Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Welcome CBE! 

Welcome to our Undergraduate Announcement and Highlights Page! Your one-stop source for essential updates, events, and resources tailored to your academic journey. Stay connected, informed, and engaged as you navigate your path to success. Explore, discover, and make the most of your time as a CBE Student! 

 

 

Welcome to Spring 2026! 

Upcoming Academic Updates!

 

Course Selection Period Ends/Add Deadline: Tuesday, January 27th 

Drop Period Ends: Monday, February 23rd

 

Please remember, all independent study applications should be submitted before the course selection period deadline on January 19th. Application can be found here.

Max CU increase requests are currently in review. You may request a .5 or 1 cu increase once your Fall grades are satisfactory. The course load policy is found here.

Please make sure unofficial transcripts and four year course plans are submitted with your increase request. Increase forms may be found on Path.

 

All students applying for accelerated master’s must plan to review your course planning forms with your academic advisor, Hannah. These forms are required for your application and must be thoroughly reviewed so that you can confirm you will be on track to complete your undergrad requirements. Forms submitted via email will require a 24-48 hour review period. You can also schedule a one on one advising meeting to review your form.

 

Advising meetings with Hannah can be scheduled via calendly here.

Walk in advising is available all day Friday from 9 am until 3: 30 pm.

All CBE students are welcome to drop in to the office at any time!

CBE Office: Towne 311A

 

 

Academic Updates

 

Course Selection Period Ends/Add Deadline: Tuesday, January 27th 

Drop Period Ends: Monday, February 23rd

 

Message to CBE First Year Students

You Must Obtain Credit for Math 1400

I want to make sure that you are all planning to work towards obtaining credit for Math 1400. You are the first incoming class that AP will not give you credit for Math 1400–you have all instead received credit for 1300–which waives the prerequisite for 1410  but you still owe me 1 cu for 1400.
You should plan to either test out of 1400 (you should still have the option to do that this semester as the placement is schedule for next week here: https://www.math.upenn.edu/undergraduate/make-and-credit-exam-advanced-placement-exams) OR take the class. You do have the option to take the placement more than once. I encourage you all to make this a priority. Retro credit is also no longer an option.
Please reach out with any questions.

Message to Seniors

Part Time Status Spring ’26
This is a quick reminder. All students who plan to go part time, please send in your petition forms on Path at this time. 
You must submit the Undergraduate SEAS Petition on Path to request part time status. More details can be found here: https://ugrad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/forms-resources/
You cannot officially be a part time student and receive a reduced tuition fee without completing this process. Part time is considered 2.5 cus or less. Please make sure your submitted form has a brief explanation of why you want/need to go part time and the credits you have remaining to graduate.
Note: a reduced course load/part time status may affect students on financial aid.
Please also send me a list of the courses you plan to take this spring in order to graduate (if you haven’t already done so).

 

CBE Events & Announcements

SEAS Events & Announcements

Introducing the New Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program for Penn Undergraduates

Penn Engineering is excited to announce the launch of the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program, a new and flexible pathway that allows Penn undergraduates to begin earning graduate credit during their bachelor’s degree and complete a fully online master’s degree after graduation.

What Is the Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program?

The Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Program enables eligible Penn undergraduates to double count up to three residential graduate-level courses taken during their undergraduate degree and apply those courses toward a Penn Engineering Online master’s degree. Then, after graduating from their undergraduate degree, students complete the remaining online master’s degree requirements from anywhere in the world, at their own pace, finishing within three years.

This option also supports students who began the residential Accelerated Master’s (4+1) but are unable to complete it due to relocation, professional commitments, or other post-graduation factors. Eligible 4+1 students may request to change their degree program into one of the Online (4+) master’s programs.

For full program policies, coursework guidelines, and academic requirements, please review the Online AM (4+) Student Policies.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible to apply if you:

  • Are a Penn undergraduate (BSE or BAS at Penn Engineering)

  • Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2

  • Are in your final semester of your undergraduate degree at the time of application

Students considering the program should begin planning with their undergraduate academic advisor well before their final semester. Students with questions about the program may also contact an online academic advisor to discuss eligible double counting courses: pennengonline@seas.upenn.edu.

Application Timeline

First cohort: Fall 2026

  • Fall 2026 Application Opens: February 3

  • Fall 2026 Application Deadline: June 1

  • Spring 2027 Application Opens: June 2

  • Spring 2027 Application Deadline: October 5

Applications must be submitted during your final undergraduate semester.
To apply, visit: Online Accelerated Master’s (4+) Application Portal

Upcoming Information Webinars

We invite you to join one of our live info sessions to learn more about curriculum planning, eligibility, the application process, and how to determine whether the Online (4+) pathway is right for you.

Webinar Dates:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply before my final undergraduate semester?

No. Applications are only accepted during your final semester as an undergraduate.

Do Online AM (4+) students qualify for OPT/CPT?

F-1 students may complete the Online AM (4+1) program while working under the OPT authorization granted for their undergraduate degree. However, completion of the Online AM (4+) program does not confer a new or additional period of OPT beyond the undergraduate OPT.

If I started the residential 4+1, can I switch into the Online AM (4+)?

Yes, but it requires a degree change. Residential 4+1 students may request to change into the Online AM (4+) in the final semester as an undergraduate or after they have graduated with their undergraduate degree. Master’s level coursework already completed may transfer into the Online program if it meets the Online AM (4+) academic and curricular requirements. For a review of course transfer eligibility, please contact pennengonline@seas.upenn.edu. Additional details are available in the AM Change of Degree section of the Online Student Handbook.

How is this different from the residential AM 4+1 program?

This program differs from the residential AM (4+1) in that residential students remain on campus and begin their master’s coursework while completing their undergraduate degree. In contrast, the Online AM (4+) allows Penn undergraduates to continue completing their remaining master’s coursework online after they have finished their undergraduate degree, making it possible to complete the degree while working full time elsewhere. This pathway also offers the flexibility to finish the remaining master’s degree requirements at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.

Another key difference is that the Online AM (4+) is limited to the set of online master’s programs currently offered, and not all on campus master’s programs are eligible for this pathway. However, even when there is not a one to one match between the residential and online degrees, current residential AM students may still request to transition into the Online AM (4+) if the programs are sufficiently similar and some of their completed coursework can transfer.

Questions?

We encourage you to begin planning early. Please consult the Penn Engineering Online advising team: pennengonline@seas.upenn.edu

We look forward to supporting you on your path to a Penn Engineering master’s degree!

Jobs, Internships & Post-Grad Opportunities

LEED Green Associate Certification: 2026 WorkshopsStart your year off strongly by becoming a LEED Green Associate professional and show employers your certified knowledge in sustainability before May 2026, when the LEED exam is set to become more challenging. While LEED itself is a scorecard to rate Green Buildings, students and professionals can also become LEED accredited demonstrating their expertise in sustainability.

– LEED: Is the #1 Sustainability Certification and is recognized globally
– Valuable Credential: Adds an industry-recognized certification that boosts employability.
– Open to All: Available for students of all years, with no prior experience required as our workshop has helped over 15,000 pass their exam.
– Time Sensitive: Those who pass before May 2026 will not be required to take the updated and more challenging new exam.
– Affordable: Limited time student discounts are available for you!
– High Pass Rate: Our workshops focus not just on passing the test, but on providing a deep understanding of the material which significantly improves your chances of success, especially considering the exam’s historically low pass rate.

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training – Webinar and Online self-paced options:

I will be offering live webinars that can be streamed on any of the following dates:

1. February 14 2026 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EST
2. March 14 2026 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT
3. April 11 2026 – 1:00PM – 5:30PM EDT – OR –
4. On-demand recordings completed at your own pace


The above options (1-4) are all identical.Register for a live online seminar or start today with our on-demand recorded workshop completed anytime at your own pace here – https://leadinggreen.com/online

Both options offer comprehensive training, practice exams, valuable tips, and required textbooks – all led by a USGBC Faculty member. It’s the most efficient and affordable way to master the material without breaking the bank!

Cost: $200 with the coupon code ‘green’ for $100 off! (Non-students $300)

Please contact the instructor Lorne directly with any questions at info@leadinggreen.com

Graduation and Senior Updates

Seniors,
Please find commencement information here.
Please read below in detail. I’ll make this as short as possible (it probably won’t be short)! I prefer to make sure all graduation requirements are met for the major before we get to Spring–as you will be getting a bunch of emails about graduation from other offices (namely OAS-Office of Academic Services/registrar). I would prefer you prioritize those emails and senior design once we get to Spring.
Your Final Audits 
First priority–please email me your full course plans for Spring. I need to make sure you are taking the courses you need to graduate.
Grad Application 
You will receive an email from OAS/registrar soon about applying to graduate. It’s imperative that you follow those instructions and apply before the deadline. Any issues with this, please let me know. You cannot graduate if you don’t apply. I will be checking submission applications as we approach the deadline. This is a separate process from participating in commencement. The grad application ensures you get the diploma you have been working very hard for!
Minors and Concentrations 
Please finalize all minor and concentration plans. If you intend to complete a minor or concentration, make sure you declare by submitting the Declare / Update Field of Study form on Path. Once we get past a certain deadline in Spring, you will no longer be able to declare and the credentials will not appear on your final transcript–even if you have completed all the necessary credits. Forms and instructions can be found here: https://ugrad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/forms-resources/
Note about SEAS minors: the 2 cu double count limit only applies to courses that are specified on your course planning guide–namely your core classes. Courses that are not specified, like gen electives and tech electives. have no limit on double counts. This means that you may be able to double count more than 2 cus of your minors into the CBE major. Please complete your credit requirements and audits with your assigned minor advisor. I apologize for all incorrect communication re SEAS minors in the past. I have just received this clarification from OAS.
Note about all other minors: Please confirm with your minor advisor what the limits on double counts are; and please complete audits with your minor program.
Note: I cannot audit your minors–but I will identify if something needs your attention so that it can be resolved before graduation.
Free Elective Course 
I noticed most of you weren’t aware of this, but all CBE students have a free elective to complete. This is the 1 cu replacement for P Chem, which was removed as a required course. If you haven’t already done so, please let me know what free elective course you will be taking to complete the requirement. Free electives can be taken as pass/fail.
Core Sub Forms 
Please make sure all core substitution forms for ENGR 1050, or any other core course–is completed and submitted to me ASAP. Forms and instructions can be found here: https://ugrad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/forms-resources/
Part time Status
All students intending to go part time in Spring can plan to submit a petition for this at the start of the Spring semester. Here is the part time rule: https://ugrad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/undergraduate-policies/part-time-status/
Here is the forms page again so you can view what petition is needed for part time status: https://ugrad.seas.upenn.edu/student-handbook/forms-resources/
Meeting with me 
You are free to drop by my office anytime if you have any questions or concerns about your audit. I work from home on Mondays so email is best on that day.
Please also email me if you would like a one on one meeting.
I have a few days out of the office in January but I suggest that you discuss your plans with me before the add (course selection) deadline on 1/27 if you have any concerns.
If you made it this far, that should cover everything you need to know to get you to Spring. All the new flurry of emails in Spring will not be from me (I promise) but at any rate they are all very important and you should pay very close attention to deadlines.