<p>From what I understand, Penn allows generous freedom in designing an academic program. I know it’s more work, but can I design my own dual degree? And what are the chances I am allowed to do this?</p>
<p>in order to do a “self-designed” dual degree (i will use the example of wharton/anything else) you would have to apply to both schools in some manner, be admitted to both schools, and subsequently do individualized concentrations in Wharton and a self-designed major in the other school. You will have to speak with academic advisors on both ends to ensure that you can double count any of those courses. Once you go through that vetting process with academic advisors, you can for example be a digital media marketing/philosophy dual degree. </p>
<p>What you won’t be able to do is be admitted to one school and subsequently design a academic program that mimics a major for another school (no CAS Econ majors designing their own finance concentrations)</p>
<p>Penn has a lot of red tape. They try to advocate the “one university policy” and “academic freedom” and all that, but in reality you shouldn’t hold your breath on doing a dual degree outside of a designated program.
Even designing your own major is difficult to get approved unless its (A) completely different from an existing major and yet (B) follows a very clear common theme. - They’ll just tell you to major in one and take a minor or two.</p>
<p>I wonder zippity, if you actually know someone who has done that (e.g. outside of a designated dual program)? I wouldn’t be too surprised, but I haven’t seen it and I’m certain that much fewer people get the opportunity than those that are interested.</p>