Computer and Information Science

Applying to the CIS Graduate Program

Please note: this is the on-campus information; for the online MCIT, please see the program website.

All applications for engineering graduate programs are submitted online. Penn Engineering Graduate Admissions provides links to create an application or log in to view an existing application here.

Information about our Doctoral (Ph.D.), Master of Science in Engineering in Computer and Information Science (MSE), and the Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) graduate programs can be found here. You can also access information about our faculty, research and courses.

Applicants to the CIS Doctoral and CIS/MSE graduate programs are expected to have a strong academic background in computer science; the core courses for Doctoral students are the same core courses taken by CIS/MSE students.

The MCIT graduate program is designed for candidates with a strong academic background in an area other than computer science; i.e., candidates with a strong academic background in computer science should NOT apply to the MCIT graduate program.

Candidates may apply to the doctoral program only as full-time students.

Penn Engineering Graduate Admissions provides an admissions FAQ here.

Admission statistics – number of applicants/admits, average GRE scores, etc. – for our graduate programs for the past several years are available here. This will give you an idea of what is expected of applicants.

Departmental financial aid is available only for doctoral students. Applicants to the CIS Doctoral Program are considered for available funding; it is not necessary to submit extra material to be considered for funding.

There is no departmental funding available for master’s students. There are no RA positions available in the department; only research fellow positions for doctoral candidates. Teaching Assistant (TA) duties are generally met by Ph.D. candidates participating in a Teaching Practicum. Information about other funding resources can be found here.

The University of Pennsylvania participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program; information can be found here.

Submatriculation/Accelerated Master’s: Undergraduate students applying for Submatriculation/Accelerated Master’s status must have completed the courses listed below at the time of application:

  • CIS 1200, CIS 1210, CIS 1600
  • One theory course (CIS 2620, CIS 3200)
  • Any two of the following project oriented classes: (NETS 2120, CIS 3410, CIS/ESE 3500, CIS 4710/5710, CIS 3800, CIS 4120/CIS 5120, CIS 4500/CIS 5500, CIS 4550/5550, CIS 4600/CIS 5600, CIS 5050, CIS 5530)

The application must include a plan for completing all requirements for their current undergraduate and CIS/MSE program.  Applicants should have at least a 3.2 GPA in their major, as well at least a B+ average in the chosen six courses above.

School of Engineering Information regarding the Submatriculation/Accelerated master’s option is accessible here.

Information re: requesting to be considered for a dual degree/transfer can be found here.

Requirements for engineering masters students requesting consideration to transfer to or do a dual degree with the CIS/MSE program:

  • Students interested in pursuing a dual or transfer should first talk with their current program.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.7
  • Transfer Requests can be made only after the end of first semester at Penn, but no later than the add/drop deadline of 3rd semester.
  • Dual-Degree Requests can be made only after the end of first semester at Penn, but no later than add/drop deadline of the student’s final semester.
  • External candidates must have received a grade of A- or above in a CIS graduate course.
  • Application Documents: in addition to the dual/or transfer application form, students must include a Personal Statement, Resume, copy of undergraduate transcript.
  • Note, submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. The admission process is competitive.

Transfers requests only (in addition to above requirements):

Students requesting to be considered for dual degree status/transfer status should not make such a request until after completion, including posting of grades, of the first semester in the program to which they were originally admitted.

Such requests are evaluated with the same criteria used in evaluating candidates applying directly to our graduate programs; i.e. candidates should have the appropriate background, academic credentials, test scores, etc. Click here to access School of Engineering info re: dual degrees/transferring programs.