Majors
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) is a traditional engineering degree that prepares students for careers in professional engineering, computer science or digital media design. The first type of engineering degree to be offered at Penn, BSE degrees require 40 or 41 course units and are designed to be completed in four years.
Bioengineering
Interface the engineering sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, and medicine to advance human health and solve problems in medicine and the biological sciences.
The top-ranked department of bioengineering at Penn Engineering offers a fully-accredited degree program that brings together the creation of new knowledge and understanding of biological systems through engineering analysis and experimentation, with the application of engineering design and practice principles to solve problems in medicine and the biological sciences. Both the BSE and the BAS programs in bioengineering are identical for the first two years, and students may easily change from one program to the other as their career plans become clearer.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Catherine Lawrence
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The top-ranked department of bioengineering at Penn Engineering offers a fully-accredited degree program that brings together the creation of new knowledge and understanding of biological systems through engineering analysis and experimentation, with the application of engineering design and practice principles to solve problems in medicine and the biological sciences. Both the BSE and the BAS programs in bioengineering are identical for the first two years, and students may easily change from one program to the other as their career plans become clearer.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Catherine Lawrence
Learn more about the program
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Use the basics of chemistry, biomolecular and engineering sciences to develop chemical and biological processes to change raw materials into useful ones.
The great flexibility and power offered by a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Penn Engineering ensures that every student receives thorough training in fundamental concepts of permanent relevance and the physical, biotechnological, and chemical principles underlying the engineering profession.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Meghan Godfrey
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The great flexibility and power offered by a degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Penn Engineering ensures that every student receives thorough training in fundamental concepts of permanent relevance and the physical, biotechnological, and chemical principles underlying the engineering profession.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Meghan Godfrey
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Computer Engineering
Seamlessly weave knowledge of computer systems and telecommunications together to craft a uniquely individualized degree reflecting your career goals and interests.
The Computer Engineering major is an innovative and topical degree program which allows you to draw on traditional strengths in computers and computer engineering and in telecommunications in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer and Information Science to provide a broad foundational base in the theory and practice of modern computer engineering. Students graduating with a Computer Engineering degree will find a plethora of career opportunities in a wide range of companies and industries where expertise in digital systems, computer hardware, and networking is needed.
Learn more about the program
The Computer Engineering major is an innovative and topical degree program which allows you to draw on traditional strengths in computers and computer engineering and in telecommunications in the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer and Information Science to provide a broad foundational base in the theory and practice of modern computer engineering. Students graduating with a Computer Engineering degree will find a plethora of career opportunities in a wide range of companies and industries where expertise in digital systems, computer hardware, and networking is needed.
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Computer Science
Utilize, analyze and create information processing systems for whatever career, advanced education, or personal interests you choose to pursue.
A degree in computer science and engineering provides students with an in-depth education in the conceptual foundations of computer science and in complex software and hardware systems. It allows them to explore the connections between computer science and a variety of other disciplines in engineering and outside. Combined with a strong education in mathematics, sciences, and the liberal arts it prepares students to be leaders in computer science practice, applications to other disciplines, and research.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program
A degree in computer science and engineering provides students with an in-depth education in the conceptual foundations of computer science and in complex software and hardware systems. It allows them to explore the connections between computer science and a variety of other disciplines in engineering and outside. Combined with a strong education in mathematics, sciences, and the liberal arts it prepares students to be leaders in computer science practice, applications to other disciplines, and research.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program
Digital Media Design
Understand and apply theoretical, artistic, aesthetic and experimental principles to transform communication – from educational software and motion picture special effects to architectural simulations and medical visualizations.
The Digital Media Design (DMD) program at Penn Engineering, in collaboration with the university’s Annenberg School for Communication and the School of Design, was created to educate a new generation of people to work in computer graphics; people who, through a combined education in both disciplines, could collaborate effectively with technologists and artists. In addition, through their communications courses, DMD students delve into what the audience of these future collaborations might perceive and the resulting impact upon society,science practice, applications to other disciplines, and research.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Amy Calhoun
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The Digital Media Design (DMD) program at Penn Engineering, in collaboration with the university’s Annenberg School for Communication and the School of Design, was created to educate a new generation of people to work in computer graphics; people who, through a combined education in both disciplines, could collaborate effectively with technologists and artists. In addition, through their communications courses, DMD students delve into what the audience of these future collaborations might perceive and the resulting impact upon society,science practice, applications to other disciplines, and research.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Amy Calhoun
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Electrical Engineering
Develop new technologies that acquire, transmit, store and process information as electrical and optical signals to work in modern day technological advances and products.
The Electrical Engineering major at Penn Engineering ranges across telephony, mobile and satellite communications, fiber optics, electrical power and machinery, instrumentation, computer systems, satellite systems, microelectronics, robotics, graphics, automatic control, and telecommunications. The program is a flexible, broadbased major that provides a rigorous grounding in the analytical and experimental foundations of electrical engineering while allowing a student substantial flexibility in crafting an individualized program reflecting his or her interests and career goals.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Denice Gorte
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The Electrical Engineering major at Penn Engineering ranges across telephony, mobile and satellite communications, fiber optics, electrical power and machinery, instrumentation, computer systems, satellite systems, microelectronics, robotics, graphics, automatic control, and telecommunications. The program is a flexible, broadbased major that provides a rigorous grounding in the analytical and experimental foundations of electrical engineering while allowing a student substantial flexibility in crafting an individualized program reflecting his or her interests and career goals.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Denice Gorte
Learn more about the program
Materials Science and Engineering
Use chemistry, physics and biological principles to create and manipulate the structural and functional properties of advanced materials to pave the way for new fields, new ideas, and new technologies that are changing the way we live and work.
The Materials Science and Engineering program reflects the recent explosive growth of interest in the nano and bio sectors of engineering science and technology. The rapid progress of modern technology continues to be driven by advances in our understanding of the science of the materials which underpin these technologies. An education at Penn Engineering in the field of materials science will provide the foundation for a leadership role in a career pathway in any of the many areas of current technology.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Vick Lee Truei
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The Materials Science and Engineering program reflects the recent explosive growth of interest in the nano and bio sectors of engineering science and technology. The rapid progress of modern technology continues to be driven by advances in our understanding of the science of the materials which underpin these technologies. An education at Penn Engineering in the field of materials science will provide the foundation for a leadership role in a career pathway in any of the many areas of current technology.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Vick Lee Truei
Learn more about the program
Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Study forces, deformations and motions of solid bodies and fluids, and heat generation and transport to understand and design components and systems for a wide range of applications – from rocket engines and nano motors to toasters and power tools.
The program in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics is a broad based education that will allow you to adapt to changes in technology in our rapidly changing society. At the same time, the curriculum offers the flexibility for you to specialize in one or more areas in mechanical engineering (for example, energy engineering, mechanical design, fluid mechanics, or structure mechanics) or even such cross disciplinary areas such as robotics, biomechanics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), or mechanics of materials.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Olivia Brubaker
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The program in mechanical engineering and applied mechanics is a broad based education that will allow you to adapt to changes in technology in our rapidly changing society. At the same time, the curriculum offers the flexibility for you to specialize in one or more areas in mechanical engineering (for example, energy engineering, mechanical design, fluid mechanics, or structure mechanics) or even such cross disciplinary areas such as robotics, biomechanics, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), or mechanics of materials.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Olivia Brubaker
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Systems Science and Engineering
Design and implement systems that assure effective operation of technological systems for applications such as computers, environmental organizations, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, information and telecommunications, economic and financial organizations, health care, and military defense.
The Systems Science and Engineering (SSE) program specializes in those aspects of engineering that pertain to effectiveness of whole systems. In contrast to other engineering specialties which are grounded in certain aspects of science, system engineering is grounded primarily in mathematics and methodology. The core curriculum focuses on mathematical modeling and simulation, rather than on particular physical sciences. To assure that designs are responsive to real needs, students learn how to model, simulate, optimize, integrate and evaluate systems.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Denice Gorte
Learn more about the program
The Systems Science and Engineering (SSE) program specializes in those aspects of engineering that pertain to effectiveness of whole systems. In contrast to other engineering specialties which are grounded in certain aspects of science, system engineering is grounded primarily in mathematics and methodology. The core curriculum focuses on mathematical modeling and simulation, rather than on particular physical sciences. To assure that designs are responsive to real needs, students learn how to model, simulate, optimize, integrate and evaluate systems.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Denice Gorte
Learn more about the program
Bachelor of Applied Science
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is a degree option that offers students breadth and allows them to combine a technology-based degree with considerable course work in the liberal arts, communications, or fine arts. This degree is designed primarily for students whose interests are not oriented toward a professional engineering career. It is a popular degree option for those preparing for careers in medicine, business, and law. The BAS degree requires a minimum of 40 course units.
Biomedical Science
Interface the engineering sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, and medicine to advance human health and solve problems in medicine and the biological sciences.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree offers students breadth and flexibility and allows them to combine a technology-based degree with considerable course work in the liberal arts, communications, business or fine arts. It is designed primarily for students whose interests are not oriented toward a professional engineering career. It is a popular degree option for those preparing for careers in medicine, business, and law. Many students who are pursuing dual degree programs opt for this degree. The BSE and the BAS programs in bioengineering are identical for the first two years, and students may easily change from one program to the other as their career plans become clearer.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Catherine Lawrence
Learn more about the program.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree offers students breadth and flexibility and allows them to combine a technology-based degree with considerable course work in the liberal arts, communications, business or fine arts. It is designed primarily for students whose interests are not oriented toward a professional engineering career. It is a popular degree option for those preparing for careers in medicine, business, and law. Many students who are pursuing dual degree programs opt for this degree. The BSE and the BAS programs in bioengineering are identical for the first two years, and students may easily change from one program to the other as their career plans become clearer.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Catherine Lawrence
Learn more about the program.
Computer and Cognitive Science
Study the mind and behavior using the engineering discipline of computer science and incorporating the areas of neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, sociology and biology, just to name a few.
Cognitive science is a science of mental information processing that requires collaborative research in several disciplines. In the cognitive science program at Penn Engineering, the opportunity exists for studying a diversity of subjects which satisfy personal desires, developing a broad foundation for adapting to new societal demands, and maintaining flexibility for moving into new areas of interest if a change in personal career direction develops.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
Cognitive science is a science of mental information processing that requires collaborative research in several disciplines. In the cognitive science program at Penn Engineering, the opportunity exists for studying a diversity of subjects which satisfy personal desires, developing a broad foundation for adapting to new societal demands, and maintaining flexibility for moving into new areas of interest if a change in personal career direction develops.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
Computational Biology
Intertwine the disciplines of computer science, biology, chemistry, genetics and statistics to study biological systems and address problems inspired by biology.
A BAS in Computational Biology requires that students augment a basic computer science curriculum with courses in biology, chemistry, genetics and statistics. This program has a year-long capstone course in computational biology that is co-taught by faculty in computer science, biology and genetics.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
A BAS in Computational Biology requires that students augment a basic computer science curriculum with courses in biology, chemistry, genetics and statistics. This program has a year-long capstone course in computational biology that is co-taught by faculty in computer science, biology and genetics.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
Computer Science
Utilize, analyze and create information processing systems for whatever career, advanced education, or personal interests you choose to pursue.
A degree in computer science and engineering provides students with an in-depth education in the conceptual foundations of computer science and in complex software and hardware systems. It allows them to explore the connections between computer science and a variety of other disciplines in engineering and outside. A BAS in computer science combines knowledge of technology with an understanding of human and social values, and is designed for students who do not plan to work as professional engineers, and want a customized education which combines the liberal arts and technology in a manner unique to their career goals.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
A degree in computer science and engineering provides students with an in-depth education in the conceptual foundations of computer science and in complex software and hardware systems. It allows them to explore the connections between computer science and a variety of other disciplines in engineering and outside. A BAS in computer science combines knowledge of technology with an understanding of human and social values, and is designed for students who do not plan to work as professional engineers, and want a customized education which combines the liberal arts and technology in a manner unique to their career goals.
Undergraduate Coordinator: Jackie Caliman
Learn more about the program.
Individualized
An additional option is the BAS "Individualized" major which is declared with an approved individualized title. The title may not contain the word "engineering" and should avoid any possible confusion with a named BSE program name. Students must apply for the "Individualized" major, in accordance with the following parameters:
1. Must possess a minimum of 3.3 cumulative GPA to apply;
2. Must complete requirements of the first two years of a BSE or named BAS program curriculum, specifically, the first two years of the Math, Science, and Engineering requirements.
3. Must have a Faculty Mentor (Advisor) in SEAS as sponsor of application, indicating his/her willingness to serve as Advisor for the student's work in an Individualized major;
4. Must complete an "Application for the Individualized Major" which will be reviewed by the Petition for Action Committee. The Petition must be signed by the sponsoring Faculty Advisor as well as that faculty member's Undergraduate Chair.
5. The earliest time to apply is spring of sophomore year, for junior year entry.
Career Goal Statement:
Every student in an individualized BAS degree program must write a one-page narrative that describes his or her career goals and the role that the engineering component of the plan will play in preparation for that career. This narrative must be submitted with the application for the Individualized Major. The career goal statement should be accompanied by a BAS CPG which has been approved and signed by the academic advisior. The course plan may be amended at any time by submitting a revised CPG.
1. Must possess a minimum of 3.3 cumulative GPA to apply;
2. Must complete requirements of the first two years of a BSE or named BAS program curriculum, specifically, the first two years of the Math, Science, and Engineering requirements.
3. Must have a Faculty Mentor (Advisor) in SEAS as sponsor of application, indicating his/her willingness to serve as Advisor for the student's work in an Individualized major;
4. Must complete an "Application for the Individualized Major" which will be reviewed by the Petition for Action Committee. The Petition must be signed by the sponsoring Faculty Advisor as well as that faculty member's Undergraduate Chair.
5. The earliest time to apply is spring of sophomore year, for junior year entry.
Career Goal Statement:
Every student in an individualized BAS degree program must write a one-page narrative that describes his or her career goals and the role that the engineering component of the plan will play in preparation for that career. This narrative must be submitted with the application for the Individualized Major. The career goal statement should be accompanied by a BAS CPG which has been approved and signed by the academic advisior. The course plan may be amended at any time by submitting a revised CPG.