Propel Your Data-Driven Career with MSE-DS Online
Please note that recordings of past webinars may contain outdated information. Please see our admissions pages to find the most up-to-date information for application requirements, current tuition, fees, and deadlines.
“Data science has become essential for virtually every professional pursuit today,” emphasized Dr. James Gee during Penn Engineering Online’s February 19, 2025 webinar highlighting the online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science (MSE-DS Online) program. Serving as a member of the faculty of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Perelman School of Medicine in the Department of Radiology, Dr. Gee is renowned for both his expertise in medical image computing and his extensive interdisciplinary research background. As MSE-DS Online Program Director, his leadership is at the helm of an innovative degree program that was designed for quantitatively-minded professionals seeking to advance their data science capabilities.
The Data Science Distinction
The MSE-DS Online program stands apart because of the curriculum’s strong algorithmic focus — deliberately designed to leverage Penn Engineering’s exceptional strengths.
“This distinction between our program and others available to the public is reflected in our eligibility requirements,” explained Dr. Gee, noting that the program targets students with computer science backgrounds or those from highly quantitative fields with substantial software development experience, which best sets incoming students up for success.
This specialized approach enrolls students who are prepared to dive into more advanced subject matter, preparing graduates who can:
Formulate and evaluate hypotheses with statistical rigor
Apply various machine learning methods to real-world problems
Load, clean, integrate, analyze, and visualize data effectively
Write scalable data analysis code for large volumes and streaming data
Navigate data ethics and privacy considerations responsibly
Curriculum: Balancing Theory and Practice
The program’s 10-course curriculum includes:
🔲 Four (4) core courses focused on fundamental data science concepts
🔲 Two (2) foundational courses emphasizing algorithmic approaches
🔲 Two (2) technical electives from Penn Engineering Online’s comprehensive offerings
🔲 Two (2) open electives allowing further customization
Jacquie Panto, Associate Director of Admissions, highlighted how Penn Engineering Online’s unique academic format provides a clear pathway —while also enabling students to customize their experience.
“There’s a lot of flexibility in terms of when students can complete their work, but there’s also structure within the program to keep students on track.”
While allowing students to tailor their experience toward theoretical or practical interests, the program ensures all graduates master essential concepts through required coursework. Dr. Gee emphasized that MSE-DS Online students can “choose their own path” while receiving well-rounded preparation for a wide variety of data science careers. Th in-demand skills and knowledge garnered through the MSE-DS degree help students stand out in the job market and enable students to pursue careers in a variety of fields and disciplines.
An Enhanced Learning Experience
The MSE-DS Online program offers world-class academics delivered through a cutting edge educational experience. The innovative learning model is carefully and intentionally and thoughtfully designed by Penn Engineering Online’s dedicated Office of Learning Design & Technology, specifically with online learners in mind. The professionally produced course material engages online learners and enhances their academic journey by allowing them to access content asynchronously, whenever or wherever works best for their schedules.
“The course experience is exceptional,” noted Dr. Gee. “The course is structured in order to be friendly to your other commitments, but also to help you make consistent progress throughout the program.”
Community Beyond the Classroom
MSE-DS Online students will not just experience world-class academics, they will engage in an international network of lifelong learners that is distinct from anything you might find in other online degree programs. The Penn Engineering Online community is built by more than group assignments and working on team projects with classmates. Students have opportunities to connect with their peers and faculty around the globe through:
🔲 Course-specific and interest-based Slack channels
🔲 Regional meet-ups that often lead to in-person study groups
🔲 Penn Engineering Online’s annual Fall Fest — a three-day on-campus program featuring workshops and networking with students, alumni, faculty and staff
🔲 Peer support roles, including Teaching Assistant, mentor and Academic Coach opportunities, that deepen learning and engagement
🔲 Road Trip events, hosted in cities where students live and work, that provide opportunities to connect with classmates and employers
“There are lots of different areas and resources to be connected with the Penn Engineering Online community, and also to help you be successful in the program,” noted Jacquie Panto.
Dual Degree Opportunity
For professionals without the prerequisite computer science background needed to enter into the MSE-DS Online program, Penn Engineering Online offers a transitional pathway through the dual degree program. Students can first apply to the online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT Online) degree program which provides a strong foundation in computer science skills and knowledge. After enrolling in MCIT Online, students can then apply to the MSE-DS Online Dual Degree, which allows them to double-count four courses toward both an MCIT degree and an MSE-DS degree. The Dual Degree program results in students graduating with two graduate degrees from Penn Engineering Students hoping to complete a dual degree should communicate this with their academic advisor as early as possible to ensure the correct courses are taken.
How to Apply
For those interested in applying to the MSE-DS Online degree program, Penn Engineering Online offers two application deadlines per admission cycle (early and regular). For more information, visit the MSE-DS Online admissions page or the Penn Engineering Online YouTube playlist to explore recordings of past webinars featuring students, alumni, and faculty.
“I encourage you to apply, and I look forward to welcoming you to our online community,” Dr. Gee concluded. “It really is the best in the world in terms of delivering this training, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of mathematics and coding experience is required to succeed in this program?
The program expects proficiency in linear algebra, probability and statistics, and programming languages like Python or Java. Dr. Gee recommends reviewing specific course syllabi to gauge readiness. For those with older degrees or skills that need refreshing, starting with a lighter course load can help with adjusting to the academic demands of the program, and the program provides support for students needing to strengthen specific areas.
Is the program more theoretical or practical?
The program balances both theoretical and practical aspects of data science through the curriculum’s core requirements while allowing students to tailor their experience through elective choices. There is definitely a focus on professional development and the program’s infrastructure can facilitate a student’s interests, whether they be aligned more with practical or theoretical work. So there is a focus both on understanding the algorithms, statistical methods and the data-oriented methods that you’re going to bring to bear; as well as the practical elements of translating the theory and the algorithms into practice. Another element of balance is felt through the fact that, in addition to their academic work, many faculty members in the program often work within industry through consulting and research — so professors can often speak to the range of communities represented in the field and bring practical insights to their teaching.
How is the program structured to accommodate working professionals?
Students aren’t required to attend courses on campus, so they don’t need to relocate and leave their jobs in order to pursue the MSE-DS Online degree. The flexible format of the program allows students to continue pursuing professional goals while working through their degree program. All coursework is asynchronous, with no required live sessions. While deadlines provide structure and ensure steady progress, students can complete work whenever it fits into their schedule. The program offers flexibility in course load, allowing students to alternate between full-time (3 courses) and part-time (1-2 courses) study based on their professional and personal commitments.
What distinguishes Penn Engineering’s online learning approach from other programs?
Penn Engineering Online utilizes a rigorous development process to produce online courses that not only deliver high-quality academics, but also provide an innovative and engaging experience for students. Faculty work closely with instructional designers to create optimized learning experiences specifically with online students in mind.Lectures are professionally produced and segmented for better comprehension and are delivered to students through platforms intentionally selected to facilitate impactful learning. The program maintains exceptional student support for online learners through teaching assistants, office hours, a robust student slack community, and dedicated academic advisors. Studying online should not mean studying alone!
Next Steps
For more information about the MSE-DS Online degree program, visit the MSE-DS Online admissions page.
Visit the Penn Engineering Online YouTube channel to watch past webinar recordings and hear from the Admissions Team, alumni, and current students.
