The MSE in Data Science Online Dual Degree program at the University of Pennsylvania's Engineering School offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving graduate students to earn two degrees. This program allows current Penn Engineering graduate students, or recent alumni (within 5 years of graduation), to build upon their existing master's degree by pursuing an MSE in Data Science. The dual degree is designed for those with a strong interest in data science, enabling them to gain specialized knowledge and skills in this rapidly growing field.
The dual degree program allows students to leverage courses from their initial master's program towards the MSE in Data Science. Students will complete a total of 16 course units, with up to 4 relevant course units potentially transferable from their primary graduate degree. The remaining 6 course units must be completed specifically for the MSE-DS Online degree, with all 10 course units applied to the Data Science degree taken at Penn.
Current students can apply during their final semester. For alumni, courses transferred to the MSE-DS Online must have been completed within five (5) years from the start of the MSE-DS program.
Tuition and fee charges are estimates and are subject to the approval of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. Accurate tuition fees for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 will be updated in Spring 2026. A course unit (c.u.) is the University's measure of academic work, typically equivalent to a four-semester-hour course.
Applicants must be current Penn Engineering graduate students or recent alumni (within 5 years of graduation) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and in good standing with the University. MCIT Online, MAS-CS Online, or any Penn Engineering Graduate Alumni are also eligible.
The program requires a total of 16 course units for both degrees. Up to 4 course units can be transferred from your primary graduate degree, with the remaining 6 course units needing to be completed for the MSE-DS Online degree.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated tuition is $41,652 per term (Fall and Spring), totaling $83,304 for the degree. This estimate includes tuition, a general fee, and a clinical fee.
You must apply through the Penn Engineering Online dual degree application portal, submitting a personal statement, unofficial transcript, and specifying which courses you intend to double-count from your primary degree. There is no application fee.
Yes, you can transfer up to 4 relevant course units from your primary graduate degree towards the MSE in Data Science Online degree. These courses must have been completed within five years from the start of the MSE-DS program.