Submatriculation

Submatriculation allows undergraduate students to begin work on a Master’s degree while still completing their Bachelor’s degree. For research master’s programs (M.A. or M.S.) in the School of Arts and Sciences, submatriculants obtain both the bachelor’s and the master's degree simultaneously, with the master’s level work continuous with the undergraduate major, which it extends and intensifies. Some professional programs may require the student to complete the B.A. before finishing the graduate degree.

Students should consider carefully whether submatriculation is the best option for them, since it will involve additional course work and possibly additional tuition.

Please note that, in addition to the general Policies Governing Submatriculation, there are additional policies specific to the B.A./J.D. Submatriculation.

Application Process

 college submatriculation form

Application

Students are encouraged to apply for submatriculation during the fall semester of the junior year, though some programs may accept applications during the spring semester of the sophomore year. Generally, students will not be admitted to the submatriculation program after the end of the seventh semester.

Students interested in submatriculation should discuss the option with their College Contact (listed on Path@Penn) to determine whether the program is a good fit for their goals, and whether those goals can be better achieved through other options than submatriculation.

Students who are ready to begin the application process, should complete the following steps:

  1. Meet with the graduate group chair of the proposed Master’s program to discuss interests and qualifications, and also to become familiar with the application process.
  2. If the student intends to use any of the double-counted courses toward a major, they should also meet with the undergraduate chair or program director of their major department or program to confirm approval of these courses for the major.
  3. Once the student has filled out the College submatriculation form and gathered signatures as appropriate from the previous meetings, they should make an appointment with their College Contact (listed on Path@Penn) to discuss how the graduate courses will contribute to their undergraduate degree. For students applying to an Arts & Sciences submatriculation program, the College Contact will open the application for the student. For students applying to non-Arts & Sciences submatriculation programs, the College Contact will sign the form. The College submatriculation form may also be required by some programs as part of the application.
  4. Complete and submit an application to the appropriate graduate division. Students should be aware that, until the entire application process is complete and they receive confirmation of admission to the program, they are not officially submatriculating.

Financial Aid

Students on financial aid who are considering submatriculation are urged to consult with Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS) before applying. The calculation of tuition and eligibility for undergraduate financial aid may be affected by enrolling in graduate courses, even during the regular eight semesters of the student’s undergraduate program. Some programs require students to become graduate students after their fourth year in the College, which is likely to mean that their tuition is no longer covered by undergraduate financial aid. Again, consultation with SRFS is essential.

Policies Governing Submatriculation

SAS Departments Offering Submatriculation

The following SAS departments consider applications for submatriculation from students in the College. Department policies on submatriculation are subject to change.

Penn Schools Offering Professional Degrees

B.A./J.D. Program in Arts and Sciences and Law

This rigorous program offers an opportunity for highly qualified and motivated College students to apply to Penn Law School during what is generally the first semester of a student's junior year. If accepted, the student will submatriculate into the J.D. program in their senior year. Applicants must be committed to the study of law in its theoretical and practical aspects.

Students interested in this option should contact Dr. Hocine Fetni in the College Office.

Policies Governing the B.A./J.D. Submatriculation
  • Prospective applicants to the B.A./J.D. program should have fulfilled most—if not all—of their undergraduate degree requirements by what is generally a student's junior year.
  • A prospective applicant should have a g.p.a. of 3.4 or above to apply.
  • Students pursuing dual degrees or coordinated dual degrees are not eligible to apply for this program.
  • Following matriculation to the Law School, four College courses (4000-level or above) must be taken and will be counted toward both the B.A. and the J.D. These courses must be approved by a Law School advisor.
  • Up to four Law School courses may be counted toward the B.A., either as electives (as long as the student has taken the total required Arts and Sciences c.u. as determined by their major ) or as part of their major (as approved by the major advisor).
  • No more than 8 c.u. in all can be double counted toward both degrees. Students must satisfy all the requirements for the J.D. during their fourth, fifth and sixth years of study.
  • Students in the program must complete an advanced-level seminar or independent study in their major field of study by the time they complete junior year.

Application

Students apply to the Law School for admission to this program in the fall semester of their junior year. The application includes an essay explaining the relationship between the student's experience in the College and the study of law and a proposed plan of study developed in consultation with the College advisor.

Please visit the how to apply page for more information.  Please note, either the LSAT, GRE or GMAT is required. 

Although the Law School makes the final decision about acceptance into the submatriculation program, the student's application must also be approved by the College committee.

Students who are serious about this program should contact Dr. Hocine Fetni for an appointment to discuss their plans.

Inquiries about the J.D. requirements should be addressed to the Penn Law School Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu.