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:
| School | Focus Areas | Example Programmes |
| College of Arts and Sciences | Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences | Economics, Political Science, Biology |
| School of Engineering and Applied Science | Engineering disciplines with practical applications | Bioengineering, Computer Science |
| The Wharton School | Business and Economics | Finance, Marketing, Management |
| School of Nursing | Nursing education with integrated clinical practice | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Graduate and Professional Schools
Penn’s graduate education encompasses various disciplines:
| School | Degree Programmes | Specialisations |
| Perelman School of Medicine | MD, PhD, Master’s | Medical Research, Clinical Practice |
| Penn Carey Law School | JD, LLM, SJD | Corporate Law, Human Rights |
| Graduate School of Education | Master’s, Doctoral | Educational Policy, Counselling |
| Stuart Weitzman School of Design | Architecture, City Planning, Fine Arts | Urban Planning, Sustainable Design |
| School of Social Policy & Practice | Social Work, Social Policy, Nonprofit Leadership | Social Justice, Community Development |
| Annenberg School for Communication | Graduate Studies in Communication | Media Studies, Political Communication |
| School of Dental Medicine | Dental Education and Training | Orthodontics, Periodontics |
| School of Veterinary Medicine | Veterinary Medical Education | Animal Health, Veterinary Research |
Interdisciplinary and Dual-Degree Programmes
Penn encourages interdisciplinary study through various programmes:
| Programme | Description |
| Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business | Combines 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:
| Programme | Description |
| Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences | Designed for adult learners |
| Professional Master’s Programmes | Fields like Environmental Studies and Applied Geosciences |
| Post-Baccalaureate Programmes | Preparation 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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