upenn mechanical engineering phd acceptance rate

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CIS Graduate Program Admissions Statistics

Statistics by program:.

• Doctoral Program

Fall 2023 PhD admission statistics

• 1,508 applicants to the doctoral program
• 92 candidates admitted
• 38 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GPA: 3.7

Fall 2022 PhD admission statistics

• 1,031 applicants to the doctoral program
• 82 candidates admitted
• 32 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GPA: 3.78

Fall 2021 PhD admission statistics

• 1,141 applicants to the doctoral program
• 79 candidates admitted
• 45 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GPA: 3.8

Fall 2020 PhD admission statistics

• 924 applicants to the doctoral program
• 98 candidates admitted
• 29 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 167/Q 161/AW 4

Fall 2019 PhD admission statistics

• 826 applicants to the doctoral program
• 86 candidates admitted
• 44 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2018 PhD admission statistics

• 756 applicants to the doctoral program
• 75 candidates admitted
• 26 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 167/AW 4.5

Fall 2017 PhD admission statistics

• 522 applicants to the doctoral program
• 35 students matriculated

Fall 2016 PhD admission statistics

• 424 applicants to the doctoral program
• 91 candidates admitted
• 25 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 157/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2015 PhD admission statistics

• 471 applicants to the doctoral program
• 51 candidates admitted
• 16 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 166/AW 4.5

Fall 2014 PhD admission statistics

• 448 applicants to the doctoral program
• 50 candidates admitted
• 14 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 163/Q 167/AW 4.5

Fall 2013 PhD admission statistics

• 501 applicants to the doctoral program
• 49 candidates admitted
• 15 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE V 161/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2012 PhD admission statistics

• 545 applicants to the doctoral program
• 60 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE V 610:160/Q 790:164/AW 4.5

Fall 2011 PhD admission statistics

• 526 applicants to the doctoral program
• 65 candidates admitted
• 22 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 610/Q 790/AW 4.5

Fall 2010 PhD admission statistics

• 465 applicants to the doctoral program
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 580/Q 790/AW 4.5

Fall 2009 PhD admission statistics

• 478 applicants to the doctoral program
• 48 candidates admitted
• 20 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/AW 4.5

Fall 2008 PhD admission statistics

• 470 applicants to the doctoral program
• 58 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 790/AW 5.0

Fall 2007 PhD admission statistics

• 491 applicants to the doctoral program
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/AW 5.0

Fall 2006 PhD admission statistics

• 480 applicants to the doctoral program
• 33 candidates admitted
• 11 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 610/Q 790/AW 5.0

Fall 2005 PhD admission statistics

• 515 applicants to the doctoral program
• 21 candidates admitted
• 9 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/A 760/AW 5.0

Fall 2004 PhD admission statistics

• 683 applicants to the doctoral program
• 45 candidates admitted
• 21 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 650/Q 780/A 770/AW 5.0

Fall 2003 PhD admission statistics

• 873 applicants to the doctoral program

Fall 2002 PhD admission statistics

• 643 applicants to the doctoral program
• 57 candidates admitted
• 27 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 600/Q 780/A 760

Fall 2001 PhD admission statistics

• 514 applicants to the doctoral program
• 56 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 600/Q 780/A 740

Fall 2000 PhD admission statistics

• 367 applicants to the doctoral program
• 54 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the doctoral program: Average GRE: V 620/Q 780/A 740

CIS/MSE Program

Fall 2022 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1974 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  172 candidates admitted
•  55 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 168/AW 4.3

Fall 2021 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1782 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  204 candidates admitted
•  63 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 168/AW 4.2

Fall 2020 CIS/MSE admission statistics

•  1538 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
•  192 candidates admitted
•  61 students matriculated

Fall 2019 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1299 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 169 candidates admitted
• 58 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 168/AW 4

Fall 2018 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1339 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 138 candidates admitted
• 46 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 159/Q 168/AW 4

Fall 2017 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1264 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 130 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2016 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 1021 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 131 candidates admitted

Fall 2015 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 954 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 117 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2014 CIS/MSE admission statistics

• 752 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 135 candidates admitted
• 57 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2013 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 789 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 104 candidates admitted
• 30 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 158/Q 166/ AW 4

Fall 2012 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 760 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 133 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 620:161/Q 790:164/ AW 4

Fall 2011 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 585 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 171 candidates admitted
• 70 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 590/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2010 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 410 applicants to the CIS/ MSE program
• 152 candidates admitted
• 50 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2009 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 294 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 71 candidates admitted

Fall 2008 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 303 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 43 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 580/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2007 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 302 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 550/Q 780/ AW 4

Fall 2006 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 214 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 99  candidates admitted
• 34 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 780/ AW 4.5

Fall 2005 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 197 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 112 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 540/Q 770/A 760/ AW 4.5

Fall 2004 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 204 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 110 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 560/Q 770/A 720/ AW 5.0

Fall 2003 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 233 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 144 candidates admitted
• 51 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 770/A 710/ AW 5.0

Fall 2002 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 210 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 88 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 570/Q 770/A 720

Fall 2001 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 155 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 87 candidates admitted
• 31 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 560 /Q 760 /A 700

Fall 2000 CIS/MSE admissions statistics

• 228 applicants to the CIS/MSE program
• 89 candidates admitted
• 40 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the CIS/MSE program: Average GRE: V 550 /Q 760 /A 720

MCIT Program

Fall 2022 MCIT admission statistics

• 1225 applicants to the MCIT program
• 118 candidates admitted
• 73 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 162/Q 168/AW 4.3

Fall 2021 MCIT admission statistics

• 1064 applicants to the MCIT program
• 75 students matriculated

Fall 2020 MCIT admission statistics

• 674 applicants to the MCIT program
• 97 candidates admitted
• 48 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 166/AW 4.2

Fall 2019 MCIT admission statistics

• 552 applicants to the MCIT program
• 78 candidates admitted
• 49 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 161/Q 166/AW 4

Fall 2018 MCIT admission statistics

• 714 applicants to the MCIT program
• 73 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 161/Q 167/AW 4

Fall 2017 MCIT admission statistics

• 619 applicants to the MCIT program
• 69 candidates admitted

Fall 2016 MCIT admission statistics

• 526 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2015 MCIT admission statistics

• 445 applicants to the MCIT program
• 68 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 160/Q 166/AW 4.5

Fall 2014 MCIT admission statistics

• 331 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE: V 159/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2013 MCIT admissions statistics

• 292 applicants to the MCIT program
• 59 candidates admitted
• 28 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 159/Q 165/AW 4

Fall 2012 MCIT admissions statistics

• 214 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 610:160/Q 780:163/AW 4

Fall 2011 MCIT admissions statistics

• 160 applicants to the MCIT program
• 64 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 620/Q 770/AW 4

Fall 2010 MCIT admissions statistics

• 107 applicants to the MCIT program
• 42 candidates admitted
• 24 students matriculated
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 740/AW 4.5

Fall 2009 MCIT admissions statistics

• 92 applicants to the MCIT program

Fall 2008 MCIT admissions statistics

• 71 applicants to the MCIT program
• 41 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 730/AW 4

Fall 2007 MCIT admissions statistics

• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 760/AW 4

Fall 2006 MCIT admissions statistics

• 84 applicants to the MCIT program
• 46 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 600/Q730/AW 4.5

Fall 2005 MCIT admissions statistics

• 47 applicants to the MCIT program
• 25 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 590/Q 730/A 750; AW 4.5

Fall 2004 MCIT admissions statistics

• 73 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 520/Q 730/A 670; AW 4.5

Fall 2003 MCIT admissions statistics

• 97 applicants to the MCIT program
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 560/Q 740/A 710; AW 5.0

Fall 2002 MCIT admissions statistics

• 104 applicants to the MCIT program
• 72 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 560/Q 750/A 700

Fall 2001 MCIT admissions statistics

• 123 applicants to the MCIT program
• 90 candidates admitted
• Candidates admitted to the MCIT program: Average GRE – V 570/Q 770/A 700
• As the methods for computing grade point averages vary greatly depending on the institution, country, etc., it is not possible to provide average GPAs.  Whatever method is used for computing the grade point average, candidates are expected to have a high GPA.
• All candidates are evaluated equally.
• Please note that the GRE scores listed above are averages.

Graduate Program:

• Master of Computer and Information Technology
• MSE in Data Science
• MSE in Embedded Systems (EMBS)
• MSE in Robotics
• MSE in Computer Graphics and Game Technology
• Fellowships + Aid
• New Students
• How to Register
• Graduation + Thesis Information
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Your CIS Contacts:

Redian Furxhiu Program Manager for on-campus Graduate MCIT, CIS/MSE and CGGT programs Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-898-1668 Email: [email protected]

Staci Kaplan Program Manager for DATS (Data Science MSE) Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-573-2431 Email: [email protected]

Britton Carnevali Doctoral Program Manager Office: 310 Levine Phone: 215-898-5515 Email: [email protected]

Mariel Celentano Graduate Coordinator for ROBO Office: 459 Levine Phone: 215-573-4907 Email: [email protected]

Julia Esposito PICS Program Coordinator, SCMP Academic Coordinator Office: 3401 Walnut, 5th Fl. Phone: 215-573-6037 Email: [email protected]

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Ph.D. Degree in MEAM

The Ph.D. program is a dynamic, hands-on and research-focused degree program. Overseen by the Graduate Group in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics , students will interact closely with professors and research staff to pursue a degree tailored to their interests. Each student’s course of study is selected with the help of his or her advisor and is approved by the Graduate Group Chair. Thesis research is guided by the research advisor with advice from a small committee of faculty chosen for their interest and competence in areas related to the thesis work.

All of the faculty in the Graduate Groups are actively engaged in research, and opportunities exist for students to participate in faculty research as Research Fellows receiving full tuition remission plus an annual stipend and health insurance.  The level of funding of research programs exceeds $1.5 million per year on the average. Additional fellowship opportunities are available through special endowments and student scholarships through federal agencies such as National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, and National Institutes of Health. The population of full-time graduate students numbers about 65 and there are about 3 part-time students (part-time is rare). This small and select student body makes it possible to give careful attention to program selection and fosters opportunities for informal and intellectual interaction with the faculty. This is an outstanding feature of our program, which is reflected in the fact that many of our Ph.D. students have gone for successful academic careers.

The informal dimensions of the graduate experience include weekly seminars with guest speakers and our own Ph.D. students. Social, cultural and athletic activities are sponsored by the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association (MEGA) and these provide opportunities for relaxation and fellowship and for informal discussion of a wide range of subjects with the faculty.

The department welcomes applications from students with superior scholastic achievement who will enjoy and contribute to our effort to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the mechanical universe and who have the motivation and tenacity to meet the standards which we have set for ourselves in pursuing our goals.

How Do I Apply?

Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for additional frequently asked questions.

In this section:

• Ph.D. Handbook

Search form

You are here, graduate admissions data collection.

The Graduate Admissions Collection contains Applications data from the CollegeNet (Applyweb) system and from various other graduate admissions systems (several instances of SLATE,  AMCAS, Dental CAS, LCAS) uploaded to the data warehouse using Penn's  Admissions Data Import Tool (ADIT).   

Additional documentation: Admissions Data Import Tool  (ADIT) &  Standard Definitions  of terminology used on reports.

• Tables and Data Elements

Tables are listed in alphabetical order. Select Table to obtain the explantion, common uses, primary keys, indexed data elements, and related tables for a table. Select Elements to obtain the definition, list of values, formats, and not null values for each data element in the table. A description of table and data element terminology is in the document  What the Warehouse Contains .

Looking for a specific element or caution? Try the  searching the collection documentation  for particular keywords (search page will open in a new tab).

Core Tables:

Application-specific Tables:

Test Score Tables:

Banner Integration:

GAPL (PennID assignment) Processing:  Available to all users.   (Other GAPL tables exist but are restricted)

Source of the Data (As-of 7/1/2023)

• Applications submitted the prior day are loaded daily in the morning
• Updated information from the Admit module (enrollment reports) are loaded every afternoon.
• ADIT uploads can be performed on ad-hoc basis or be setup to be delivered to a secure FTP site.
• The ADIT uploaded data (from either method) are processed into a staging database in near real-time, then integrated into the warehouse data collection based on a schedule.
• ADIT-to-warehouse schedule, as of July 1,2023:  Job runs weekday, starting at 7:45 and is repeated once/hour until 5pm.
• Educational Testing Services (ETS) for official GRE , SAT, and TOEFL scores.

Time Span Covered

Spring 2015 - Present:   Data from CollegeNet and ADIT and its predecessor Admissions Supplement. It also contains converted legacy data. Universe is  Grad Admissions CN Reporting. References tables named CN_    

Fall 2009 - Spring 2015: Data from Apply Yourself (AY) and spreadsheets uploaded via the Admissions Supplement.Universe is  Grad Admissions Reporting.  References the legacy set of tables named  GA_  

Apply Yourself was used through the Spring semeseter of 2015.  CollegeNet applications began in Spring of 2015.

Admissions Supplement was available 2009-2021. ADIT was phased-in starting in 2019.

Be aware of data incompleteness or differences when reporting on data before 2011. 

The Graduate Admissions collection consists of two universes,  based on the primary source system in effect.

• Grad Admissions CN Reporting, which contains data from CollegeNet and spreadsheets uploaded via the Admissions Supplement. It also contains converted legacy data. This universe was created in 2015, and references tables named CN_   - in contrast to the legacy set of tables named  GA_ and the associated legacy universe. The universe tables and joins are described in the  Grad Admissions CN Reporting diagram .   
•   Grad Admissions Reporting - Legacy data collection, with data from Apply Yourself (AY) and spreadsheets uploaded via Admissions Supplement up to 2015. It is not recommended for use. For historical reference, the legacy   universe is described  here . 

To request access to Graduate Admissions data collection, you must submit the Data Warehouse  Graduate Admissions  e-Form.

Regulations and Policies on Student Data Federal regulations regarding access to student data are spelled out in the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment), commonly known as FERPA. For more information, see  http://www.upenn.edu/computing/da/dw/student/ferpa.html .

The University's policy on the Confidentiality of Student Records is available at  http://www.upenn.edu/privacy/policies_publications.htm

Releasing Data Outside the University Only the Office of Institutional Research should release Graduate Admissions data to external requests.

Query Results If you save your query results in Excel, pdf, or any other local file type, you must see to it that any sensitive data stored on your peronal computer is safeguarded through physical security, access control software, or encryption. When a computer is left signed to an account, it is easy for someone to gain unauthorized access. Either sign off from your account before you leave your computer or restrict access by some other means (physical security or access control software).

For more information on security and privacy,  contact the  Office of Information Security .

There is no formal training for the Graduate Admissions data collection. 

If you have a question about the Graduate Admissions data collection, or if you notice some documentation that needs updating, please contact  Enterprise Information & Analytics . For documentation published on the Web, please specify the URL for the page that needs to be updated.

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Doctoral Program Admissions

The BE PhD program is designed to train students for careers in academia, government, or industry where research is fundamental. The curriculum prepares students for the field’s rapidly-changing character by developing the intellectual capacities necessary for research excellence.

Please note that GRE scores are no longer evaluated as part of the admissions process and are not required.

How to Apply

All PhD applications must be submitted electronically. For more information about the application process, please visit our Graduate Admissions Website 

Please note that GRE scores are not evaluated as part of the admissions process and are not required. For information on fee waivers, please review the policy on the admissions website.

Applicant-Support Program

The department and university are strongly committed to equity, and inclusion. The Applicant-Support Program will offer assistance to applicants from under-served or under-resourced communities in the admissions process.  The program will connect each applicant with a current PhD student who will serve as a buddy/mentor to help navigate the process, give feedback on the resume and personal statement, and provide any other reasonable assistance necessary.  To participate students are asked to apply to participate no later than November 10th for each application cycle using the link below:

Applicant Support Program Application

When To Apply

Applications must be submitted by December 15th admission the following year. For full consideration for fellowships and other awards, all materials must be received by this date.

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.

Standardized Test Requirements

If you are an international applicant or a non-US citizen or permanent resident and English is not your native language, you must submit official scores for (1) the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), (2) the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or (3) Duolingo English Test (DET).

• The institution code for the TOEFL exam is 2888.
• Test results must be valid when you submit your application.
• You must take the exam by the application deadline.
• Test scores from at-home administration of the GRE and TOEFL exams are accepted.
• Please send your IELTS score report electronically to “University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science.”
• Please send your DET score report electronically to “ University of Pennsylvania – School of Engineering and Applied Science – Graduate.”

The GRE is not required.

The 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:

• Graduated from a program in the United States or,
• Attended school in a country in which English is recognized as the official language or,
• Be from an institution where the medium of instruction is English and this is indicated on the official transcript

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.

Fellowships and Support

The Department encourages all students to apply for graduate training fellowships during their graduate studies. Students who apply for and receive fellowships prior to matriculating to Penn gain tremendous flexibility in choosing a lab for research. Fellowships are available from several sources and can allow student s to focus on a specific cross-disciplinary area, such as the NIBIB-HHMI Interfaces Program at Penn  geared toward Ph.D. training in Biomedical Imaging or a  Medical Physics concentration geared toward Ph.D. training in Medical Physics. More information on fellowships and support can be found here .

Application Evaluation Process

How we evaluate applications:.

A Bioengineering faculty committee reviews each application for merit. When a completed application is received, it is evaluated promptly by our Bioengineering faculty committee. 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. When an admissions decision is reached, the applicant will be notified directly through the online application system. Please note that admission decisions cannot be revealed over the telephone.

What we look at:

We consider the whole student, including undergraduate and graduate transcripts, program of study,  recommendation letters, research experiences, and the candidate’s personal statement.

Admission is competitive, and we are proud of the diverse academic, cultural, and national backgrounds of each incoming class.

Recommendations:

Because this is an engineering research-oriented program, we suggest students submit letters of recommendation from research and independent-study supervisors, if possible, especially in engineering or applied science-related areas.

Fellowship and assistantship awards:

Awards are announced by the respective chairman of the graduate group for Ph.D. candidates after on-campus interviews with prospective mentors. These interviews are by invitation only, after careful evaluation of the student’s application.

After You Apply

Tracking your application.

Track your application through the admissions portal.

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

Campus Interviews

After reviewing applications , we invite about 15 percent of applicants to campus in February and March. If you are invited for an interview, you will be notified via email in January.

Campus Visit

By invitation only, selected candidates will be scheduled for a three-day visit, occurring on a Thursday through a Saturday, usually in early winter. This visit is arranged by the department, and includes travel to and from Philadelphia, lodging, and meals.

Financial Support and Awards

For the 2022-2023 academic year new students received a $40,500 stipend, full tuition, and healthcare coverage.  We expect full funding to continue throughout your doctoral training.

For additional information, please visit our fellowships and awards page .

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Kathleen Venit Associate Director, Graduate Programs 240 Skirkanich Hall

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Doctoral Programs

Immerse yourself in research and prepare to make original contributions to the future of engineering. A Ph.D. from Penn Engineering gives you the skills you need to thrive in academia, government or industry.

Interdisciplinary study  is a core feature of all of our graduate programs. As a Ph.D. student here, you can customize your program with elective courses across the university that match your engineering interests. In collaboration with students and faculty from other disciplines, you’ll gain new perspectives and find creative solutions.

Bioengineering, Ph.D.

Break boundaries at the intersection of biology, medicine and engineering..

Program Website

Combine advanced training in engineering with a focus on biological and medical sciences. The flexible curriculum allows students to select their own graduate coursework in order to focus on specific concentrations in biomedical sciences and bioengineering. Students can conduct cutting-edge basic, translational, and computational research with faculty whose labs are in Bioengineering, Penn Vet, Penn Dental, the School of Arts & Sciences, and Penn Medicine. At Penn, you’ll prepare for a distinguished career in biotech research and development, medical technologies, startup ventures, or academia.

Sample Undergraduate Majors*

• Bio/Biomedical Engineering
• Biological Sciences and related areas (e.g. Biology, Chemistry)
• Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

*This is not an exhaustive list. If you have questions about whether your major will meet our requirements, please consult the program coordinator.

Student Wins Prestigious Fellowship

Hannah Zlotnick was one of just 29 early-career scientists from around the world to be named a Schmidt Science Fellow.

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ph.D.

Pioneer life-changing discoveries in energy, science and medicine..

From stochastic simulation for blood systems biology to degradable polymersomes that shrink tumors, Penn Engineers are breaking new ground and making the world a better place. The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is at the cutting edge of research in fields such as energy and sustainability, soft matter and interfacial phenomena, molecular and cellular biology, data science and machine learning, transport phenomena and process design. In our interdisciplinary environment, you’ll make new discoveries and prepare for a career in academia, government or industry.

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Computer and Information Science, Ph.D.

Shape the future of the tech revolution..

Join today’s most vibrant sector. Penn researchers make breakthroughs in fields ranging from data science to human-computer interactions, and they translate their innovative ideas into world-changing startups and products. Our work is influencing products at big tech companies, and we’re defining the research agenda in understanding natural language, uncovering security vulnerabilities, optimizing software systems and other fields. Research opportunities span a wide range of theoretical and application topics including algorithms, bioinformatics, databases, graphics, machine learning, programming languages, robotics, security, software engineering, systems, vision, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as biology, electrical engineering, genetics, linguistics, and mathematics.

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Strong quantitative major (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science)

Electrical and Systems Engineering, Ph.D.

Apply electrical and systems theory to improve the human condition..

Electrical engineers apply circuits and systems theory and physics to the design of physical, biological, and socio-technical artifacts. We create the interfaces between the physical/biological world and digital machines. We’re at the forefront of research and application in areas including quantum engineering, VLSI circuits and chips, robotics, SWARM, nanotechnologies, cyber-physical and embedded systems, microelectromechanical systems and sensors, electromagnetics, photonics, wireless devices and networks, prosthetic devices, and human-machine interfaces. Join us to keep pushing the boundaries so we can solve the problems of tomorrow.

• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Communications / Transportation/ Telecommunications

Materials Science and Engineering, Ph.D.

Transform the way materials are created and used..

Create innovative materials to shape the future. Penn researchers are using innovative building blocks to create real solutions for problems in energy, the health sciences, polymers and more. At Penn, you’ll prepare to have an impact on everything from electronics and communications to medicine, transportation, manufacturing and the environment.

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Polymer Science; Polymer Engineering
• Applied Chemistry/Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Energy Science and Engineering

Research Areas

• Computational Materials Science
• Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
• Microscopies and Scattering
• Materials for Energy
• Materials for Health Science
• Structural Materials
• Sustainable Materials
• Polymers and Soft Matter

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Ph.D.

Investigate the workings of the mechanical universe..

Combine science with math to design cutting-edge solutions to problems in biomechanics, fluid mechanics, nanomechanics and more. At Penn, you’ll explore everything from practical applications to fundamental mechanical questions and prepare for a career in industry, government or research

• Aerospace Engineering
• Energy and Power Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Industrial Engineering

Special Ph.D. Programs

Combined ph.d. programs.

Combine your engineering degree with a degree in medicine or veterinary medicine. Open to bioengineering students, our dual-degree programs offer a deep dive into cross-disciplinary research and practice.

Master’s to Ph.D. Bridge Program

Work toward your master’s degree and your Ph.D. at the same time. Our Bridge program provides individualized mentorship and Ph.D.-level laboratory training.

16 Sep Application opens for Fall 2025

16 Dec Application deadline 11:59 p.m. EST

Funding Your Education

Ph.D. students typically receive funding to cover tuition and fees, living expenses and health insurance. Additional financial resources may also be available.

Ready to Get Started?

The application process is straightforward, and we’re here to help. Review our Application Checklist before submitting.

Any Questions?

Interested in learning more about graduate admissions at Penn Engineering? Here are some of the questions we hear most often.

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Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, PhD

The PhD program is a dynamic, hands-on and research-focused degree program. Overseen by the Graduate Group in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, students interact closely with faculty to pursue a degree tailored to their research interests. Each student's course of study is selected with the help of their advisor and is approved by the Graduate Group Chair. Dissertation research is guided by a faculty research advisor and a small committee of faculty with interests and competence in areas related to the dissertation.

The Ph.D. requirements include the completion of a minimum of 10 course units of graduate level coursework beyond the undergraduate program with a grade-point average of at least 3.0, satisfactory performance in the PhD-related exams, presentation of a departmental seminar, completion of the teaching practicum, and the submission and successful defense of an original and significant dissertation.  The milestones in the PhD program are noted in the PhD Handbook.

For more information: http://www.me.upenn.edu/prospective-students/doctoral/degree-overview.php

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The Ph.D. requirements include the completion of a minimum of 10 course units of graduate level coursework.

At least one graduate course in MEAM beyond the core requirements is required to fulfill the Depth Requirement.

At least one graduate course outside MEAM that is related to the student’s research is required to fulfill the Breadth Requirement (not including ENM 5200 Principles and Techniques of Applied Math I  or ENM 5210 Principles and Techniques of Applied Math II ).

At least three additional graduate courses that are related to the student’s research are required to fulfill the Research Requirement.

In addition to the ten course units of graduate level work, students will complete:

Responsible Conduct of Research in Engineering workshop in the first year ( EAS 9000 Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering )

Three semesters of Teaching Practicum ( MEAM 8950 Teaching Practicum ; normally taken in 3rd, 4th and 5th semesters)

Six semesters of the MEAM Seminar ( MEAM 6990 MEAM Seminar )

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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