<p>Hey,</p>
<p>What's the difference between joining a special joint degree program and doing a plain old double degree?</p>
<p>e.g. U Penn's Jerome Fisher's M&T Program in engineering & business. </p>
<p>suppose you choose Civil engineering and finance. </p>
<p>What would be the difference between that and just doing double degree in civil engineering and finance?</p>
<p>Double majors have questionable usefulness while joint major programs restrict any freedom to move about the college. You may, in fact, change your mind later.</p>
<p>Joint programs generally have reduced requirements. Dual degree is just what it says=two degrees and thus all of those requirements. M&T at Penn is selective and a special set of requirements.
<a href="http://www.upenn.edu/fisher/curriculum/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.upenn.edu/fisher/curriculum/index.html</a></p>
<p>So special Programs usually make it easier for you to complete both majors b/c the requirements are reduced. </p>
<p>plus, it just looks better on the diploma?</p>
<p>b/c I understand that M&T is very selective, but if one does double major in those fields, it seems as if he/she can copy the curriculum.</p>
<p>There may be some M&T specific courses which are closed to non-program participants. I know that is the case for Lehigh's IBE. And there are substitutions in the requirements for the degrees.</p>
<p>also, the joint degree carries with it access to various opportunities, such as the m&t alumni network, and certain privileges while at penn itself.</p>
<p>there are indeed certain m&t specific courses and sections of courses, and also the degree requirements for a dual degree make it a greater strain on your college experience to accomplish within 4 years.</p>
<p>
[quote]
What would be the difference between that and just doing double degree in civil engineering and finance?
[/quote]
<p>Otherwise, the rest is the same. At graduation, both joint-degrees and dual degrees get the same two degrees. </p>
<p>Also, Penn doesn't have a civil engineering program.</p>
<p>thanks
Aurelius:
by prestige, do u mean the special program has higher level of prestige than just double major?</p>
<p>tenebrousfire:
Do u mean for a special joint program, it's not as hard to complete in 4 years while doing a double major often takes more?</p>
<p>the double degree can be completed in 4 years, but the number of credits required is greater than that of the joint degree program.</p>
<p>seems like joint degree program is slightly less work.
In U Penn, they say that most people spend 4 years to finish the Fisher's Program. </p>
<p>Since joint degree programs has less credits required, than shouldn't a double degree take more time?</p>
<p>no, because penn students can take up to 7 courses per semester (though their sanity after doing so is questionable).</p>
<p>and yes, fewer credits = less work.</p>