Students applying to the Penn Engineering Accelerated Master’s Program (AM) should apply during their sophomore or junior year. Students may submit an application as early as their third semester during their undergraduate degree. Students should refer to the University Academic Calendar for university dates.

Please review the Accelerated Master’s guidelines in the Student Handbook. Penn Engineering recognizes matriculation into one Accelerated Master’s/submatriculation program across the schools. 

Contact OAS Grad Advisors at grad-affairs@seas.upenn.edu for academic questions.

Contact Grad Admissions at graduate-admissions@seas.upenn.edu for admissions questions.

Submission Timing

Current Semester Submission

The full application must be submitted within the first 14 days of the current semester to be considered for admission into the current semester. *Some program deadlines vary. See “Programs with Alternate Deadlines” below.

Example: If looking for Fall 2025 admission into AM, the student must complete all necessary application requirements and submit the application no later than September 10, 2025.

Upcoming Semester Submission

After 14 days into the semester, applications will be for admission into the following semester.

Example: If submitting an application on October 1, 2025, or December 13, 2025, those applications will only be eligible for Spring 2026 admission into AM.

Programs with Alternate Deadlines

Computer Graphics and Game Technology

CGGT encourages students to apply after the start of their sophomore year or in their junior year, either by May 15th for a Fall start or December 15th for a Spring start. We also recommend applying no later than the start of the student’s seventh semester.

Computer and Information Science & Materials Science and Engineering

CIS and MSE encourage students to apply by either May 15th for a Fall start or by December 15th for a Spring start. We also recommend applying no later than the start of the student’s seventh semester.

CIS/MSE requires students to apply after they have completed these required courses:

  • CIS 1200, CIS 1210, CIS 1600
  • One theory course (CIS 2620, CIS 3200)
  • Any two of the following project-oriented classes: (NETS 2120, CIS/ESE 3500, CIS 4120/CIS 5120, CIS 4480/CIS 5480, CIS 4500/CIS 5500, CIS 4521/CIS 5521, CIS 4550/5550, CIS 4600/CIS 5600, CIS 5050, CIS 5530, CIS 4710/CIS 5710)
  • Applicants should have at least a 3.2 GPA in their major and a B+ average in the chosen six courses above.

Computer and Information Technology

MCIT encourages students to apply after the start of their sophomore year or junior year by May 15th for a Fall start (Fall Admission Only).

Data Science

DATS encourages Juniors to apply by either May 15th or December 15th in their junior year. (May 15 is the end of the Spring/start of Summer before a student’s fifth semester, or December 15, right at the end of the fifth semester.)

Integrated Product Design

IPD requires students to apply in their junior year by the February 3rd deadline as IPD admits them as a cohort for the following fall term.

Application Procedures

Key Links

Course Planning Form
Accelerated Master’s Application

Step 1: Complete the Course Planning Form
  • Fill out the Course Planning Form electronically in PDF format.
  • Ensure all required signatures are digital or electronically added through PDF software.
  • Do not submit:
    • Forms that have been printed, written on, scanned, or modified manually.
    • Emails stating “approved” in lieu of a digital signature.
  • Forms that do not meet these requirements will be returned for correction.
  • Upload the completed form to your online application before submission.
  • Incomplete or missing forms may result in an incomplete application, which could be rejected.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Submit the Accelerated Master’s Application through the online application portal.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Include the following materials with your application:

  • Transcript
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (2–3 pages)

Step 4: Provide Professional References
  • Enter the email contacts of two professional references in the application portal.
  • Letters of recommendation are not required upfront but may be requested if needed for evaluation.
  • Acceptable references include:
    • Program Director
    • Advisor
    • Instructor
    • Internship or Lab Supervisor
    • Principal Investigator (PI), or
    • Similar Roles

Step 5: Accept Admission Offer

If admitted, accept the offer via the application portal within 30 days of the decision release date.

Important Notes
  • If you choose not to pursue the Master’s degree after matriculation, you may request to withdraw from the program in Path@Penn.
  • The application system closes annually in June and July for updates.
  • Plan accordingly.For assistance, contact the Penn Engineering Graduate Admissions Team at graduate-admissions@seas.upenn.edu

Eligibility

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. (BIOT requires a cumulative GPA of 3.5, CIS requires a cumulative GPA of 3.2, and ROBO requires a minimum STEM GPA of 3.2.)
  • Both BSE and BAS degree students in Penn Engineering may apply for the Accelerated Master’s program. Qualified undergraduates in Penn’s other schools may apply for an Accelerated Master’s into any of the Engineering Master’s degree programs, subject to their home school’s rules and regulations.
  • Uncoordinated dual degree students are not eligible for the Accelerated Master’s degree.