<p>If one wants to pursue a Dual Degree but is also majoring in Biology, what are some of the other majors that would be smarter to dual degree in? I am not asking what are the other easiest majors, but rather which major is smarter/easier to dual degree with Biology (by taking into consideration the required courses for Biology and where these courses overlap/double-count for other majors)? If another major is not feasible, is a minor in Economics in CAS or a concentration/minor in Wharton possible with a Biology major?</p>
<p>i mean Double Major (since both of these majors would be in the College of Arts and Sciences)…</p>
<p>Oh I see…because Dual Degree in any case is rather difficult.</p>
<p>Well Biology is a pretty big major (in terms of required CU’s), so it would be “easiest” to double major in a similar science: chemistry, biochemistry, maybe physics or biophysics because some of the required courses overlap in these majors. That said, double majoring is always challenging. I have the impression that doing well in one thing is better than doing average or poorly in two or more. The important thing is quality, not quantity.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what the rules are with Wharton (in terms of a minor) but it would definitely be feasible to minor in Econ or something else in the college. To my knowledge, most minors are 8 CU or less so it wouldn’t be too much of a courseload burden. You can also doublecount courses toward your minor with courses you are using to fulfill the Gen Ed requirements.</p>
<p>thank you that makes a lot of sense. yeah i’m still hesitant about double majors, which is why i was asking. you’re right, doing well in one major is better than doing okay in two. thats why i was wondering what is more feasible. because i don’t want to ruin my gpa or learn less because i’m trying to balance a lot more courses rather than concentrating on just a few. thanks for the info though.</p>
<p>I have a son in Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences where everyone is required to either get a double major or submatriculate (get a masters degree in the same 4 years at Penn). The vast majority of them submatriculate. You might consider getting a masters degree rather than double majoring (it actually involves less additional courses). In my son’s case, he will most likely end up with undergraduate and masters degrees in biochemistry along with minors in math and physics (not a very liberal education, but what he wants). If you are premed, unfortunately you will need to consider the possible effects of any course of action on your GPA.</p>