overwhelmed with other things. Check your grades at least once a week to ensure you didn’t miss anything and so you have time to ask for clarification from your instructor on any points you missed. Doing so will ensure you’re on the path to success and will receive an overall good grade in the class!
Each of these organizational tips are vital to remember when taking an online course. If you stay on top of your assignments, emails, grades and announcements you have every reason to believe you’ll succeed in the long run! If you’ve taken a class online before and have any other ideas for staying organized, share with others and comment below. Happy learning!
Other resources:
http://bit.ly/2MUMgGH
http://bit.ly/2MRcwl3
http://bit.ly/2pYTeBh

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10 Common Misconceptions About Online Courses | 12.19.2019

Written by Kendall Job, Editorial Intern

Many who are skeptical of online courses often are not aware of the myths involved with the topic as a whole. Sometimes, students make assumptions about online learning if they are nervous or hesitant about trying one out. So, here are 10 common misconceptions students may have about taking online classes that have been dispelled!
Misconception 1: Online classes are “blow-off” classes
Online courses actually tend to be about the same amount of work as a traditional class. They can even be more rigorous than usual since many are completed in a much shorter span of time than a full 16 week semester. Take your time to get organized so you don’t miss anything by not working consistently and setting aside time each week designated to working through and completing the online coursework.
Misconception 2: There are no time limits
Due dates are definitely still a thing in online courses, just as they are in a traditional classroom. Yes, some of them may be very spread out throughout the course, but if you fall too far behind on the work, you run the risk of having to cram or even failing the course if you do not complete all of the required work on time. You must hold yourself accountable to ensure you finish your work by the time it is due.
Misconception 3: They’re lower quality than traditional classes
Some think that online courses are not held to the same standard that in-person ones are. This is a huge myth that needs to be disregarded. Sure, there can be courses that are designed poorly for online, but the same is true for regular courses as well. Many online courses go through a design process to make sure they are all easily accessible, formatted in a functional manner and are highly organized so there are no quality problems with material or learning resources throughout the course.
Misconception 4: Online credit doesn’t transfer
Some students worry that the credit they receive from taking online courses will not transfer to a university they attend later or toward their degree credits and requirements. While you should check to ensure the courses transfer would you change schools or majors or be a part of an advanced degree program, most universities view online classes as being just as valid and transferable as traditional classes held in-person. In addition, transferology.com is a great resource for finding which courses will transfer to specific schools and for what requirements.
Misconception 5: The instructor doesn’t actually teach
While it may feel as though there is less interaction in the course overall because you cannot see your instructor, they still have so much to teach you! Some online courses have a live lecture component, where you can hear the voice of your professor as they teach the lesson in real-time. Your online instructor still spent hours upon hours designing the course to be fit for an online environment, created the assignments and exams and posted lecture slides and notes. There are so many ways to learn from them!
Misconception 6: There’s no interaction with your classmates
This one is simply not true! Yes, you may not see or hear your classmates in a real-life classroom, but there are still several opportunities for interaction when taking an online course. Discussion boards, peer reviews, group chats or Skype calls for group projects… the options are endless! Making connections and interacting with your fellow online classmates can help lead you to success in the course overall.
Misconception 7: Online courses require less work
There is no one to hold you accountable for online coursework but yourself and these courses still require work. Typically, online courses require the same amount of time as a traditional course and are just as rigorous and challenging, as well. An online course likely has more work figured into each chapter or module for a week since there are usually no meeting times for the class. They are usually shorter in length, meaning 16 weeks' worth of coursework is condensed into just 8 weeks. There is often more to do in a week to stay on track in passing the course with flying colors.
Misconception 8: You must be good with computers
Yes, you do need to possess some basic technical skills for online learning, like how to connect to the internet or navigate a browser. In general, though, many of the tools and programs you will likely be working with have familiar aspects and functions. In addition, many online courses offer several tutorials, directions, and links to help you out in case you have questions or run into issues when using the course platform. Your instructor and fellow students are also great resources to turn to if you ever have questions or problems with the assignments and activities throughout your course.
Misconception 9: Employers don’t respect online learning
Some do not believe that online courses are the same amount of work as a typical course held in a traditional classroom. However, since they are the same amount of rigor, if not more, like a traditional course, many employers still view online courses as respected and practical. Especially in an advanced degree program and if you have a career at the same time, employers will respect and notice your efforts in taking the time to further your education and professional knowledge and skills in your field.
Misconception 10: You can’t grow your network from an online course
While there may be no in-person interaction in an online class, there is still a great opportunity to network with your classmates and build professional relationships. There are so many opportunities for interaction within the course itself, and you will likely have access to your class roster with email contact information. There is no harm in emailing an introduction to connect or even adding your classmates on LinkedIn. You never know what future opportunities could fall into your lap because of it.

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

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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