The Accelerated Master’s (4+1) Program allows motivated students, with departmental approval, to begin a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s. This streamlined path permits students to take graduate-level courses early and dually apply up to three courses toward both degrees, significantly reducing the time and cost to earn advanced expertise and prepare for the competitive job market.
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
Spring 2026 Deadline: December 15th, 2025
Fall 2026 Deadline: June 1st, 2026
To apply to the Accelerated Master’s (4+1), you must be a currently enrolled Penn undergraduate when you submit your application. We recommend applying during sophomore or junior year. Applicants must follow the fixed 4+1 deadlines (Dec 15 and June 1) and must still be undergraduates on the submission date. Applications submitted after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred are not eligible for 4+1. See examples below if you plan to apply during your senior year:
- December graduates (final term is Fall): Last eligible submission is June 1 before the final fall term
- May graduates (final term is Spring): Last eligible submission is Dec 15 of senior year
Programs with Alternate Requirements
Computer and Information Science & Materials Science and Engineering
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.
Integrated Product Design
IPD requires students to apply in their junior year by the February 1st deadline, as IPD admits them as a cohort for the following fall term.
Application Procedures
Key Links
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 (4+1) 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 3.2, CIS requires a cumulative GPA of 3.2, ROBO requires a minimum STEM GPA of 3.2., and BE requires a minimum GPA of 3.5).
- Both BSE and BAS degree students in Penn Engineering may apply for the Accelerated Master’s (4+1) 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 (4+1) degree.