Program Admissions

Join the elite ranks of the Master of Supply Chain Management program at Penn State Smeal. Our two-part application process includes a Penn State Graduate School Online Application and a Virtual Interview and Essay via Kira Talent. Don't miss the multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Start your journey today!

Admission Criteria

The in-person Penn State Smeal Master of Supply Chain Management program at University Park features a two-part application process. During this process, you will be required to submit the following:

  • Part 1: Penn State Graduate School Online Application
    • Resume
    • Copies of official educational transcripts (and copy of degree certificate if applicable)
    • Program-specific questions: Ensure that you respond to all questions requesting information, especially when it is marked as required. 
    • Reference contacts (3): Provide the names, titles, relationships, and contact information for three professional or academic references. A letter of recommendation will not be requested or required. In the event we need more information, we will reach out to your references.
    • Official English language proficiency exam scores (for international applicants)
    • Application fee
  • Part 2: Virtual Interview and Essay via Kira Talent
    • Within 24 hours of starting your Graduate School Online Application, you will receive a link to complete your virtual interview and essay. Please check your spam folder or inbox filters for the invitation. The virtual interview consists of answering three behavioral questions in a recorded video format within a timed session. The essay portion requires a written response to an admissions essay question within a timed session. Your interview and essay should be completed within seven days of submitting your Graduate School Online Application.

To be considered for admission, all components of the application process must be completed, submitted, and received by the respective deadline.

Application Deadlines

The Penn State Smeal MSCM has multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Application Deadline Rounds Complete Your Application By Expect a Decision By
1st Round October 1 December 1
2nd Round December 1 February 1
3rd Round: Priority deadline for international applicants February 1 April 1
4th Round April 1 June 1

Admission Decisions

All applications will undergo a comprehensive review process conducted by both the Penn State Smeal MSCM program admissions office (assessing MSCM requirements and admissions criteria) and the Penn State Graduate School (verifying educational documentation, credentials, and international visa requirements). You may receive communications from representatives of either department.

Admission is granted in two stages: first by the Smeal MSCM program and then by the Penn State Graduate School. The Graduate School requires a recommendation from the Smeal admissions office before taking action on your application. To confirm the receipt of your application materials and check the status of your application, it is recommended that you contact the Smeal admissions office at mscm@smeal.psu.edu.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

The Penn State Smeal College of Business has a strong commitment to ethics and integrity as reflected in our Honor Code. The admissions committee will not tolerate any form of plagiarism or appearance of impropriety in an applicant’s materials. To ensure academic integrity, all essays will be confirmed through iThenticate authenticity software. 

For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism: "Academic Integrity" and "Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Copyright"

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a deny decision.

Ready to begin your application? Visit our Apply page to take the next step.