Admissions
The MAS-CS Online degree has been designed for professionals seeking a rigorous, foundational computer science education — and there is no prior CS experience required to apply.
Find Out How to ApplyAn Ivy League computer science program – with no prior CS degree or coursework requirement. The MAS-CS Online program allows students to experience the academic rigor and prestige of a Penn degree with the flexibility of an entirely online program, all while building a solid foundation in computer science.
The online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT Online) degree is transitioning to a new name: the online Master of Applied Science in Computer Science (MAS-CS Online). The MAS-CS Online degree represents an evolution of the MCIT Online degree, building directly on its established foundation. The replacement of the MCIT Online degree with the MAS-CS Online degree is a change designed to reflect a more accurate description of the applied, hands-on nature of the curriculum and the technical roles graduates pursue. It does not represent a change in academic standards or level of technical rigor for the program. The online MCIT program will no longer accept applications effective Fall 2026.
Designed for students and professionals from non-computer science backgrounds, the online MAS-CS program delivers rigorous computer science foundations paired with concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Engineering Entrepreneurship, and Software Systems – preparing graduates to build, scale, and lead in technically complex, rapidly evolving environments.
Our flexible format means you can earn your degree at your own pace. And in our collaborative culture, you’ll work with expert Penn faculty and classmates from all over the world.MAS-CS is specialized computer science training, designed for professionals who didn’t major in CS in the past but want applied expertise to move their careers forward. You don’t need to catch up. We’ll meet you where you are — and take you wherever you want to go.
Academics
No matter what you studied as an undergraduate, you’ll build a strong foundation in computer science. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to further specialize your education with concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Engineering Entrepreneurship, and Software Systems that signal expertise and elevate career impact.
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Tuition and Financial Aid
Penn Engineering Online is committed to offering an accessible, affordable Ivy League education.
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Student Experience
Work toward your degree on your own schedule, at your own pace – as part of a collaborative community of classmates and faculty around the world. The Penn Engineering Online community doesn’t end when you graduate – it begins when you’re admitted.
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Outcomes
As computing continues to reshape every sector of the global economy — from healthcare and finance to energy, education, and public policy — the demand for technically fluent professionals who can bridge disciplines has never been greater. The MAS-CS degree addresses this need by equipping students with both the theoretical and practical expertise to design and implement computational solutions, apply emerging technologies responsibly, and adapt to the continual evolution of the field. The online MAS-CS program extends Penn Engineering’s legacy of access, excellence, and impact — enabling graduates to pivot or advance into high-growth sectors such as software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. You’ll become an engineer who can design, build, and lead across industries.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRADUATE CAREERSA message from our Program Directors:
MCIT Program Legacy
The MAS-CS degree represents an evolution of the MCIT degree, building directly on its established foundation.
Both degrees are designed for students without a prior undergraduate background in computer science and require completion of the same rigorous core computer science curriculum, along with opportunities to pursue advanced coursework in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and modern software systems. Additionally, both degrees require 10 total credit units.
The replacement of the MCIT degree with the MAS-CS degree was a change designed to reflect a more accurate description of the applied, hands-on nature of the curriculum and the technical roles graduates pursue.
The Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science is aligned in technical rigor and content to the Master of Applied Science in Computer Science (MAS-CS) degree offered at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.