Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Master's Program Admissions

The MSE program offers students and scholars the opportunity for advanced study in the scientific foundations of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. If you want to pursue an advanced Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree, the MSE program will prepare you for careers in industry, research and development, government, and, academia.  Some students also apply to medical school. The program requires 10 course units, and students may choose a thesis or non-thesis path to the degree.

The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering program was founded in 1893 making it one of only 5 of America’s oldest continuously operating degree-granting programs in chemical engineering.

For questions regarding Graduate Admissions, please read answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Graduate Admissions or email admissions3@seas.upenn.edu.

Questions regarding admissions procedures may be directed to the CBE Graduate Coordinator at gradcbe@seas.upenn.edu.

All academic standards relative to admission, performance, and requirements for degrees are the same whether the student is on a full-time or a part-time basis. Part-time students must satisfy all course requirements for the degree within eight years of the date of admission. Learn more about admissions here.

 

How to Apply

All MSE applications must be submitted electronically.

For more information about the application process, please visit the official SEAS Graduate Studies admissions web page. We do not have minimum required test scores or GPA. Averages can be found in some university publications, on some departmental websites and in media such as U.S. News & World Report and Petersons Guide.

*Notice to potential applicants with disabilities

The University of Pennsylvania is committed to providing access and equal educational opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities. Penn does not discriminate against students with disabilities. The University provides reasonable accommodation to a student’s known disability in order to afford that student an equal opportunity to participate in University-sponsored academic and extracurricular programs, activities and services. If you require an accommodation during the admissions process please contact our department or Penn Student Disabilities Services. 

When to Apply

The deadline to apply is February 1st.

For more information please visit the official SEAS Graduate Studies admission web page.

Prerequisite Requirements

Academic prerequisite requirements for the degree are an undergraduate degree in an engineering subject or an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a physical science, natural science, or math major.

Criteria for candidates, application requirements, and procedures may be found on Penn Engineering’s Graduate Admissions page

Accelerated Master’s Application

Full details on the Accelerated Master’s process (formerly called Submatriculation) through SEAS may be found here.

The external Accelerated Master’s (4+1) process and information may be found here.

After You Apply

Tracking Your Application

Track your application online.

We cannot respond to individual inquiries. We will contact you if materials are missing.

Process for Admissions Decisions

When a completed MSE application is received, it is evaluated by our faculty. Admittance is based on an estimate of the applicant’s ability to successfully complete our graduate program and on the compatibility of student interests with our programs and research.

Learn more from the Graduate Admissions FAQ.

Admissions Decisions

When an admissions decision is reached, the applicant will be notified directly through the online application system. Please note that department staff may not reveal admission decisions over the telephone or by email.