Program Offerings

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) in Computer and Information Science

The Doctoral Program in Computer and Information Science welcomes candidates with strong training in any of the disciplines related to modern information processing, with an emphasis on computer science and mathematics. Research and teaching form the essence of our doctoral program. Our curriculum is designed to develop the intellectual skills essential for the rapidly changing character of research and to meet the demands of academe and industry. Students develop their own advanced study focus, working with faculty mentors on topics ranging from the core computer science discipline to diverse scholarly interactions within Penn Engineering and the University.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Computer and Information Science (CIS)

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.

Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT)

The Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) program is for applicants whose undergraduate degree is not in computer science. Candidates with an undergraduate major in computer science should consider applying instead to the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program. The MCIT program stems from a belief that advanced computer science coursework for people with degrees in other fields leads to highly successful career paths. This innovative program allows those with no computing experience to begin an IT career, those who are experienced in IT to advance, and it prepares students for future advanced study in computer science. Students can enroll either full- or part-time.

Note: Information on this site is for the on-campus program. Students interested in the online MCIT program should visit this site.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Data Science

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.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Embedded Systems (EMBS)

A traditional embedded system is an integrated system consisting of hardware and software. In the more contemporary view, an embedded system, sometimes also called a cyber-physical system, consists of a collection of computing devices communicating with one another and interacting with the physical world via sensors and actuators in a feedback loop. Increasingly, such systems are everywhere, from smart buildings to medical devices to automobiles. Skills needed to develop such systems lie at the intersection of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The Master of Science in Engineering in Embedded Systems (EMBS) is offered jointly by the Departments of Computer and Information Science and Electrical and Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Science. This innovative and unique degree program will train students in the fundamentals of design and implementation of cyber-physical systems.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Robotics (ROBO)

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.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT)

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.