Networked and Social Systems Engineering
The Networked and Social Systems Engineering Bachelor of Science program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the design, analysis, and management of complex networked systems and social computing environments. The curriculum integrates computer networks, cloud computing, social network analysis, data analytics, and systems engineering, enabling students to develop practical and analytical skills necessary to model, optimize, and manage interconnected technological and social systems. Students engage in programming projects, simulations, and applied research, cultivating technical proficiency, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning essential for careers or graduate study in engineering and information technology.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, lab work, and collaborative research guided by faculty experts in networking, social systems, and computational technologies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, systems analysis, and applied research, preparing graduates to design network infrastructures, analyze data from social systems, and implement innovative solutions for real-world challenges. Students leave the program with technical competence, analytical skills, research proficiency, and problem-solving abilities, fully prepared for professional or academic pathways in network engineering, social computing, cloud technologies, or IT research.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Networked and Social Systems Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Web Technologies & Cloud Computing
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Networked and Social Systems
- Introduction to Systems Engineering and Networks
- Fundamentals of Computer Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Networks and Social Systems
- Network Architecture and Cloud Computing
- Social Network Analysis and Modeling
- Database Systems and Information Management
- Electives: Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction, or Data Analytics
Year 3 – Advanced Applications and Research
- Applied Research Projects in Networked Systems
- Distributed Systems and Cloud Infrastructure
- Data Mining and Social Systems Analysis
- Electives: IoT, Machine Learning, or Advanced Networking
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Networked and Social Systems
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in Technology Firms, Research Labs, or Cloud Service Providers
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Networked and Social Systems Engineering program are prepared for careers in network engineering, cloud computing, data analytics, social systems analysis, IT consulting, and research and development. Alumni may work as network architects, systems engineers, data analysts, software developers, or pursue graduate studies in computer science, network engineering, or social computing. The program equips graduates to design and manage networked systems, analyze social and technological data, and implement innovative solutions in complex environments. With strong technical, analytical, and research skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on network technologies, cloud infrastructure, and applied social computing.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of network engineering, social systems analysis, cloud computing, and applied research within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, lab work, and experiential projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in IT and social computing. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, technical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing graduates to design efficient network systems, analyze social and technological data, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about networked systems, cloud technologies, and leveraging social data for innovative solutions, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
