Chicago State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Launch Innovative 4+1 Engineering Pathway Program

CHICAGO – Chicago State University (CSU) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.) have announced a groundbreaking 4+1 pathway program that allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Physics (with an engineering focus) from CSU, and a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering in as little as five years. 

The program provides CSU students with a clear pathway to advanced engineering credentials through a carefully structured partnership with one of the nation's top-ranked engineering programs. A key feature of the program is guaranteed admission into Illinois Grainger Engineering’s M.Eng. in Electrical and Computer Engineering program for students who meet program requirements including taking undergraduate coursework at both institutions. Additionally, students will have access to a dedicated Illinois-CSU liaison to support them throughout their academic journey. 

Students complete six semesters (equivalent to 91 credits) of their Bachelor of Science in Physics with an engineering focus (PHYI) at CSU before transitioning to Illinois for their final two semesters of undergraduate coursework. Following completion of their CSU bachelor's degree requirements, students continue for an additional year at Illinois to earn their Master of Engineering degree. 

"This partnership represents a transformative opportunity for our students," said Dr. Sonja Feist-Price, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Chicago State University. "By combining CSU's strong foundation in physics education with Illinois’ world-class engineering program, we're creating a pathway that opens doors to advanced careers in engineering and technology for our students. This is exactly the kind of innovative collaboration that advances our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for careers that are shaping the future." 

Dr. Archie Peters, Interim Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Physics & Engineering at CSU, emphasized the program's strategic design. "Our physics program with an engineering focus has always prepared students for rigorous graduate study and professional success. This partnership formalizes that pathway with one of the premier engineering schools in the country, giving our students both the personalized attention they receive at CSU and access to Illinois’ cutting-edge resources and research opportunities." 

"We're excited to welcome Chicago State University students into our Master of Engineering program," said Dr. Jennifer Bernhard, Donald Biggar Willett Professor and Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Grainger College of Engineering. "This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding pathways into graduate engineering education and creating opportunities for talented students to join our community of innovators and researchers in electrical and computer engineering." 

The partnership addresses the growing demand for advanced engineering professionals while providing CSU students with a cost-effective path to graduate education. By completing most of their undergraduate work at CSU before transitioning to Illinois, students benefit from CSU's nationally recognized, research-based, supportive learning environment—home to a physics program recognized by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and the American Physical Society (APS)—as well as dedicated faculty mentorship, before advancing to specialized graduate study. 

Students interested in the 4+1 pathway can begin planning their academic trajectory with advisors in CSU's Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Studies. The program accepts students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an engineering focus. 

For more information about the CSU-UIUC 4+1 Engineering Pathway, contact the CSU Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering Studies at (773) 995-2180 or visit the department's website. 

About Chicago State University

CSU, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4 percent of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. Visit csu.edu.

About The Grainger College of Engineering 

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the world's top-ranked institutions and a globally recognized leader in engineering and computing education, research and public engagement. With a diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students and alumni, Grainger Engineering sets the standard for excellence in engineering and computing, driving innovation in the economy and bringing revolutionary ideas to the world. Through robust research and discovery, our faculty, staff, students and alumni are changing our world and making advances once only dreamed about, including the MRI, LED, ILIAC, Mosaic, YouTube, PayPal, flexible electronics, electric machinery, miniature batteries, imaging the black hole and flight on Mars. The world's brightest minds from The Grainger College of Engineering tackle today's toughest challenges. And they are building a better, cooler, safer tomorrow. Visit the Grainger Engineering website for more information.