Category: ENGR

Systems Engineering and Design

Major Description

Systems Engineering and Design (formerly General Engineering) is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that emphasizes real-world problem-solving through a unique orientation toward partnerships with industry. It brings together basic sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design. Systems Engineers understand how to apply business fundamentals to promote utilization of new technology, engage in entrepreneurship, and succeed in engineering and non-engineering careers. 

More About Systems Engineering and Design
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

One unique aspect of the Systems Engineering and Design program is that the students focus their studies through the Secondary Field Option, shaping the Systems Engineering and Design curriculum to their interests and career goals. Students select a Secondary Field Option by the start of their junior year. There are two basic types of Secondary Field Options: pre-approved or customized. 

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • CS 101—Introduction to Computing: Engineering & Science
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
  • ECE 110 – Introduction to Electronics
  • SE 101 – Engineering Graphics and Design
  • SE 261 – Business Side of Engineering
  • TAM 211 – Statics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and Design prepares you to do well in all aspects of industry, including health care, communications, environmental stewardship, government, and business.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to conduct/explain scientific data
  • Ability to follow systematic procedures
  • Ability to formulate/defend positions
  • Ability to understand measurements
  • Ability to use technical equipment
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Analyze/organize/interpret data
  • Aptitude for details, logic and reasoning
  • Eye/hand coordination
  • Make sound judgments
  • Research skills
  • Solve open-ended problems
  • Speak effectively/listen objectively
Common Career Titles
  • General Engineer
  • General Maintenance Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Application Engineer
  • Consulting
  • Design Engineer
  • Engineering Administration
  • Engineering Marketing
  • Engineering Product Planner
  • Government Services
  • Process Engineer
  • Research and Development
  • Staff Engineer
  • Systems Engineers
  • Technical Sales
  • Technical Service Support

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Systems Engineering and Design.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of SED.  These organizations include National Academy of Engineering and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Learn more about what students and alumni are doing with a degree in IE.

Physics

Major Description

In this major, you will study, measure, and manipulate the fundamental interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. This branch of science forms the foundation of all natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Students in this major will gain a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the world around us through their coursework and hands-on learning opportunities. This program will give you the tools to quantitatively break down complex problems to solve scientific mysteries and reveal the inner workings of nature. This program provides a solid training in physics, but also allows space for electives, thereby providing students more flexibility to take more advanced Physics coursework or pursue other interests. Our Physics program will give you the keys to a wide range of challenging and fulfilling careers, whether you plan on entering a graduate or a professional school, or joining the private-sector workforce after graduation. There is also the option for those in Physics to earn a Secondary Education minor and obtain certification to teach Physics in high schools.

More About Physics
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a variety of career options for majors in Physics in the following areas: Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Government and Private-Sector Research, Medicine, Physics, Software, Teaching, and Technology Development.

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Communication
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Knowledge of math, science, and engineering
  • Logic and reasoning skills
  • Teamwork
Common Career Titles
  • Acoustical Physicist
  • Application Engineer
  • Astrophysicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Engineer
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Fiber Optic Engineer
  • Fluid Physicist
  • Geophysicist Health
  • Physicist
  • Lab Technician
  • Materials Scientist
  • Medical Physicist
  • Project Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Physicist
  • Systems Engineer
  • Technical Analyst
  • Technical Consultant

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Physics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Physics.  These organizations include American Institute of Physics and American Physical Society.

Nuclear, Plasma, & Radiological Engineering

Major Description

Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering is concerned with the development and use of nuclear energy and radiation sources for a wide variety of applications in energy production, in materials processing and science, and for biomedical and industrial uses. Areas of interest include the continued safe and reliable application of fission reactors as central electric power-plant thermal sources, plasma processing applications and the long-term development of fusion reactors for electric power generation, and the use of radiation sources in such areas as materials, biological systems, medical treatment, radiation instrumentation, environmental systems, and activation analysis.

More About NPRE
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

 The NPRE Department at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, has BS, MS, and PhD in NPRE degree programs with three academic paths: 

Plasma & Fusion Science Engineering

Knowledge of plasmas prepares one for work on the ongoing quest to harness the power of nuclear fusion. Fusion is the combination of two light nuclei to form a heavier element—the opposite of nuclear fission, which is currently utilized in nuclear power plants.

Power, Safety, & the Environment

Nuclear energy provides an environmentally friendly source for electric power generation throughout the world. It has continued to produce twenty percent of the US electricity for the past twenty years, with an enviable safety record, at very competitive costs. New and improved designs are evolving that will enable expanded use in both developed and developing countries.

Radiological, Medical and Instrumentation Applications

With the current energy crisis, there is a tremendous need for new power plants. Nuclear power has the advantage of possessing an outstanding safety record, low pollution emissions, and low energy costs. If new nuclear power plants are built, the need for health physicists and radiological engineers will be tremendous.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Nuclear engineering (and nuclear power by extension) offers tremendous potential for students interested in numerous career opportunities, ground breaking scientific research, and creating energy solutions that helps the world run. 

Common Career Skills
  • Design power plants and supervise operations
  • Fusion energy
  • Improve plant safety and efficiency
  • Material processing
  • Microelectronics
  • Research
  • Communicate effectively
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Understanding of technology
Common Career Titles
  • Associate Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Test Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Alpha Omega Epsilon Engineering Sorority: Promotes friendship, leadership, and professionalism to further the advancement of female engineers, while strengthening the bonds of sisterhood in the process.
    • American Nuclear Society, University of Illinois Student Section: Opportunity for students to develop professionally though affiliation with an international organization of nuclear scientists and engineers as well as to encourage social interactions between members and other University organizations.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering.  These organizations include American Nuclear Society and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Neural Engineering

Major Description

Neural engineers apply engineering principles to the design of technologies to understand, repair, and enhance the function of the nervous system.

As a neural engineering student, you will receive a rigorous and focused training at the intersection of neuroscience and engineering fundamentals. Upon graduation, you’ll contribute to efforts that seek to improve human health. For example, recent advances in neural engineering have:

  • restored mobility to individuals with paralysis,
  • relieved symptoms of movement disorders,
  • reduced chronic pain,
  • restored the sense of hearing,
  • and enabled noninvasive monitoring of electrical signals from individual neurons in the living brain.
More About Neural Engineering
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • NE 100—Introduction to Neural Engineering
  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • MCB 150—Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
  • CS 101—Intro Computing: Engrg & Sci

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in the following industries:

Neuroprosthetics
Developing devices that can interface with the nervous system to restore lost sensory or motor functions. For example, creating prosthetic limbs that the user’s thoughts can control.

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
Creating technologies that allow direct communication between the brain and external devices, enabling individuals to control computers, robots or other devices using their brain signals.

Neuroimaging
Advancing techniques to visualize and understand the brain’s activity and structure, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or electroencephalography (EEG).

Neural Stimulation
Designing methods for delivering controlled electrical or chemical signals to specific regions of the brain, which can be used for therapeutic purposes or to study brain function.

Neural Probes
Developing tiny devices that can be inserted into the brain to record or stimulate neural activity, often used in research to understand brain functions and disorders.

Neural Signal Processing
Creating algorithms and tools to analyze and interpret the complex signals generated by the nervous system.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments
  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Design and build medical devices
  • Quantitative skills (math, science, eng.)
  • Research skills
  • Strong background in life science fundamentals and medical systems
  • Teamwork skills
  • Technologically inclined
Common Career Titles
  • Neurotechnology Research Assistant
  • Neuroinformatics Specialist
  • Neurorehabilitation Technician
  • Biotechnology Associate
  • Neuroscience or Neuroimaging Data Analyst
  • Biomedical Designer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Clinical Engineer
  • Lab Director
  • Project Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Biomedical Engineering Society, Illinois Chapter: Promotes the increase of biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization.
    • National Society of Black Engineers: NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to majors within the Department of Bioengineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Neural Engineering. These organizations include Biomedical Engineering Society and Computational Neuroscience Journal Club.

Mechanical Engineering

Major Description

Mechanical Engineering (ME) provides hands-on and broad training in a wide variety of essential engineering topics, such as design and manufacturing, materials, thermal/fluid sciences, and controls, enabling our students to have a major impact on society. ME students benefit from an integrated, hands-on design sequence of five courses beginning in the freshmen year. One third of our ME students pursue graduate school and the rest pursue industry positions upon graduation.

More About ME
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
  • CS 101—Introduction to Computing: Engineering & Science
  • ME 170—Computer-Aided Design
  • TAM 210—Introduction to Statics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a variety of professions that Mechanical Engineering students pursue. They are solving today’s most pressing technological challenges in energy and the environment, biology and health care, security and defense, transportation, micro-nano technology, design and manufacturing, robotics, and many other areas. Our students also gain problem-solving and communication skills to excel in non-traditional areas like finance, management, business, medicine, and law.

Common Career Skills
  • Communicate effectively
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Understanding of technology
  • Understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
Common Career Titles
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Aerodynamics Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Packaging Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Safety Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant 
  • Technical Sales Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant
  • Patent Lawyer Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mechanical Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mechanical Engineering.  These organizations include American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Society of Automotive Engineers.

MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office – Temporary Location: 152 Computer Applications Building 605 East Springfield Ave. Champaign, IL 61820.

Phone Number: (217) 333-0366, Email: mechse-undergrad@illinois.edu

Materials Science & Engineering

Major Description

Materials Science and Engineering provides an understanding of the underlying principles of synthesis and processing of materials and of the interrelationships between structure, properties, and processing. Students learn how to create advanced materials and systems required, e.g., for flexible electronic displays and photonics that will change communications technologies, for site specific drug delivery, for self-healing materials, for enabling the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, and for more efficient photovoltaics and nuclear systems for energy production. The curriculum uses concepts from both basic physics and chemistry and provides a detailed knowledge of what makes the materials we use every day behave as they do.

More About MatSE
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Areas of Focus

The MatSE program provides a diverse set of courses enabling a plan of study designed around the interest of the student. Highlights of the possible focus areas are:

Biomaterials

The science and engineering of materials for use in biological applications, particularly as related to human health. This area includes concepts in basic and intermediate chemistry and basic and intermediate biology, with relatively less coverage of physics topics. It includes a subset of the standard junior year courses and requires additional chemistry and biology in the junior year

Ceramics

Studies the science and engineering of ceramic materials, including alloy design, composites, synthesis, and processing methods. Ceramics makes significant use of concepts from both basic physics and basic chemistry.

Electronic Materials

Describes the design and engineering of materials primarily for the microelectronics industries. Topics span the ceramics, metals, and polymers areas. Concepts from basic and intermediate physics are used along with basic chemistry.

Metals

Introduces the design and processing of metals and alloys to achieve desired properties. This area primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate physics with relatively less emphasis on chemical concepts.

Polymers

Teaches the methods for molecular design to achieve desired properties in individual polymers, polymer blends, and polymer composites as well as processing methods. This area primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate chemistry with relatively less emphasis on physics concepts.

Advanced Processing and Characterization Methods

Introduces principles for designing and engineering materials structure, properties, and chemistry from atomic to macroscopic scales, this area also teaches fundamental and practical concepts necessary for determining materials structure and chemistry at different length scales. This area utilizes basic knowledge from physics and chemistry.

Composites

Studies the science and engineering of materials formed by combining multiple materials into a single material. Studies of composites make significant use of properties of materials and mathematical knowledge.

Materials for Energy and the Environment

Studies materials for energy production, harvesting, and storage; materials for environmental remediation, water purification, and recycling; and includes discussions on sustainability and life-cycle analysis of the environmental impact of materials. Materials issues related to both renewable and non-renewable energy production are covered. This area utilizes concepts from both physics and chemistry.

Materials Theory and Computation

Introduces computational modeling approaches for materials that span length- and time-scales from the atomic to the macroscopic. This area focuses on computational prediction of material response to different stimuli (mechanical loads, temperature, electronic excitations, etc.) and fundamental material properties.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MSE 201—Phases & Phase Relations
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates with MatSE degrees find jobs in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, electronics, energy, nanotechnology, computational modeling, consulting, patent law and telecommunications industries—virtually any industry that uses “stuff.”

Common Career Skills
  • Communicate effectively
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Identify materials-related problems and formulate plans to solve such problems
  • Knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering, including calculus, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, solid state physics and mechanics
  • Understanding of contemporary and cultural issues
  • Understanding of the impact of materials engineering on society and the environment
  • Understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities of materials engineers
Common Career Titles
  • Consultant
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Material Engineer
  • Materials Consultant
  • Metallurgical Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Research and Development

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Materials Science and Engineering. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Materials Science and Engineering.  These organizations include ASM International, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, and Society of Plastics Engineers.

Industrial Engineering

Major Description

Industrial Engineering solves complex system problems by addressing how systems and how components fit together. Due to the human component, industrial engineers draw upon a variety of disciplines, including not only mathematics, computer science and process control, but also communications, psychology and production management.  These skills are needed in order to design efficient, productive systems in a wide range of business, industrial, and governmental settings.

There are also customized track options for this major: 

  • Economics and Finance
  • Industrial Engineering Fundamentals
  • Operations Research
  • Quality Engineering
  • Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Logistics
More About Industrial Engineering
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering prepares students to work in a limitless variety of industries, including technology, health care, communications, manufacturing, and government—you will be equipped to make an impact in the career path of your choice.

Common Career Skills
  • Designing the admissions procedure at a hospital.
  • Developing a hardware protection program for spacecraft.
  • Developing a supplier quality program.
  • Developing and launching a complete material handling system.
  • Developing prototype units for the cellular phone car adapter market.
  • Developing the conceptual layout of a dockyard and ship repair facility.
  • Discovering a new way to assemble a product that will prevent worker injury.
  • Implementing lean manufacturing concepts.
  • Performing motion and time studies.
  • Representing a company in the design and construction of a new plant.
  • Representing manufacturing and purchasing issues on a design team.
  • Simulation modeling.
  • Teaching industrial engineering courses.
  • Working on a design project to make a medical device to treat sleep apnea.
  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  • Apply techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  • Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  • Communicate effectively
  • Core knowledge of mathematics and physical sciences, and the ability to apply that knowledge in engineering practice
  • Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues with a broad emphasis on the arts, humanities, and sciences
  • Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  • Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
Common Career Titles
  • Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Operations Manager
  • Product Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Production Planning Systems Manager
  • Salesman

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering Society: honors academically outstanding students at the University of Illinois in the area of Industrial Engineering. In addition to awarding achievement, we aid the IESE department and help the community with service projects.
    • Institute of Industrial Engineers: discusses topics related to Industrial Engineering and socialize with other IE’s

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Industrial Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Industrial Engineering.  These organizations include Institute of Industrial Engineers and Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

Engineering Mechanics

Major Description

Engineering Mechanics (EM) allows students to combine a love of engineering with a passion for mathematics, physics, computation, and other sciences. While the student experience also includes applied topics and lab classes, the EM program places strong emphasis on a scientific approach, with a foundation of math and physics classes, followed by courses in statics, dynamics, mechanics of solids, mechanics of fluids, continuum mechanics, mechanics of materials, computational mechanics, and engineering design.

Students can also focus their studies through a secondary field. Secondary fields are often built around a student’s long-term career interests, integrating their Engineering Mechanics curriculum with another area of specialization. Secondary fields come in two varieties, pre-approved or customized.

In all, there are seven pre-approved secondary field options:

  • Biomechanics
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics
  • Experimental Mechanics
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Solid Mechanics EM

Students with special interests can work with their faculty advisors to personalize their own secondary field.

More About EM
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
  • CS 101— Introduction to Computing: Engineering & Science
  • TAM 195—Mechanics in the Modern World
  • TAM 211—Statics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The versatile problem-solving abilities of EM graduates serve them well in all walks of life. About half of  EM graduates continue their education in graduate school, and about half take positions in industry. EM students who continue into graduate school find themselves well prepared for graduate work in a wide range of studies—from medicine to materials science. The Engineering Mechanics program produces science-based engineers prepared to solve challenging, technical problems in aerospace, biomedical, automotive, manufacturing, product development, petrochemical, energy, nanotechnology, heating and air condition, water treatment, software, robotics, consulting, and research applications.

Common Career Skills
  • Communicate effectively
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Ability to use advanced computational tools
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Understanding of technology
  • Understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
Common Career Titles
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Aerodynamics Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Machinery Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Packaging Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Safety Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant
  • Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant
  • Patent Lawyer 

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Engineering Mechanics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Engineering Mechanics.  These organizations include American Institute of Physics and ASME.

View the Engineering Mechanics Brochure or the MechSE Departmental Brochure for more Information.

MechSE Undergraduate Programs Office – temporary location 152 Computer Applications Building 605 East Springfield Ave. Champaign, IL 61820. Phone: (217) 333-0366 Email: mechse-undergrad@illinois.edu

Electrical Engineering

Major Description

Electrical engineers design, construct, and maintain products, services, and systems and perform research to create new ideas in areas such as energy and power, circuits and electronics, optics, remote sensing, electromagnetics, communications, signal processing and control, and networking and computing systems. Electrical engineering is a rapidly evolving discipline based on the application of math, physics, and computation to address the needs of our networked information-age society.

More About Electrical Engineering
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • ECE 110—Introduction to Electronics
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Because of the variety of possible applications, electrical engineers need a broad background in mathematics and physics, as well as strong hands-on experimental work or solid knowledge of theoretical, mathematical and computational approaches.

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Communication Systems
  • Computers
  • Conduct Experiments
  • Design
  • Development
  • Drafting
  • Telecommunications
  • Programming
  • Robotics
  • Brainstorming
  • Communications
  • Creative problem solving
  • Presentation skills
  • Programming
  • Teamwork
  • Technical information assimilation
Common Career Titles
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electrical Systems Operation Manager
  • Engineering Manager
  • Instrumentation Engineer
  • Marketing Engineer
  • Plant Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Project Manager

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Electrical Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Electrical Engineering.  These organizations include The Institution of Engineering and Technology and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Computer Science + Bioengineering

Major Description

CS + Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary field combining engineering, computer science and applied mathematics principles to solve complex engineering problems using computational methods. It uses computer simulations, numerical analysis, and advanced mathematical techniques to model, analyze, and optimize engineering systems and processes.

This is a joint offering through the departments of bioengineering and computer science.

In your first and second year, you’ll gain a thorough foundation in scientific computing practices and introductory bioengineering concepts. In your third and fourth year, you’ll study diverse modern applications of computing in medicine and the life sciences. You’ll graduate prepared to address emerging problems throughout your career!

More About CS + Bioengineering
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CS 124—Introduction to Computer Science I
  • CS 128—Introduction to Computer Science II
  • CS 173—Discrete Structures
  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • MCB 150—Molecular & Cellular Basis of Life
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in the following industries:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Genomics
  • Medical Devices
  • Healthcare informatics and software
  • Drug discovery
  • Clinical informatics
  • Computational Biology
Common Career Skills
  • Analyze biomedical data
  • Construct models of biological systems
  • Design and install advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments
  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Coding skills
  • Quantitative skills (math, science, eng.)
  • Research skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Technologically inclined
Common Career Titles
  • Biomedical Software Engineer
  • Healthcare IT Analyst
  • Clinical Informatics Specialist
  • Biomedical Algorithm Engineer 
  • Clinical Software Developer
  • Biomedical Designer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Lab Director
  • Project Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Biomedical Engineering Society, Illinois Chapter: Promotes the increase of biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization.
    • National Society of Black Engineers: NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to majors within the Department of Bioengineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Computer Science + Bioengineering. These organizations include Biomedical Engineering Society and Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Division of Exploratory Studies
Illini Union Bookstore, Floor 5
807 S. Wright Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
217-333-4710

Campus Center for Advising and Academic Services

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