Penn Engineering
The University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Computer and Information Science (CIS) is at the forefront of shaping the digital world. From artificial intelligence and robotics to networks, cybersecurity, and software engineering, our students and faculty are driving breakthroughs that transform how we live, work, and connect. Whether you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll gain unparalleled access to world-class research, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities that prepare you to become a leader in the next era of computing.
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
In addition to being dedicated mentors and advocates to students, our faculty members are established researchers and leaders within their fields.
Area of expertise: Formal methods for system design
Students know me for: Collaboration with doctoral and postdoctoral students and the course “CIS 2620: Automata, Computability, and Complexity”
I want to make an impact in: Ensuring society can trust systems powered by AI
Area of expertise: Theoretical machine learning
Students know me for: Being an accessible mentor and collaborative researcher
I want to make an impact in: Bridging theory and practice to architect the next generation of machine learning systems
Area of expertise: Distributed systems and computer security
Students know me for: My deep knowledge of dark chocolate and my occasional jokes
I want to make an impact in: The way we build systems and online services.
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Penn Engineering is at the forefront of AI education, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs that equip students to lead in this rapidly evolving field.
Studying Computer Science and Finance at Penn has shaped the way I approach problems — blending algorithmic thinking with practical business insight. I was drawn to Penn CIS because of its structured logic and the challenge of building within the artificial world, and Penn’s curriculum gave me the flexibility to apply that thinking across domains.
Some of my most meaningful experiences have come from TAing CIS 1200, where I found a passion for teaching, and from working on large-scale projects like building an operating system, large scale data-set analysis, or full-stack software projects. Through the Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board, I’ve had the chance to help launch Penn’s first AI conference and lead a panel on how failures can shape us— learning how to turn ideas into impact with the support of the Penn Engineering deans and CIS faculty.
I am currently working at Blackstone as a Real Estate Acquisitions analyst, carrying with me the problem-solving mindset and friendships that defined my time in Penn CIS.
At Penn, Jelani Hutchins-Belgrave studied Networked and Social Systems Engineering and Computer Science. Jelani recalls his CIS 350 Software Engineering course with Professor Chris Murphy as his most memorable experience, because he discovered during the course project that he had a knack for project management.
Jelani currently works as an Associate Product Manager at Salesforce. Before that, he worked as a software engineer at the crypto guide service, RabbitHole.
Jelani offers sage advice to incoming students. “Don’t compare yourself to others, but instead find your own pace.”
Alden Hallak can trace his interest in computer science back to programming his first game at age 8. As he developed his programming skills, he set about finding ways he could help others. At Penn, Alden directed Tech It Out Philly, a Sunday workshop program that provides Philadelphia High School students one on one mentoring to build a website through javascript and html on social issues important to the high school students.
Since graduating in 2020, Hallak has been working at Google. His current role is working as a software engineer for DeepMind’s People + AI Research team.
