Eligibility & Enrollment
Any adult may enroll in an online course if eligiblity requirements are met and space is available. Many students take individual courses solely for personal or professional development. Enrollment in the University of Illinois or as a graduate student is not necessary to take classes for this purpose. However, credit earned in these courses will not apply towards a degree unless the student is admitted to the Graduate College, and then only 12 hours of credit for courses completed before admittance will be applied toward the degree.
Taking courses through Academic Outreach at the University of Illinois can benefit agri-professionals in a wide range of professions from agriculture teachers to farmers, from chemical sales reps to crop consultants, and from ag lenders to green industry professionals. Online courses cannot only increase knowledge and skills needed every day, but can also lead to new job opportunities.
The Online M.S. Degree Program in Crop Sciences has proven quality: a 2000 survey of alumni reported a high level of satisfaction with course quality and instruction. Additional benefits reported include increases status among colleagues, peers, and clients; increase in skill level; monetary benefits; and the opportunity to interact with University of Illinois faculty, other students, and new contacts or clients.