Joint-Degree vs. Dual Degree (Hunstman question)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pennsylvania
1

<p>I am applying RD to Penn and the Wharton school. I’ve been interested in the Hunstman program for some time, but am b beginning to have second thoughts about applying to the joint-degree program. Particularly, the need to continue studying the same language from high school and the required one-year abroad are disheartening.</p>

<p>I was wondering what exactly, (besides special housing, course priority, etc) are the advantages to doing one of the joint-degree programs, especially when Penn’s open university policy would allow a regular wharton student to double major in say, Finance and French or Finance and International Relations.</p>

<p>Also, though Huntsman may be more selective and have more prestiege, reports from Wharton’s career counseling center indicate that most Hunstman students don’t end up working overseas, salaries are similar (if somewhat lower) than students who do single/self-crafted dual degrees, and the firms Huntsman/non-Huntsman students find employment at are also extremely similar.
(<a href=“http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/wharton/surveys/Wharton2003Report.pdf[/url]”>http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/wharton/surveys/Wharton2003Report.pdf</a>)</p>

<p>I also have the impression from speaking with someone at the program that International Studies focuses on the cultural aspects of a certain language, while an International Relations major focuses on the interactions between nations. My stronger interest would be towards the latter.</p>

<p>That said, does it still make sense for someone like me to consider Huntsman? I might enjoy living overseas, but don’t really have an overwhelming desire to do so. Or would I be better served applying to Wharton and taking a major/minor in the college in something like International Relations?</p>

<p>P.s. Is it quite difficult to do dual degrees despite the open university policy?</p>

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<p>The joint degree programs are both accelerated, you are finished in 4 years. Huntsman students are the only ones who can major in International Studies I believe, they also take a class specifically designed for them. </p>

<p>Typically, they end up with the same jobs as wharton students, but after they work, they often get sent overseas, often to places they don't know the language, simply because they are more comfortable in a foreign environment.</p>

<p>If you do a dual degree, you can't even enroll in the second school until the end of the first year.</p>

<p>Huntsman students dont necessarily have the business focus that the Wharton students have, and if you are second-guessing Huntsman, it might not be what you want to do.</p>

<p>This is all from what Ms. Mace told me (she is the huntsman director)</p>