Engineering and Admissions FAQ

The average engineering class size is 30 students, although the number ranges from less than 10 to as many as 85 in some cases.

Students should declare a major no later than then end of their first year.

The BSE is a professional engineering degree. The BAS is a degree for students planning careers in fields other than engineering for which a strong foundation in technology is highly desired.

Yes. In fact, approximately 23 percent of Penn Engineering undergraduates pursue dual degree programs with the College, Wharton or Nursing. In addition to regular dual degree options, certain "coordinated dual degree" programs have been established leading to two bachelor's degrees. These include:

• The Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T)
• Computer and Cognitive Science: Artificial Intelligence

In the above "coordinated dual degree" programs, a student may apply for entry after the first year of study at Penn.

Exceptional students may apply to a graduate program during their junior year. If accepted, certain approved classes taken during the senior year may count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree. Besides master's programs in engineering, Penn Engineering undergraduates may also pursue sub-matriculation admission into the following schools:

• Penn Law
• The Wharton School (for those in M&T or doing a dual degree with Wharton)
• Dental Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• Social Work
• Education
• Fine Arts, City Planning, and Architecture
• Nursing (for those in the Nursing and Technology program)
• Certain Arts and Sciences programs

Yes, ample research opportunities are available in virtually every field throughout all four years. In fact, all students are required to produce a Senior Design project based on research as a graduation requirement.

All students take a minimum of seven Social Science and Humanities courses. In addition, each engineering curriculum allows for up to three "Free Electives," enabling a student to take all three courses in the liberal arts.

Yes! Not only are you able, but we strongly encourage you to do so. Penn undergraduates may take courses from any of Penn's 12 schools, which are all located on the same physical campus. This includes opportunities in law, medicine, education, social work, nursing, along with arts and sciences and business.

Yes, students are strongly encouraged to participate in an international experience either through traditional study abroad programs, summer abroad experiences, or international internships.

All engineering classes are taught by engineering faculty members.

Students are not required to provide their own computer, however many do, as it is more convenient for them. Computer consultants are available on campus.

There were a total of 6,141 freshman applications for the Class of 2015.

The average class size is 410 students.

Yes, Penn offers Early Decision. Applications must be received no later than November 1st.

Applications for Regular Decision must be received no later than January 1st.

Absolutely not. Approximately 20 percent of our incoming first-year students are undecided.