What Can You Study at Penn?

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to education.

Read on to find out what subjects you can study at Penn that align with your interests and academic goals!

Undergraduate Programmes

Penn’s undergraduate education is structured through four primary schools:

SchoolFocus AreasExample Programmes
College of Arts and SciencesHumanities, Social Sciences, Natural SciencesEconomics, Political Science, Biology
School of Engineering and Applied ScienceEngineering disciplines with practical applicationsBioengineering, Computer Science
The Wharton SchoolBusiness and EconomicsFinance, Marketing, Management
School of NursingNursing education with integrated clinical practiceBachelor of Science in Nursing

Graduate and Professional Schools

Penn’s graduate education encompasses various disciplines:

SchoolDegree ProgrammesSpecialisations
Perelman School of MedicineMD, PhD, Master’sMedical Research, Clinical Practice
Penn Carey Law SchoolJD, LLM, SJDCorporate Law, Human Rights
Graduate School of EducationMaster’s, DoctoralEducational Policy, Counselling
Stuart Weitzman School of DesignArchitecture, City Planning, Fine ArtsUrban Planning, Sustainable Design
School of Social Policy & PracticeSocial Work, Social Policy, Nonprofit LeadershipSocial Justice, Community Development
Annenberg School for CommunicationGraduate Studies in CommunicationMedia Studies, Political Communication
School of Dental MedicineDental Education and TrainingOrthodontics, Periodontics
School of Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Medical EducationAnimal Health, Veterinary Research

Interdisciplinary and Dual-Degree Programmes

Penn encourages interdisciplinary study through various programmes:

ProgrammeDescription
Huntsman Program in International Studies and BusinessCombines business education with international studies
Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T)Integrates engineering and business curricula
Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management (LSM)Merges life sciences with business education
Nursing and Health Care Management (NHCM)Combines nursing with health care management studies
Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER)Focuses on energy science and engineering

Continuing and Professional Studies

The College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) offers programmes for non-traditional students, including:

ProgrammeDescription
Bachelor of Applied Arts and SciencesDesigned for adult learners
Professional Master’s ProgrammesFields like Environmental Studies and Applied Geosciences
Post-Baccalaureate ProgrammesPreparation for advanced studies

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) fosters a vibrant research culture and offers extensive global opportunities, encouraging both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in diverse projects and international experiences.

Research Opportunities

Penn provides numerous avenues for students to participate in research across various disciplines:

Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF)

CURF assists students in identifying research opportunities, securing funding, and connecting with faculty mentors.

Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP)

This 10-week intensive programme is designed for undergraduates interested in scholarly research, offering hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories.

NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Hosted by the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter, this programme allows students to work on individual research projects under faculty guidance.

Penn Engineering Research Opportunities

The School of Engineering and Applied Science provides programmes for undergraduates to work in advanced research laboratories during the academic year and summer.

Global Opportunities

Penn offers a variety of programmes to enhance global engagement:

Penn Abroad

Administering semester and year-long study abroad programmes, Penn Abroad provides information on various offerings, application processes, and financial details.

Penn Summer Abroad

This programme allows students to study in international locations for several weeks, immersing themselves in different cultures while earning academic credit.

Exchange at Penn

Through partnerships with over 50 institutions worldwide, Penn welcomes more than 200 exchange students annually, fostering cross-cultural learning.

Wharton International Program

Offering short-term international business courses at global locations, this programme enhances students’ global perspectives.

Conclusion

The University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational environment, enabling students to pursue a wide range of academic interests and professional goals.

FAQs

Penn has four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing.

Yes, Penn offers several interdisciplinary programmes, such as the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business and the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.

Penn provides numerous study abroad programmes and global initiatives for students to gain international experience.

Penn’s graduate schools include the Perelman School of Medicine, Penn Carey Law School, and the Wharton School, among others, offering a variety of advanced degrees.

Students at Penn have access to extensive research opportunities across various disciplines, often collaborating with faculty on innovative projects.

How can Dukes Plus Help your Penn Application Succeed? 

At Dukes, we provide support for applications to prestigious universities worldwide, including the University of Pennsylvania. Our programmes offer personalised guidance and strategic advice to strengthen your Penn application. 

We can help you identify and highlight your unique strengths, align your application with Penn’s values, and effectively communicate your accomplishments and potential contributions to the admissions committee. 

For more information on how Dukes can assist with your Penn application, please visit our private US admissions consulting page. Alternatively, you can contact us here, and we can help you submit a winning application. 

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