Computer and Information Science
The Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) degree is transitioning to a new name: the Master of Applied Science in Computer Science (MAS-CS). The MAS-CS degree represents an evolution of the MCIT degree, building directly on its established foundation. The replacement of the MCIT degree with the MAS-CS degree is a change designed to reflect a more accurate description of the applied, hands-on nature of the curriculum and the technical roles graduates pursue. It does not represent a change in academic standards or level of technical rigor for the program. The MCIT program is no longer accepting applications.
Designed for professionals from non-computer science backgrounds, the MAS-CS degree delivers rigorous computer science foundations in programming, systems, algorithms, and software design – preparing graduates to build, scale, and lead in technically complex, rapidly evolving environments.
Note: Information on this site is for the on-campus program. Students interested in the online MAS-CS program should visit the Penn Engineering Online website.
Effective Fall 2026, the MCIT program will no longer be accepting applications. We encourage prospective students to explore our new MAS-CS degree, which maintains the same rigorous computer science education designed specifically for those who did not major in computer science.
Note: Information on this site is for the on-campus program. Students interested in the online MCIT program should visit this site.
The Master of Science in Engineering in Computer and Information Science degree program is designed to allow flexible planning of advanced study. The MSE student develops their own advanced study focus, and can arrange interdisciplinary programs in such areas as CIS and Telecommunications, CIS and Computational Linguistics, CIS and Biomedical Computation, etc.
Graduate studies in the Department offer the possibility for rewarding exploration and research. This is a uniquely exciting place to be.
Penn’s Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Data Science prepares students for a wide range of data-centric careers, whether in technology and engineering, consulting, science, policy-making, or understanding patterns in literature, art or communications.
The Data Science Program can typically be completed in one-and-a-half to two years. It blends leading-edge courses in core topics such as machine learning, big data analytics, and statistics, with a variety of electives and an opportunity to apply these techniques in a domain specialization – a depth area – of choice.
The modern expert in robotics and intelligent systems must be proficient in artificial intelligence, computer vision, control systems, dynamics, machine learning, as well as the design, programming, and prototyping of robotic systems. Such subjects typically reside in different departments, and departmental programs do not offer the flexibility for cross-departmental training.
The Master of Science In Engineering (MSE) program in Robotics offers a more balanced and flexible academic curriculum that cuts across multiple departments.
Interactive entertainment and computer-animated visual effects are now part of our mainstream culture. Creating such computer-generated imagery, however, is no trivial task. It requires a delicate blending of art with science by teams of highly skilled professionals, including artists, animators, writers, designers, engineers and software developers working long hours with cutting-edge technology and tools.
Currently there are very few academic programs at four-year research universities adequately preparing students for such positions. The Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT) was created specifically to address this need.
The Master of Science in Engineering in Software Systems and Cybersecurity (MSE-SSC) extends Penn Engineering’s legacy of excellence into systems and security, preparing engineers to protect what matters—from critical infrastructure to everyday devices—while shaping our digital future.
Designed for students with a background in computer science or related fields, the program emphasizes hands-on, applied learning grounded in rigorous foundations in software infrastructure, cybersecurity, big data systems, blockchain, and cloud technologies. Students learn from Ivy League faculty in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment that connects software and security experts.
In a world where AI can write code but cannot design secure systems, MSE-SSC graduates are equipped with the technical depth and judgment needed to lead the next generation of engineering.
