MCIT
I am a current Penn Engineering degree student; when may I begin applying for the Online Graduate Certificate Programs?
Current Penn Engineering students may begin the Graduate Certificate application process in the final term of their degree program.
Am I qualified for the MCIT Online program?
MCIT Online welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Admittance to MCIT Online is competitive. However, no background in computer science is required, the only qualification to apply is a bachelor’s degree in any field. While cohort sizes are limited, if you have a strong interest in computing and have an aptitude for quantitative subjects (particularly in math!), then you are qualified to apply to MCIT Online!
Can MCIT Online students continue through the CIS/MSE dual degree?
Currently this is not an option for MCIT Online students.
How do I show quantitative ability?
MCIT Online is designed for people without a background in computer science. That being said, we need to see evidence of your quantitative abilities in your application. For example, we will take note of grades that you received in math, science, and engineering courses. If you have not taken courses in these areas, or if you received low grades in the past, there are other ways that you can demonstrate your quantitative abilities. The GRE or GMAT is one option. We don’t require GRE or GMAT scores for admission to MCIT Online, but a good score will help to strengthen your application. Taking one or a few college-level math courses from an accredited institution is another way you can confirm your quantitative ability. For those that already have proof of quantitative ability but want to showcase their desire for computer science, taking a computer science class from an accredited institute can help confirm that you’re up to the challenge of the MCIT Online program. It’s also a good way to make sure CS is the right direction for you.
Does MCIT Online require a thesis?
No, MCIT Online students are not required to write a thesis.
Does the MCIT Online degree qualify me for a PhD?
It’s possible to go on to a PhD program, but you would likely need to supplement your studies with research to be prepared for a PhD program.
What programming languages will I learn in the MCIT Online program?
The MCIT Online curriculum includes Python, Java (including data structures), C and C++.
You will also learn fundamental concepts that allow you to quickly learn many other languages – including Rust, Go, JavaScript, etc. – even though they are not explicitly taught in our curriculum.
Are online electives different from on-campus options?
Specific course options may vary, but MCIT Online electives are comparable to the on-campus version. Course topics reflect the most popular areas of interest.
Is the MCIT degree the same as a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science degree?
No, they are different credentials but graduates have very similar outcomes.
The Master of Information and Computer Technology (MCIT) curriculum begins with a strong CS foundation and goes on to graduate-level electives that are exactly the same as those taken by students in a traditional MS in CS degree program.
MCIT graduates’ career outcomes are extremely comparable to those of Penn’s MS in CS degree in terms of the type of companies, starting salary, and other compensation. See Penn’s most recent Career Services reports for details.
What career options will I have with the MCIT Online degree?
Graduates of MCIT go on to rewarding careers in aerospace, consulting, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, to name a few. For details, see our Outcomes page.
Do I need to be proficient in a particular programming language for MCIT Online?
No, the program is specifically designed for students with minimal or no prior computer science experience.
I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Is MCIT Online right for me?
MCIT Online is intended for students with little or no recent CS experience. If you would be able to test out of more than three of our core courses, you are probably overqualified. In this case, we recommend exploring our online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science which requires a Bachelors degree in computer science or a minor (4 courses) in computer science as a prerequisite – OR – our online Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence degree program which requires a bachelor’s in computer science as a prerequisite.
Can I use my military education benefits for MCIT Online?
Yes. MCIT Online students are eligible for VA education benefits.
What do you look for when evaluating applications for MCIT Online?
Admission to MCIT Online is very competitive. We look for applicants who are likely to succeed in, benefit from, and contribute to the program. For tips on how to strengthen your application, read “5 Tips to Strengthen Your MCIT Online Application from the Program Director.”
How do I apply to MCIT Online?
In addition to the online application, you’ll need to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume, along with offical English Language Proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) if you’re an international applicant or a non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident for whom English is not their first language. For details, see the MCIT Online Admissions page.
Do I need to meet any prerequisites for the MCIT Online program?
No, there are not any prerequisite courses. At a minimum, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or university. In addition, ideal candidates will have a strong mathematical or otherwise quantitative aptitude.
If your undergraduate degree is not in a quantitative subject, or if you did not take or do well in many quantitative courses, we recommend taking a for-credit math course (e.g., algebra or calculus) or the GRE. If you don’t have experience with online learning, we recommend taking one of our introductory CS courses, such as Computational Thinking for Problem Solving or Introduction to Python & Java.