All Interdisciplinary Programs
The University of Pennsylvania provides a unique environment to prepare tomorrow's leaders in fields that combine professional skills and business expertise. In the words of President Amy Gutmann, "The most challenging questions and problems of our time cannot be addressed by one discipline or profession. To comprehend our complex world, we must better integrate knowledge from different disciplines and professional perspectives in our research and teaching."
In addition to the MBA/MA Lauder Program, MBA/JD, MBA in Health Care Management, and the MBA/MB in Biotechnology, Wharton has the following interdisciplinary options. Including Wharton, there are 12 world-leading graduate and professional schools on the University of Pennsylvania's Ivy League campus. Wharton MBA students may pursue any of the following established interdisciplinary options:
You can apply for one of the dual-degree programs if:
1) You are a current 1st year student at one of our partner schools (except any of the Medical Sciences programs, which have different application guidelines) or
2) You plan to pursue the first year of the dual-degree at Wharton.
- Design: MBA/MArch, MBA/MLA, MBA/MCP, MBA/MHP with the School of Design
- Engineering: MBA/MSE with the School of Engineering and Applied Science
- Environment: MBA/MES with Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences
- Law: MBA/JD with the Law School
- Medical Sciences: MBA/MD with Penn Medicine and MBA/VMD and MBA/MS with Penn Veterinary Medicine. Please note if you are applying for the MBA/MD program, candidates must apply in round one.
- Nursing: MBA/MSN, MBA/PhD with the School of Nursing; must apply to the MBA/PhD program simultaneously
- Social Work: MBA/MSW with the School of Social Policy and Practice
Other Programs
Wharton/School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
This three-year, MBA/MA dual-degree program, offered by Wharton and the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., prepares students to operate in both business and the international political environment. Students earn an MBA from Wharton and an MA in international relations from SAIS, a program that pioneered area studies and the integration of international politics and economics. While in Washington, students have access to Washington's resources and to leaders in foreign policy and international trade.
Applicants must begin the Wharton part of their program in Pre-Term, and conferral of each degree is contingent upon completion of all requirements for the other program. Students with less preparation in their chosen field of study or in their language requirement may need additional time to complete the SAIS degree. Please note than an applicant should apply within the cycle directly preceding the year they would like to begin at Wharton. All requests for deferral will be considered within Wharton's deferral policy.
Wharton/Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
Harvard Kennedy School has multiple degree offerings, three of which qualify for a dual degree option with Wharton's MBA program: Master in Public Administration (MPA2), Master in Public Administration/International Development (MPA/ID) and Master in Public Policy (MPP). All three are typically two-year programs. The dual degree option with Wharton allows students to complete the HKS portion of their dual degree over three semesters.
The MPA2 program is designed to prepare its graduates for positions of significant responsibility in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The program's curriculum lends itself to individual tailoring with guidance from HKS faculty and administrators.
The MPA/ID is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in international development. Geared to the future practitioner in the field of international development the MPA/ID is an economics-centered, multidisciplinary program, combining analytical and quantitative methods with an emphasis on policy and practice.
The MPP program equips future leaders with a conceptual framework and the specific skills they will need to be successful in public service. The initial emphasis of the curriculum is on building a strong conceptual foundation for analysis, management, and advocacy.
Applications to both schools, Wharton and HKS, must be filed either during the first year at either school or simultaneously before enrolling at either school or during the first year at either school. The two degrees may not be completed sequentially. Students can start by enrolling at either the Harvard Kennedy School or the Wharton School. We encourage applicants to apply to Wharton during the application cycle directly preceding their desired Wharton start date. All requests for deferral will be considered within Wharton’s deferral policy.
