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 engstats@seas.upenn.edu.
Questions regarding admissions procedures may be directed to the CBE Graduate Assistant at chegrad@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.
*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.
Please note that applications received after the deadlines may be considered at the discretion of our faculty.
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
Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
***Note, due to COVID-19, the GRE will be waived for the CBE MSE program for Fall 2021 admissions ONLY.******
The GRE: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for admission to the master’s graduate program in CBE.
The Reporting code for the GRE:
- University of Pennsylvania institution code: #2888
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL: If your native language is not English, you must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a score above 600 written test) or 250 (computer-based test) or 100 (internet-based test).
*To have this requirement waived, the applicant must, by the time of matriculation, the candidate must have:
- Graduated from a program in the United States or,
- Attended school in a country in which English is recognized as the official language or,
- From an institution where the medium of instruction is English and this is indicated on the unofficial transcript
Reporting code for the TOEFL is:
- SEAS institution code: #2888
A request is not needed; the requirement will be waived after your application and necessary materials are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Office upon submission of a completed application. For more information go to: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/
You will find additional information on these tests from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Test score reporting should be completed only through ETS, as only official scores received from ETS will be considered.
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.
Applications received after the deadlines may be considered at the discretion of our faculty. 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.
In This Section:
Your CBE Contact:
Kenneth Lambert
Graduate Program Coordinator
Office: 311 Towne Building
Phone: 215-898-4427
Email: kenlam@seas.upenn.edu