Online Accelerated Master’s Degree Program (4+)
The Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program enables qualified Penn undergraduates to take up to three residential graduate-level courses during their undergraduate degree, which may then be applied toward a Penn Engineering Online master’s program upon admission and matriculation. After graduating from their Penn undergraduate degree, students complete the remaining graduate requirements (typically seven additional courses) fully online, within three years, and from anywhere in the world. This model allows for the opportunity to optimize academic planning, reduce time and cost to degree completion, and acquire advanced technical expertise beyond the undergraduate experience.
The Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program is designed so that students can learn at their own pace and customize their course load with our completely online, asynchronous course options. This program also provides an alternate option for students in Penn Engineering’s Residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1) program who want to change modalities. These students may request a change of degree to the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) after completing their undergraduate degree if professional or post-graduation commitments make it difficult to continue in the residential format. Please note that changing from a residential to online program will have visa implications for international students.
Please review the Online Accelerated Master’s guidelines in the Student Handbook. Penn Engineering recognizes matriculation into one Online Accelerated Master’s / submatriculation program across the Schools.
Contact the Online Programs team at pennengonline@seas.upenn.edu for academic questions.
Application Submission Timeline
Fall 2026 Program Start
Apply by June 1st
Spring 2027 Program Start
Apply by October 5th
Students interested in the Online Accelerated Master’s Program must formally apply in the last semester of their undergraduate degree and meet all eligibility requirements for admission to the graduate program. They will not be enrolled in the master’s program until they have graduated with their undergraduate degree and have been officially admitted and matriculated into the online master’s program.
FALL 2026 APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Application Procedure
In order to apply for Online Accelerated Master’s program, applicants will need to submit the following documentation through the application portal.
The Application
Visit our Application Portal to start your online application.
Application Fee
No Application Fee
Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a 500-750 word essay that answers the questions below. Please provide detailed and specific examples from academia, industry, or research when possible.
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- Why do you wish to pursue a Master’s degree with Penn Engineering Online?
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- How will you benefit from pursuing this degree?
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- Why will you succeed in this program?
Unofficial Penn Engineering Transcript
Scan a copy of your official transcript or download a pdf from Path@Penn.
Double-Counting Penn Engineering Undergraduate Courses
You will be required on the application to indicate which three (3) course units you plan to double-count from your Penn Engineering undergraduate degree to your Online graduate degree.
Plan of Study
You will be required to submit your proposed plan of study indicating which courses you plan to take to fulfill degree requirements and which requirements will be fulfilled by your double counted courses.
Technical Requirements
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- Internet – This is an online degree program and it is your responsibility to have and maintain internet access that permits you to receive and transmit information freely for the duration of the program. Penn is not responsible for any inability to access the program due to disruptions in your internet service, whether caused by technical problems, governmental or other third party actions.
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- Proctored Exams – A few times each semester, students will take proctored exams. Please see the system requirements for Honorlock, the proctoring service used by the program.
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- Computer – We do not recommend using a computer provided by your work. Work computers may not provide students access to install important software and corporate firewalls may prevent activities required by the program.
Eligibility
GPA Requirements:
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required.
Degree Types:
Both BSE and BAS degree students in Penn Engineering may apply for the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) program. Qualified undergraduates in Penn’s other schools may apply for an Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) into any of the Engineering Online’s Master’s degrees.
Application Timing Requirement:
Students must submit their application during the final semester of their undergraduate degree.
Residential AM Students:
Penn Engineering Online does not allow matriculation into its programs through Residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1). Students enrolled in the Residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1) program who wish to switch into an Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) degree, may do so by requesting a change of degree after they have graduated from their undergraduate degree.
Post-Graduation Application Option:
If a student is unable to apply for the Online AM (4+) while the student is an undergraduate, the student can still apply for a Penn master’s program through the standard admissions process following application rules and requirements. If admitted, the student must complete ten graduate level CUs, as double counting will not be permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I qualified for the Online Accelerated Master’s program?
Both BSE and BAS degree students in Penn Engineering may apply for the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program. Qualified undergraduates in Penn’s other schools may apply for an Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) into any of the Engineering Online’s Master’s degrees. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required.
Can I switch to the Online Accelerated Master’s program if I am currently in the Residential track?
Yes, this program is also available for students who are currently enrolled in the Residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1) program but are unable to complete it due to professional obligations or other post-graduation commitments. Residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1) students may request a change of degree into the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program to complete the Accelerated Master’s degree they began on campus.
How do I know which courses to take if I am interested in the Online Accelerated Master’s program?
We strongly recommend students review their course plan with their undergraduate advisor(s) – both faculty and academic – as they become interested in the Online AM (4+) Program and before submitting the application. We encourage students to begin this review in their junior year to ensure that selected courses both fulfill undergraduate degree requirements and are eligible to be applied toward the online graduate degree. This will help immensely with the curriculum planning process.
How long will the Online Accelerated Master’s program typically take to complete?
The Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program is designed so that students can learn at their own pace and customize their course load with our completely online, asynchronous course options. Once Online AM (4+) students matriculate into an Online Graduate program, they must complete the degree within three years.
Can I use my military education benefits if participating in the Online Accelerated Master’s program?
Yes. Students participating in the Online Accelerated Master’s Program are eligible for VA education benefits.
On-Demand Learning
Try an open-enrollment course or complete a specialization in a particular subject to gain knowledge while getting a feel for Penn Engineering’s online learning model.