I’m interested in the interdisciplinary aspect to studying at Penn (specifically between CAS and Wharton) but was confused about the different options.
From my understanding, one can enter a special dual degree program and earn a degree from two schools (ex. Huntsman, M&T). But is it also possible to double major in two different schools? Aside from double majoring and dual degrees, how else can one study in both Wharton and CAS?
Thanks in advance.
“Business and More” - Students can always take 40% outside classes.
There are also inter-school minors. But even if you don’t do a dual degree/double major/inter-school minor, you can still take courses in the other schools.
In addition to the coordinated dual degree programs, you can also apply for an uncoordinated dual degree.
The uncoordinated dual degree is somewhat easier to be admitted too, but still difficult. You can look up the requirements on the website.
Wharton does not offer minors other than statistics.
There are tons of ways to take advantage of the interdisciplinary curriculum at Penn both inside and outside of the classroom.
As you mentioned, there are the coordinated dual degree programs which are absolutely outstanding. Additionally, there are the uncoordinated dual degrees you can design yourself between the College and Wharton. As has also been mentioned, there are 7 interdisciplinary minors offered jointly between the College and Wharton (http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/academics/interdisciplinary-programs/inter-school-minors). You can also simply take classes in Wharton or the College regardless of the specific school to which you matriculate. Research opportunities in both schools are also abundant and open to students regardless of which undergrad program they’re pursuing. Thus you can work closely with a professor or graduate student conducting research in Political Philosophy as a way to expand upon an interest in Business and Public Policy, for example. Or you could do marketing research at Wharton that might shed new light on your major in psychology or your investigation into behavioral economics.
Both schools also partner with the other Undergraduate and Graduate/Professional programs on campus and across the university as a whole to create interdisciplinary opportunities for students. Check out the Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative for an example (http://publicpolicy.wharton.upenn.edu/).
Penn also hires professors with multiple appointments in Penn’s schools allowing those individuals to bridge the gaps between disciplines even in the courses they teach every day that might not be offered by both schools (https://pikprofessors.upenn.edu/)
There are so many different possible ways you can take advantage of the interdisciplinary resources Penn has to offer. If you have any specific questions about the opportunities you discover in your own research, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask them!
Good luck in the college search!
Keep in mind that there is nothing magical about the Wharton degree, per se.
If you have an economics degree from The College, or and Engineering degree, you can compete with Wharton students for jobs. If you supplement that will some courses in specific interest areas from Wharton, then you really have all that you need.