Ivy League schools are selective and competitive, and UPenn is no exception. And with them continuing to stay test-optional, it’s only going to remain competitive. If you’re thinking about applying to UPenn, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to study and why – and if you want to take it to the next level, you should also have a good idea of all the niche things you can study that will help you achieve your goals. Thankfully, UPenn has a ton of unique programs, degrees, minors, concentrations, and certificates that could help you pitch your case.
Applied Positive Psychology
An online certificate, positive psychology is a relatively new field that “examines the intersections of body, brain, culture, and science to develop tools and practices that enhance human flourishing and well-being.” Basically, instead of all the kind of downer stuff (which yeah, we will concede is interesting!) in regular psychology, which focuses mostly on treatment of crisis, this is more about prevention than intervention. Neat!
Communication: Advocacy & Activism
While a major in Communication isn’t unique (like… at all), this concentration within the major is incredibly cool and niche. Students will learn about the intersection between social justice and all forms of communication – whether that be journalism, PR, or digital communications. Classes include Media Activism Studies, Ethnography and Media for Social Justice, and Digital Inequality.
Health and Societies: Race, Gender and Health
The Health and Society major at UPenn is already pretty cool, but this track focuses on how to bring equity into the Public Health sector. A big part of the program is examining health and medicine in a social context, and assessing historical medical texts for their context, bias, and political origins.
Landscape Studies
The landscape studies minor is almost exactly what it sounds like. The study of landscape! It’s use as an artistic tool, environmental uses, and political and social contexts too. Located in the School of Design, you not only learn the history, but how to create mindful landscapes.
Medical Sociology
A minor that focuses on the social and cultural framing of medicine and illness, medical sociology asks “what is defined as “illness”; the structural factors that may contribute to those illnesses; and the interactive dynamics between healthcare providers and patients.” Super interesting, and would be a great add-on to a public health or pre-med degree.
Retailing
Retailing is a secondary concentration within Wharton, so you can’t just study this. Live out an Elle Woods-style retailing degree roleplay, or just learn about retail supply-chain management, marketing, product development, and more.
Urban Education
This minor prepares you to “bridge learning between the classroom and community,” and provides credit towards a Pennsylvania teaching certification. Trying to address the complex problems in education, especially in urban areas, is challenging -- but the program also encourages students to conduct research to help address these problems.
Dual Degree Programs
UPenn offers a variety of unique dual degree programs, the most famous of which is the Huntsman Program. Let’s dive into some of the coolest ones:
Huntsman Program
The Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business grants you two degrees from both the Wharton School and the College of Arts and Sciences. It’s a tight-knit program and you live your first year in shared housing. You’ll learn a language, study abroad, and write a thesis as a capstone project.
Digital Media Design Program
An interdisciplinary major created in 1998 (!!) (older than literally anyone thinking about applying to Penn now) (we feel old now), to address the new-fangled internet. It is a degree within the School of Engineering and Applied Science, students will take classes in everything from computer science to humanities to fine art.
Life Sciences and Management
Shocker – another dual program with Wharton! Penn looooves Wharton. But this program is very cool – it takes a degree in a life science from the College of Arts & Sciences and combines it with a bachelor’s in economics from Wharton. They only let in 24 students a year!
And there you have it, the ten most interesting programs at UPenn. There are a ton more that might be more relevant to you and what you want to do – so research! Take your time and poke around the UPenn website. Make a list of what interests you, try and sus out the vibe of each program and if it feels right to you. Good luck!!
If you’re thinking of applying to UPenn and just have no idea where to start – or need help with your Common App essay, college list, or supplements, contact us today.