In the fall of 2001, Penn Engineering begins a new Master's of Computer and Information Technology. This innovative degree, offered by the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania, gives students who have a strong academic background, but no prior degree in computer science or engineering, the opportunity for a solid foundation in computer science.

Penn Engineering designed MCIT to provide the advanced expertise needed to meet the demands of today's rapidly growing and changing IT world.  MCIT positions graduates to begin an IT career; advance in IT, if they already have an IT career; or continue with advanced studies in computer science. The degree can be completed full- or part-time.

Students in the MCIT Program benefit from Penn's well-established tradition of multi-disciplinary teaching and research. MCIT faculty are affiliated with key Penn research institutes, centers and laboratories such as the Institute for Research in Cognitive Science (IRCS), the Center for Bioinformatics, the Center for Human Modeling and Simulation (HMS) and the General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception Laboratory (GRASP).

The Master of Telecommunications and Networking (TCOM) is a unique professional master's program for both full- and part-time students.  Multidisciplinary in nature, this cutting edge program draws its faculty and courses from Penn Engineering—Computer and Information Science, Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering—and from the Wharton School of Business.  The University of Pennsylvania is the only university in the Delaware Valley to offer a master's degree in telecommunications engineering.

TCOM draws its courses from four major disciplines: telecommunications engineering, computer and information technologies, technology management and policy studies, and business applications. The curriculum consists of core telecommunication courses complemented by electives, which enable students to combine depth in a specific area of their choice, with breadth through a wide selection of courses from other disciplines.

Overall topics span a broad range from the study of the latest technologies such as multimedia, wireless, and broadband networks, to understanding the implications of these technologies in a business or policy context. Keeping the Program up to date, new courses are frequently added.

TCOM's flexibility allows students to tailor its curriculum to their specific interests, background, and current career and career goals.  Students can choose courses to suit a variety of careers in telecommunications, the computer industry, systems integration and consulting.

The Master's in Systems Engineering is a well-balanced full- and part-time program focusing on the modeling, design, operation and integration of large-scale complex systems. The Program's success results from its strategic blend of the theoretical and the practical, its links to industry and the renown of the Systems Engineering Department's faculty and programs.  Systems Engineering at Penn encompasses the disciplines of Operations Research and Industrial Engineering.

All students develop a solid foundation in systems analysis techniques through core courses as well as in-depth knowledge in a selected focus. Approved foci include Systems Science and Operations Research, System Integration (Computer Systems, Operations Management, System Integration, System Design), Automation and Robotics, Manufacturing, Computer Systems, Transportation and Logistics, Man-Machine Systems, Telecommunication Networks, Structural Systems, Environmental and Resource Systems, and Engineering Economics.

Flexibility, a Program hallmark, enables students to structure the curriculum around their interests and career plans.  Students can concentrate on core methodologies or on an appropriate focus of their choice.  Also, so that students get the strong business base essential to modern systems engineers, they can take business electives at the Wharton School.

The Master of Biotechnology is an innovative full- and part-time program co-sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences.  This program gives students the broad exposure to Biotechnology they need for success in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical industries.  Students choose from three parallel tracks: 1) Molecular Biology, 2) Engineering Biotechnology, and 3) Computational Biology/Bioinformatics.

The Computational Biology/Bioinformatics track prepares students for computational analysis of ever-expanding genomic databases, prediction of molecular structure and function and computational analysis of the genetic basis of cell function.

The Program's three parallel tracks give students the flexibility to tailor their degree to their background, interests and career goal.  These tracks, in combination with core courses, ensure a uniquely broad exposure to the entire field of biotechnology.  Penn's world-class biomedical research centers, renowned science departments, strong connection to industry and position at the hub of the largest Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology corridor in the United States, enhance the educational experience.

The Executive Master's in Technology Management (EMTM), a joint effort between Penn Engineering and the Wharton School, is designed to develop technology leaders with strong management skills and a broad understanding of emerging technologies.

Weekend (Friday and/or Saturday) classes allow students, who are working professionals to complete the Program without disrupting their careers.  Full-time students attend classes on alternate weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) and finish in two years; part-time students attend classes one day every other weekend (Friday or Saturday) and complete the program in four years.

Most technology management programs combine business and information technology alone.  EMTM, however, provides courses on a variety of technologies and offers nearly twice as many courses as other technology management programs. Half of the curriculum includes state-of-the-art technology courses; the other half focuses on business and economics courses concerned with successfully deploying modern technology.

Another integral part of the learning experience is teamwork and interaction with other students, who are also professionals.  Through this interaction, students learn as much from the expertise of their peers as they do from their coursework.  This is why applicants must have at least five years of experience. Most students hold full-time positions in engineering, information systems, operations, R&D and technical marketing.