FAQ & Contact Information

The Penn Biotechnology program is 10 course units (usually 10 courses). Full-time students take 3 to 4 course units per Fall and Spring semester, meaning the degree is typically finished in 4 semesters, but can be finished in 3.

Yes, we do allow students to enroll part-time in the program. These students usually take 1 to 2 course units per semester, allowing them to finish in as little as 5 semesters. Part-time status may affect certain loans, insurance, etc.

Part-time students may switch to full-time whenever they would like. Full-time domestic students may also switch to part-time whenever they would like.

Please note: International students are generally not allowed to be part-time, except in select circumstances. International students will need to reach out to International Student Services and their program advisor to discuss further. 

Yes, the university does offer select summer courses that students can take. Independent study is available every summer as an option. Other availabilities may be limited.

This program is primarily residential and in-person, but students may be able to take up to 20% of their coursework online, in accordance with the School of Engineering’s online policy.

Biotechnology students are eligible to conduct on-campus independent studies with Penn faculty, as well as seek out opportunities off-campus like internships.

The program maintains a list of labs students have worked in previously to assist students with finding PIs to reach out to. Career Services and the Career Development Hub can assist with identifying and applying to internships.

Please note: International students will need to reach out to International Student Services to cross-reference work opportunities with visa stipulations. 

Yes, we allow some dual degrees and double majors.

Please note: We no longer offer a joint degree with the Wharton MBA program. Students in our program generally are allowed 1-2 classes in Wharton over the course of their degree. Some students do pursue an MBA after our program, and in some cases, they may be able to transfer some coursework over to the MBA. 

We offer a robust independent study option, where students can perform research for 30% of their degree. Some of our students have even gone on to author papers with their PIs due to this research. While we do not have a formal thesis option, we encourage students to make use of such independent study opportunities.

We are happy to welcome international students to our program. For more information on how Penn supports its international population, please refer t0 International Student and Scholar Services. This office is dedicated to providing international students with information on immigration, housing and other pertinent issues.

Tuition rates and fees for the program are administered by the School of Engineering. Penn Biotechnology students are typically self-funded, but there may be select opportunities for funding your education.

The early application for Fall 2027 entry is open from September 15, 2026 to November 1, 2026. The regular application for Fall 2027 entry is open until February 1, 2027.

To apply, please submit the online application, including the necessary supporting documents. The application can be found on the Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.

We do not accept applications for Spring entry. However, we do allow deferrals for 1 or 2 semesters, which means students can enter in the following Spring after the Fall they applied to.

Yes, we allow deferrals for 1 or 2 semesters (i.e. students may enter in the Spring or Fall after the term they applied into). Graduate Engineering Admissions can answer further questions about the deferral process.

• Completion of an undergraduate program at an accredited US institute or its equivalent in another country.
  • Applicants should have at least a semester of college-level calculus (one year is preferred).
  • A degree in a specific discipline is not a requirement for admission.
• Completion of the application and all requirements listed on the School of Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Admissions webpage.
  • Full application requirement information including deadlines, addresses for test scores & transcripts, and other important details can be found on the application webpage.
• No specific GPA cut-off for our program.
• Optional GRE. Scores can be submitted if you’ve taken the GRE in the last 5 years.
• Admission is based on a comprehensive review of your full application.

MBIOT applications are evaluated on a holistic basis. Some 3 year Bachelor’s degrees may be accepted, and we encourage you to apply.

Submit the online application, including the necessary supporting documents. The application can be found on the Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.

Please view the Admissions office FAQ page for answers to questions about the application. Any questions regarding the online application system including document upload/system issues should be directed to the Graduate Engineering Admission’s Office email.

Response times may be variable, but decisions are typically released by April 15th of each year.

Once your decision has been reached, you will be sent an email letting you know it’s available. You must log back into your application to view and respond to the decision.

The Biotechnology Office will not provide application decision information over the phone or via email.

Program information sessions are available through Penn Engineering Admissions. The Biotechnology program may also be able to accommodate tours and/or connect you with current students. Please reach out to our general email to discuss availability.

Please reach out to Graduate Engineering Admissions to discuss fee waivers.