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.

What to Know about Submatriculation

Learn more about what you need to know about Submatriculation and how to apply with watching this short video.

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.

For Engineering students applying to Arts and Sciences programs

Students in the School of Engineering who wish to apply for submatriculation programs in the School of Arts and Sciences should begin by speaking with their program advisor. They will be asked to fill out a planning form and email it to [email protected]. An application will then be opened for the student.

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.