51¶ÌÊÓƵ

About the Program

This accelerated degree program enables qualified undergraduates from 51¶ÌÊÓƵ and Haverford to begin a master's degree program at Penn Engineering while still completing their undergraduate degree at their respective institution. 

A student admitted to this 4+1 program will complete studies at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, then enroll one additional year at Penn, and receive a Bachelor's of Arts from 51¶ÌÊÓƵ and a Master's in Engineering from Penn.

The 4+1 Engineering Pathway

Undergraduate Experience

During your four years at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, you may enroll in up to three undergraduate engineering courses (biotechnology master's students may count up to four) through reciprocal course exchange agreements with Penn and Swarthmore. Because completion of this combined degree program requires additional courses beyond those required for the BMC major, it is essential to begin taking appropriate science and math courses at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ in the first semester of your freshman year. 

It is also strongly recommended that you take an introductory engineering course at Penn or Swarthmore before applying to the program to help you decide whether this path of study is one you wish to pursue. 

Please consult with the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty contact, listed in the degree options list above, to learn more about the combined degree program that interests you.

Applying During Junior Year

Students formally apply to the 4+1 program during the first semester of their junior year. Application deadline is Feb. 1. A GPA of 3.0 in all courses and of 3.0 in science and math courses is required to apply. You must apply to a particular masters degree program. Application procedures are described on the .

After being accepted, and after completing any prerequisite undergraduate engineering and science courses, students take three graduate engineering courses at Penn while still enrolled at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ. (There is no additional financial charge for these courses.) During your four years at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, you will also complete all graduation requirements, including the major. You graduate from 51¶ÌÊÓƵ at the normal time, along with your class.

Graduate Experience

The fifth year of the program is spent entirely at Penn. You will take seven additional graduate courses to complete the requirements for the Master’s degree. There is no financial aid available from Penn for the fifth year of the program, though you are eligible for federal student loans. Visit for cost information.

Important Information

Before reaching out to an external institution regarding your degree requirements or course transfer inquiries, please ensure that you have thoroughly reviewed and followed 51¶ÌÊÓƵ's guidelines outlined on the Submatriculation page. Additionally, for students interested in accelerated degree programs, please refer to the Accelerated Degree Programs page.

University of Pennsylvania Contacts

To find out more about the master's programs at Penn, the entry requirements, and/or graduation requirements, consult . Additional questions may be directed to the of each program or to Alyse Edwards, M.Ed, Director, Graduate Programs, University of Pennsylvania, School of Engineering and Applied Science, at aedwards@seas.upenn.edu or 215-898-5877.