Ben Franklin Scholars (BFS-SEAS)

Interdisciplinary Ideas, Engineering Excellence

Engineering Beyond Boundaries

Engineers with curiosity and vision thrive here. Our program blends rigorous technical depth with the wide-ranging intellectual exploration that defines the Franklinian tradition.

A Fusion of Engineering and the Liberal Arts

Students connect engineering with the liberal arts, sciences, and social sciences—expanding their perspectives and strengthening their ability to tackle complex problems from multiple angles.

Developing Leaders for Research, Industry, and Society

BFS scholars cultivate creativity, adaptability, and broad perspective, preparing them to become innovative leaders who shape the future.

Benjamin Franklin Scholars – SEAS

The Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) program in the School of Engineering and Applied Science is designed for exceptional students who want more than a traditional engineering pathway. BFS-SEAS combines rigorous technical training with an enriched liberal arts experience, empowering engineers to think creatively, communicate effectively, and lead across disciplines.

BFS-SEAS students complete their SEAS major while engaging in a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum alongside peers from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, and the Wharton School. This cross-school engagement cultivates a wide-angle perspective that strengthens innovation and problem-solving.

As part of the campus-wide Benjamin Franklin Scholars community, BFS-SEAS students gain access to exclusive opportunities—including small, faculty-led BFS Seminars on cutting-edge topics and a variety of intellectual and co-curricular programs that connect scholars across all four undergraduate schools.