Transfer into VIPER

Transfer into VIPER

Update: The deadline for the transfer application has been updated to December 1.

The Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) is a coordinated dual-degree undergraduate program at Penn that prepares talented students to develop sustainable energy science and technology and become the next generation of energy leaders. VIPER graduates gain an interdisciplinary perspective as they earn both a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Arts and Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science. VIPER students also participate in a dedicated on-ramp into research, conduct fully-funded, cutting-edge research with renowned Penn faculty throughout their time in college, and join a collaborative network of energy leaders. Students should read about the VIPER Curriculum before applying.

VIPER Curriculum

Internal Transfers

How to Apply

Incoming or current first-year Penn students interested in transferring into VIPER are encouraged to apply! Application materials include 

  • Basic information
  • An unofficial high school transcript
  • A short essay (400-650 words)

Apply

 

Essay Prompt

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time.

General Timeline

The application deadline for first year transfers will be December 1. Select applicants will be invited to interview with the program. Applicants will be notified of their application status by mid-January.  

  1. There are multiple steps towards declaring a dual-degree with VIPER. Students with successful applications will be granted a preliminary acceptance to the program and issued a permit to take the first class in the VIPER seminar series, VIPR-1200. This is a mandatory class for all VIPER first years. In the Spring, the tentative class times are on Thursdays from 8:30-9:30AM. 
  2. Students must complete VIPR-1200 and remain in good academic standing throughout the Spring. At the end of their first year, they should officially apply for their second degree through the School of Arts and Science or School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Typical Courses

Below is a list of courses that VIPER students typically take in the first semester, depending on their high school experience and major choices. If you are a current first-year and want to discuss if your class choices align with VIPER, feel free to reach out to us.

  • Calculus-based math (ex. MATH 1400, 1410, 2400, etc.)
  • Physics with lab (ex. PHYS 0150)
  • Chemistry (ex. CHEM1012 and CHEM 1101)
  • Social science or humanities (ex. Foreign Language or Writing Requirement)  

Questions? Reach out to contact-viper@sas.upenn.edu

External Transfers

VIPER does not accept transfer applications from students who are not at Penn.