Programs and Experiential Learning
The Grainger College of Engineering offers a top-ranked academic experience with elite engineering degree and certificate programs across a range of in-demand subject areas. Our degrees push you to experience your education actively so you can achieve your professional goals.
At Grainger Engineering, you can perform groundbreaking research, start a new business, work with peers across disciplines on modern challenges, receive support from specialized resources and develop the skills and in-depth understanding needed in order to make a meaningful impact across limitless industries.
These are the opportunities unique to a large, collaborative, and multidisciplinary institution like the University of Illinois that will make a substantial difference in your experience and career after graduation.
On this page:
- Grainger First-Year Experience
- City Scholars
- Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research Program
- Hoeft Technology and Management Program
- Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship
- Cancer Scholars Program
- Senior Design
- K-12 Programs
- Study Abroad Programs
Grainger Engineering First-Year Experience (GFX)
GFX helps first-year students adjust to college life and provides hands-on experiences that allow students to explore their interests and prepare for success.
City Scholars
City Scholars connects Chicago’s tech companies with top talent from Grainger Engineering. Students can intern or launch a startup in Chicago.
Illinois Scholars Undergraduate Research
ISUR provides a two-semester research experience via a learning-by-apprenticeship model. Students learn the research process, develop skills, learn about graduate school and gain experience.
Hoeft Technology & Management Program
This minor is offered jointly through the Grainger College of Engineering and Gies College of Business. It bridges the gap between engineering and business with a unique, cross-sectional curriculum.
Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship
This BS dual degree helps students become entrepreneurial-minded leaders who are in demand by large companies. The ILEE degree is only available as a dual degree for Engineering students.
Cancer Scholars
This program, offered by the Cancer Center at Illinois, provides interdisciplinary learning, real-world lab experiences, fellowships, workforce development and advocacy.
Senior Design Projects
Senior design projects offer an unparalleled undergraduate opportunity to work with a real company on a professional project. Students work collaboratively in teams to solve problems for corporate or non-profit clients, expanding their ability to apply in-classroom concepts. All engineering departments, except Physics, have a capstone or senior design project as a culminating degree experience.
Senior Design Project Course Directors
K-12 Programs
The Grainger College of Engineering offers a variety of engagement opportunities for students of all ages to spark interest in STEM.
Study Abroad Programs
Illinois Study Abroad
If you're interested in a program outside of engineering, Illinois Study Abroad offers programs around the globe.
International Programs in Engineering
IPENG offers study abroad opportunities from 50+ countries that allow you to stay on track with your coursework. Travel alone or with groups, and from a few weeks to a full academic year.
International Minor in Engineering
Enhance your engineering education by focusing on the social sciences and humanities in a particular country or region.
Zhejiang-University - University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Institute
ZJUI is an engineering college in Haining, China where students learn and research engineering and system sciences; information and data sciences; and energy, environment, and infrastructure sciences.
Engineering Without Borders
Get involved with the Illinois EWB student teams to conduct significant water and power projects in rural villages in Africa, Guatemala, India, and Mexico.
Take Your Engineering Education Beyond the Classroom at Grainger
The Grainger College of Engineering is at the forefront of engineering education. Our students are learning by doing across a range of impactful, unique learning experiences, putting their knowledge into action to change the world. Make a difference at Grainger.