Master of Computer and Information Technology

The Fall 2024 deadline is May 15. Apply today!

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Master of Computer and Information Technology

University of Pennsylvania

Accredited diploma

Offered by University of Pennsylvania

Taught in English

Engage in group discussions with professors and peers

16 – 60 months

10 courses total, six core courses and four electives

100% online

Earn an Ivy League degree on your own schedule.

$3,330 USD/course + $150 USD fee

Tuition and fees are posted as a guide and may be subject to change

When you graduate, you’ll be able to:

Combine mathematical foundations and engineering principles to develop solutions to real-world computing problems
Design, construct and maintain high-quality software as part of a collaborative development team
Assess the appropriate use of modern techniques, skills and tools in creating a technology solution
Apply algorithmic thinking and computer science theory to the modeling and analysis of software systems

Degree Requirements

Penn Engineering’s MCIT Online degree combines rigorous online courses of Ivy League quality with the flexibility of a virtual experience. Designed specifically for students who are new to computer science, MCIT Online offers the same innovative curriculum and high-quality teaching as Penn’s on-campus program. Regardless of what you studied as an undergraduate, motivated students will build a strong foundation in computer science and gain real-world coding skills.

The MCIT Online curriculum includes Python, Java (including data structures), C and C++. Core courses and electives blend computer science theory and applied, project-based learning. You’ll use real-world tools and environments such as TensorFlow and Amazon Cloud, and you’ll have ongoing access to Penn Engineering faculty and TAs through live office hours and discussion forums. You’ll join study groups, Slack channels, and online discussion forums that enrich your collaborative learning environment, an essential pillar of excellence in the online experience at Penn Engineering.

The MCIT Online degree program requires the completion of 10 fully online computer science courses made up of six core courses and four electives. There are no required real-time sessions.

It is recommended that students take the core courses in sequential order. That said, students do not need special permission to take courses out of sequence so long as prerequisites and corequisites are followed. Note that new students must take CIT 591 in their first semester and students must complete four of the core courses before registering for electives.

Core Courses

  • CIT 5910 Introduction to Software Development

  • CIT 5920 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science

  • CIT 5930 Introduction to Computer Systems

  • CIT 5940 Data Structures & Software Design

  • CIT 5950 Computer Systems Programming

  • CIT 5960 Algorithms & Computation

Enrollment Options

Courses are offered in the spring (January to May), summer (May to August), and fall (August to December), and the summer semester is optional. New cohorts start in fall and spring semesters.

Students may enroll in the MCIT Online program on a part-time or full-time basis. Students are allowed a maximum of seven years to complete the MCIT Online degree program. On average, students complete the program in 16-60 months depending on their course load.

Not sure if you're ready to start?

Take this quiz from Penn Engineering to help decide if now is the right time for you to pursue this degree. Note: This quiz will in no way factor into your application -- this is purely to assess your ability to thrive in an online degree program and to help you prepare for success in MCIT Online. This blog post helps explain more about the expectations of the degree.

Upcoming Dates

Fall 2024

  • Fall 2024 applications open January 3

  • March 1, 2024 - Early admission deadline

  • May 15, 2024 - Regular admission deadline

  • August 2024 - Classes begin

Upcoming Dates

Fall 2024

  • Fall 2024 applications open January 3

  • March 1, 2024 - Early admission deadline

  • May 15, 2024 - Regular admission deadline

  • August 2024 - Classes begin