Prerequisites
It is expected that students have an ABET accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the final two years of school. Admission decisions will also be based on relevant transcripts, personal statement, work experience, and recommendation letters.
Those applying for admission as a candidate for the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Electrical Engineering without an ABET accredited electrical engineering bachelor's degree may be admitted with a strong background in mathematics and evidence that they meet the prerequisites to selected certificate courses. The online electrical engineering postbaccalaureate certificate program does not offer online prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite math courses for students who have not earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree are: Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III (Multivariate calculus), Differential Equations, Complex Numbers, and Probability/Statistics. Evidence to meet certificate prerequisite courses may include: Electromagnetics, Electrical Communications, Control System Design, Digital Signal Processing, Power/Machines, Signal and Systems (Fourier and Laplace transforms), Physics (Calculus based), Computer Programming (C,C++ or equivalent), Electrical Circuits (Calculus based) and Electronic Circuits. It is also very helpful to have some experience in MATLAB programming.
The program contains many courses requiring a solid background in mathematics with at least three semesters of calculus including multivariate calculus, differential equations and probability/statistics. Students with a strong background in mathematics may apply. The admissions committee will consider the academic background, as evidenced by the transcript, as part of the overall application. All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Note: Technology degrees in electrical engineering are generally not equivalent to an electrical engineering bachelor's degree and therefore not accepted; applicants with a technology degree must meet all requirements and prerequisites to be considered.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for admission but will be considered if provided.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — Provide a one-page written statement of intent, highlighting academic background, work experience, skills, strengths, academic interests, and professional goals.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
