Yes, what you've heard is true; there is no longer a requirement that you must earn four hours of graded 500-level lecture or lecture-discussion credit in order to earn the M.S. However, the requirement that you must earn 12 hours of 500-level credit remains in place. Read the full entry for more information about this change and what is required.
When many of our students were admitted to the online M.S. program (or extramural M.S. program as it used to be called), there was a degree requirement that you had to earn at least four hours of graded 500-level lecture or lecture-discussion credit. That requirement is no longer required. Since it will not impose any additional requirements, we are applying that rule change to all of our existing students.
So what do you need to earn the NRES M.S.?
+ NRES 594
+ At least 12 hours of 500-level credit
+ At least 32 hours total
+ Satisfactory Special Project (or Thesis for those approved)
+ Final Examination
There are some rules regarding the use of NRES 501 and, if you have been approved for the thesis option, NRES 599. You can count up to 8 hours of NRES 501 toward the degree. No more than 12 hours of NRES 599 can be counted. You can find the specifics of the degree requirements at http://nres.illinois.edu/current_online/degree_requirements.
As always, you can find a wealth of useful information and resources at http://nres.illinois.edu/current_online. And if you can't find an answer there, click Create a New Post above the search box on this page to post a question here. As always, Karen Claus and I are happy to help, as well. You can reach NRES Student Services at (217) 333-5824 or nres-ssc@illinois.edu.