Admissions
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!
Advice regarding 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, or you can earn online certificates in STEM, Computing, Data Science, or Math courses, as well as taking additional college level math courses to show your quantitative ability.
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 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.
How do I check the status of my Penn Engineering online application?
You can check the status of your application through the applicant portal. If your application is complete, the app status will read “Under Review.” If your application is missing required materials, you can view the missing materials listed in the checklist.
The questions on the questionnaire do not apply to my recommenders. What should they do?
Your references can leave a section blank or approach the questions through a broad lens. For example, your recommender can respond to “How many students do you supervise?” by writing about your role in supervising employees.
I’ve submitted my application for MCIT Online or MSE-DS Online. Can I make changes to my list of recommenders?
To make changes to your recommenders, log in to the application portal and follow the link to the recommenders page of your application. You can then edit the recommender’s information or exclude the recommender and add a new one by clicking the “edit” button.
How can I check on the status of my letters of recommendation for my application?
You can see the status of your letters of recommendation by reviewing your application portal. You can even send your recommender a reminder by following the link to the recommenders page of your application and clicking “edit.”
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.”
Who should I contact if I have a technical problem with my MCIT Online application?
Please contact the Penn Engineering Online Admissions team at online-admissions@seas.upenn.edu.
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.
What are the requirements for English proficiency for Penn Engineering Online?
All international applicants who are not US Citizens or US Permanent Residents, for whom English is not their native language, must submit official test scores from one of the following test providers:
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
- DET: Duolingo English Test
Test results are valid for two years and must be valid at the time you submit your application. Test scores must be received directly from the Testing Center by the application deadline.
This requirement can be waived if the candidate has completed a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree where the medium of instruction at the institution is English. The degree must be completed before matriculation into the Penn Engineering Online program. For applicants that meet this qualification, the English Proficiency requirement will automatically be waived upon submission of the application. Waived requirements will show a grey checkmark on the applicant checklist in the application portal.