Aspiring Learning Analytics and AI graduates
…who seek to build foundational computer science skills to better analyze data, apply AI, and lead data-informed innovation in education can pursue a dual degree in the MCIT Online program.
M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics & AI and MCIT Online
Which pathway applies to you?
Make a selection below to view accurate program and application information.
This dual degree program serves University of Pennsylvania graduate students from both the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Graduate School of Education. Please select the path that applies to your current school of enrollment to view the dual degree details.
This coordinated program between the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) and the Graduate School of Education (GSE) enables students to earn two graduate degrees with a total of 16 course units. GSE graduate students in the M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics and AI (M.S.Ed-AI) program, who apply and are accepted into the online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT Online) program, will first complete their M.S.Ed-AI degree with GSE and then will matriculate into the MCIT Online program with Penn Engineering. Students pursuing this dual degree may count up to two GSE course units toward their MCIT Online degree requirements and up to two MCIT Online course units may count toward the M.S.Ed-AI degree requirements.
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM:
M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics & AI
and MCIT Online
Table of Contents
- Eligibility
- Example Plans of Study
- How to Apply
- Important Dates and Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Eligibility
Highly motivated graduates of GSE’s M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics and AI degree program are welcome to apply for this dual degree. Current Learning Analytics and AI students may apply in the last semester of their degree. Alumni of the M.S.Ed-AI degree program who have graduated within the past five years are welcome to apply, but may have fewer courses eligible to double count. Eligible students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be in good standing with the University at the time of application. Students must graduate with their M.S.Ed-AI degree before matriculating into the MCIT Online dual degree.
Example Plan of Study
M.S.Ed-AI → MCIT Online
If you are considering pursuing this dual degree, we highly recommend that you discuss a plan of study with your academic advisor early on in your M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics and AI program. Please note, M.S.Ed-AI students must take 8 courses in the Learning Analytics and AI program before taking any MCIT Online electives.
Dual Degree CU Distribution
| Course Units | Program Selections |
|---|---|
| 8 CUs | M.S.Ed. in Learning Analytics and AI Core Courses. These should include the following courses, two of which will fulfill MCIT degree requirements: EDUC 6123 Big Data, Education, and Society; EDUC 6185: Databases and Data Management*; EDUC 5183: Adaptive Learning Systems; or EDUC 5144: Dashboard for Discovery and Learning Applications. *Elective that cannot be taken by dual degree students without them having to take an additional required course. |
| 2 CUs | Approved, transferrable MCIT CUs that are relevant to M.S.Ed-AI Degree: CIS 5450: Big Data Analytics, CIS 5210: Artificial Intelligence, CIS 5300: Natural Language Processing |
| 6 CUs | MCIT Online core requirements** |
| 16 CUs Total |
** In order to graduate with the MCIT Online degree, a minimum of 6 CUs must be taken towards the degree. All 10 CUs applied towards the MCIT Online degree are required to be taken at Penn.
How to Apply
In order to apply for the MCIT Online Dual Degree program, M.S.Ed-AI applicants will need to submit documentation through the Penn Engineering Online 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.
- Why do you wish to pursue a dual degree with the MCIT Online program?
- How will you benefit from the dual degree?
- Why will you succeed in the dual degree?
Unofficial Penn Engineering Transcript
Scan a copy of your official transcript or download a pdf from Path@Penn
Double-Counting Penn Engineering Courses
You will be required on the application to indicate which four (4) course units you plan to double-count from your M.S.Ed-AI degree to your dual degree.
Technical Requirements
- Internet – MCIT Online 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are looking to purchase a laptop or notebook: Laptop and Notebook Purchasing Guides
Important Dates and Deadlines
We offer Fall and Spring start dates. Those who are not yet current Penn students but are interested in the MCIT Online and M.S.Ed-AI Dual Degree program should explore the MCIT Online application timeline.
Admission Cycle Timeline | M.S.Ed-AI and MCIT Online Dual Degree Program
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Opens | March 10, 2025 | August 4, 2025 |
| Application Form Closes | June 2, 2025 | October 20, 2025 |
| Decision Notification | June 13, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| Deposit Due | July 11, 2025 | December 12, 2025 |
| Orientation Starts | July 2025 | December 2025 |
| Classes Begin | August 2025 | January 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Dual Degree in the semester I am completing my final course requirement?
Yes, current students may begin an application in the last term of their program and must graduate before becoming a Dual Degree student.
How do I know which courses to take if I am a dual-degree student?
Please reach out to your Academic Advisor for assistance.
How long will the second degree portion of the dual degree typically take to complete?
Once Dual Degree students matriculate into the dual degree program, they must complete the degree within three years. If needed, they may take a leave of absence (LOA) during that time for a maximum of two Fall/Spring semesters.
I am a student in the Learning Analytics & AI, M.S.Ed. program with the Graduate School of Education and I want to pursue the MCIT Online dual degree with Penn Engineering. Am I qualified for the MCIT Online program?
Please refer to the MCIT Online admissions page for complete eligibility details. In order for a Learning Analytics and AI, M.S.Ed. (M.S.Ed-AI) student with GSE to be eligible for the MCIT Online dual degree program, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be in good standing with the University at the time of application. Graduate students currently in the Learning Analytics and AI program may apply to the MCIT Online dual degree in the last semester of their M.S.Ed. degree. Alumni of the M.S.Ed-AI degree program who have graduated within the past five years are welcome to apply, but may have fewer courses eligible to double count. GSE students must graduate from GSE with their M.S.Ed-AI degree before matriculating into the MCIT Online dual degree with Penn Engineering.
I have been admitted to a Dual Degree program but I would like to defer my admission. What should I do?
The first step is to accept our offer and pay the deposit. After enrollment, please email the Penn Engineering Online student affairs team to inquire about the deferral request instructions.
The deadline to request a deferral is two weeks before classes begin for your first graduate semester. If approved, you can defer for one academic semester.
Can I complete more than one Dual Degree?
No, this is not possible. This is because no course may be triple counted, i.e., counted for more than two credentials.