10 Most Popular Majors at UPenn

In 2024, the University of Pennsylvania awarded 2,634 bachelor’s degrees. When you break those numbers down, certain majors stand out for attracting the largest share of students. This blog highlights the 10 most popular majors at UPenn, ranked by percentage of graduates. Let’s discuss where students concentrate their studies and which programs define much of the undergraduate experience.

• What Are the Most Popular Majors at UPenn?
• Business and Marketing at UPenn
• Biological and Life Sciences at UPenn
• Social Sciences at UPenn
• Computer and Information Sciences at UPenn
• Engineering at UPenn
• Philosophy and Religious Studies at UPenn
• Health Professions and Related Programs at UPenn
• Interdisciplinary Studies at UPenn
• Physical Sciences at UPenn
• Psychology at UPenn
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Most Popular Majors at UPenn?

The table below, based on UPenn’s 2024–2025 Common Data Set, shows the percentage of bachelor’s degrees awarded by discipline between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. These figures determine the ranking of the 10 most popular majors at UPenn.

For each major, we’ve also estimated the number of graduates in that field (out of the 2,634 total) to give a sense of scale.

Business stands out as the single most popular path at UPenn, accounting for 21% of all bachelor’s degrees in 2024. This level of interest isn’t surprising when you consider the reputation of Wharton, a global leader in business education (ranked #1 in the nation and #2 worldwide).

Wharton attracts students who want rigorous training in finance, management, and entrepreneurship, and it delivers outcomes that make the major especially appealing. With an employability score of 98.6 from QS, it’s clear why business continues to be one of the most sought-after programs at UPenn.

Business and Marketing at UPenn

It’s no surprise that Business is the largest major at UPenn. Roughly 21% of all bachelor’s degrees come from the Wharton School, which is about 550 students in one year. If you’re wondering what majors UPenn is known for, Wharton is the answer.

Wharton students earn a B.S. in Economics, but with over 20 concentrations, you can shape the degree to fit your interests. Popular choices include Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. The program’s reach is reflected in national rankings:

• #1 Undergraduate Business Program (U.S. News)
• #1 in Finance (U.S. News)
• #1 in Real Estate (U.S. News)
• #1 in Accounting (U.S. News)
• #2 in Marketing (U.S. News)
• #3 in Management (U.S. News)

Classes combine theory and practice. You’ll take core business fundamentals, but also get into hands-on learning through case studies, consulting projects, and global immersion trips. The school encourages you to test your ideas outside the classroom, whether that’s through Wharton’s venture lab, finance clubs, or internships with Fortune 500 companies.

Graduates leave with a powerful alumni network that includes CEOs, entrepreneurs, and political leaders. That combination makes Business not just one of the most popular majors at UPenn, but also one of UPenn’s best majors for launching careers worldwide.

Biological and Life Sciences at UPenn

Life sciences account for 14% of UPenn’s bachelor’s degrees, which is equivalent to nearly 370 students a year. These majors range from Biology to Neuroscience, Biochemistry, and Ecology. They’re a top choice for pre-med students and budding researchers.

Why is it so popular? A few reasons stand out:

• Research access. Undergrads often work in labs tied to Penn Medicine and CHOP.
• Special programs. The Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program offers early, intensive research training.
• Dual degrees. The Life Sciences & Management program pairs a science degree with a Wharton degree, which creates a powerful bridge between biology and business.

UPenn also ranks highly in this area. Times Higher Education places UPenn #10 nationally and  #16 globally for life sciences. According to QS, the university ranks #18 in the world for Life Sciences & Medicine and #19 worldwide in Biological Sciences. 

U.S. News also places UPenn at #15 nationally for Biological Sciences, which shows the program’s reputation both in the U.S. and abroad. 

As a student, you’ll spend time both in the classroom and in the lab, tackling everything from genetics to bioethics. By graduation, you’ll be prepared for medical school, biotech startups, or graduate study in the sciences.

Social Sciences at UPenn

Social sciences account for about 13% of bachelor’s degrees at UPenn, or just over 340 graduates a year. The programs here are wide-ranging, from Political Science and International Relations to Sociology and Criminology. These majors stand out for their access to policy hubs and hands-on opportunities in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and beyond.

Program highlights include:

• Political Science. Students can choose among four concentrations: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Many pair the degree with certificates in survey research or civic engagement. The program also connects students with the Washington Semester Program, which places them in internships at federal agencies and on Capitol Hill.
• International Relations. Students gain global experience by studying abroad at universities like Sciences Po in Paris or the London School of Economics. On campus, they engage with the Perry World House think tank, which hosts visiting diplomats, policymakers, and heads of state. Many also contribute to PULJ (Penn Undergraduate Law Journal), UPenn’s undergraduate journal of law and international affairs.
• Sociology and Criminology. UPenn is the only Ivy League institution with a standalone criminology department. Students work closely with faculty who conduct applied research with the Philadelphia Police Department and urban policy leaders. Courses such as “Urban Crime Patterns” and “Law and Social Policy” combine classroom study with fieldwork in Philadelphia communities.

Students leave with rigorous research skills, policy knowledge, and writing experience. Many continue into law school, public policy, or consulting, while others leverage connections in government internships to move directly into advocacy or politics.

Computer and Information Sciences at UPenn

Roughly 11% of undergraduates major in Computer and Information Sciences, which translates to nearly 290 graduates each year. Housed in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), the program combines technical rigor with cross-campus collaboration.

U.S. News ranks UPenn highly in Computer Science across several specialties:

• #16 overall in Computer Science
• #9 in Programming Languages
• #16 in Artificial Intelligence
• #18 in Systems

Students join cutting-edge research in UPenn’s GRASP Robotics Lab, Data Science Institute, and Artificial Intelligence initiatives that link directly with healthcare through Penn Medicine. Philadelphia’s growing tech startup scene also provides internship opportunities right in the city.

Graduates often step into competitive roles in Silicon Valley, New York, and Philadelphia, or launch their own ventures. With an employability rating of 75.8 from QS, it’s no surprise that the Computer Science program is one of the most popular majors at UPenn.

Engineering at UPenn

Engineering at UPenn represents about 10% of bachelor’s degrees, or 260 graduates annually. While not as large as business or life sciences, it is one of the university’s most interdisciplinary areas, with students frequently pursuing dual degrees and research collaborations.

At UPenn, engineering goes beyond mastering technical skills. The program emphasizes how those skills connect with business, design, and medicine:

• Bioengineering is strengthened by access to Penn Medicine and ranked among the nation’s top programs.
• The Jerome Fisher M&T Program combines engineering with Wharton’s business curriculum, creating leaders at the intersection of tech and commerce.
• Penn Engineering Research offers undergraduates the chance to publish with faculty in robotics, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy.

This combination of fields explains why UPenn engineers are competitive in everything from biotech startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

UPenn’s engineering programs earn strong recognition nationally. U.S. News ranks the School of Engineering and Applied Science No. 17 out of 198 in Best Engineering Schools, with particular strength in specialized fields such as Biomedical Engineering/Bioengineering, where it ranks #7 in the nation.

At the undergraduate level, UPenn also performs well, placing #27 among Engineering Programs. This ranking reflects why engineering remains one of the most popular majors at UPenn, consistently attracting students who want both technical expertise and opportunities to branch into fields like business, design, and medicine

Philosophy and Religious Studies at UPenn

Philosophy and Religious Studies may not be the largest program at UPenn, but it has a long tradition of shaping intellectual debate. Around 4% of undergraduates choose this path, which equals roughly 100 graduates a year.

What makes it notable is the combination of academic rigor and flexibility:

• Philosophy at UPenn stands out for its focus on logic, ethics, and political philosophy, supported by faculty who also hold appointments in fields like law and medicine. A prime example is Anita L. Allen, the Henry R. Silverman Professor of Law and Philosophy, Emeritus, who has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine and honored with prestigious awards like the Philip L. Quinn Prize for exceptional service to philosophy.
• Religious Studies at UPenn takes advantage of the university’s diverse archival resources, including rare texts housed in Penn Libraries and opportunities to study religion in global contexts. Students also benefit from access to the Kislak Center for Special Collections, which contains manuscripts in Syriac, medieval Christianity, and Judaica, as well as the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, where they can work directly with artifacts tied to religious history.

Students can customize the major, pairing philosophy or religious studies with certificates in areas like bioethics or political theory.

Graduates pursue law school, academia, journalism, and non-profit work. The program’s smaller size means students enjoy close mentorship and strong preparation in research and writing.

Health Professions and Related Programs at UPenn

UPenn’s pre-professional edge comes into focus here. About 7% of bachelor’s graduates fall into health-related programs, or around 180 students. These majors prepare students for advanced study in medicine, nursing, and public health, backed by one of the best medical ecosystems in the world.

Standout features include:

• Pre-med pathways. Direct access to Penn Medicine labs and advising.
• Nursing. UPenn’s School of Nursing consistently ranks in the top 3 nationally.
• Dual options. Programs like the Nursing & Healthcare Management dual degree let students combine clinical training with Wharton business expertise.

This area’s popularity stems from UPenn’s unique integration with Penn Medicine, CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), and the university’s strong reputation in health sciences. Students gain both clinical exposure and research experience early, which set them apart in the competitive med school and healthcare job markets.

UPenn’s health-related programs consistently earn national recognition in U.S. News rankings. From public health to veterinary medicine, the university demonstrates broad strength across multiple disciplines:

• #27 in Public Health
• #15 in Biostatistics
• #22 in Epidemiology
• #18 in Health Policy and Management
• #19 in Nursing-Anesthesia
• #8 in Nursing-Midwifery
• #5 in Veterinary Medicine

Ranked the world’s top nursing school by QS for nine straight years, UPenn’s School of Nursing now holds the #2 spot in 2025.

These rankings highlight why health-related programs consistently rank among the most popular majors at UPenn. Students gain access to premier clinical settings, leading research facilities, and expert faculty who bridge theory with practice.

Interdisciplinary Studies at UPenn

Interdisciplinary Studies is one of the most flexible and creative areas of study at UPenn. Around 5% of graduates, or 130 students, design their academic paths here.

Students often pursue individualized majors that cross traditional boundaries. Examples include:

• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE), a popular interdisciplinary program that blends political theory, economics, and ethics.
• Cognitive Science, which bridges psychology, linguistics, and computer science.
• Urban Studies, which leverages Philadelphia as a living laboratory for housing, planning, and community development.

The strength of Interdisciplinary Studies lies in how UPenn encourages students to combine expertise across its four undergraduate schools. This flexibility lets students tailor degrees to fit unique career goals, whether in policy, data science, or urban development.

Physical Sciences at UPenn

Physical Sciences attract a smaller but highly committed group of students, making up about 3% of bachelor’s graduates. This translates to roughly 80 students. What draws them in is UPenn’s combination of traditional disciplines with cutting-edge opportunities.

Students can major in areas like Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, or Astrophysics. The program is strengthened by UPenn’s investment in research facilities, including:

• The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter, one of the nation’s oldest federally funded materials science centers.
• Partnerships with Penn Engineering that allow physics and chemistry students to work on applied projects, such as nanotechnology and renewable energy.

Because of this infrastructure, undergraduates frequently engage in research that rivals graduate-level work. 

UPenn has carved out a solid reputation in the physical sciences, backed by national recognition in multiple fields. U.S. News places the university at #16 in Chemistry and #13 in Physics, rankings that highlight both the breadth of the curriculum and the depth of its research opportunities.

Psychology at UPenn

Psychology consistently ranks among UPenn’s top majors, representing about 6% of graduates, or roughly 150 students. It combines scientific research with practical application, which appeals to students who are interested in both understanding the human mind and addressing real-world challenges.

Why is Psychology so popular at UPenn? Here’s why:

• Historic roots. UPenn is home to the world’s first psychology department, founded by James McKeen Cattell in the late 19th century.
• Career versatility. Students go on to graduate training in clinical psychology, neuroscience, or organizational psychology, as well as jobs in education, marketing, and health services.
• Renowned faculty. The program is closely tied to leading figures in behavioral economics and positive psychology.

One standout faculty member is Martin E. P. Seligman, UPenn’s Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology and founding director of the Positive Psychology Center. He received the APA Award for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology and the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, and he also served as President of the American Psychological Association in 1996. 

UPenn’s Psychology program is consistently recognized at the national and global level. Some of the most notable rankings include:

• #8 in Psychology nationally (U.S. News)
• #8 in the world (Times Higher Education)
• #14 in the world (QS)

The program’s combination of history, research opportunities, and practical relevance is what makes Psychology one of the most popular majors at UPenn.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What majors is UPenn known for?

UPenn is best known for its strength in business through the Wharton School, which consistently ranks as the top undergraduate business program in the U.S. The university is also highly regarded in economics, political science, nursing, life sciences, and psychology. Its strong interdisciplinary approach allows students to connect fields such as business, computer science, and healthcare.

2. What majors does UPenn offer?

UPenn offers 100 undergraduate majors across four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Nursing, and the Wharton School. Students can pursue traditional fields like Biology, English, or Political Science, as well as specialized programs such as International Relations, Cognitive Science, and Business Analytics. UPenn also provides the option to design individualized majors that cut across departments.

3. Where can I find a UPenn list of majors?

The full list of undergraduate majors is available on the UPenn website under the “Majors and Minors” section. Each entry outlines the program’s curriculum, research opportunities, advising, and study abroad options, giving students a detailed look into both academic and practical training.

4. What are considered UPenn’s best majors?

UPenn consistently ranks among the top in the world for business, economics, nursing, and life sciences. Wharton holds the #1 spot nationally for undergraduate business and finance, while the School of Nursing is ranked among the best globally.

5. Are the most popular majors at UPenn all in business and marketing?

No. While business-related programs dominate at UPenn, especially with Wharton’s international reputation, the university also attracts many students in the life sciences, political science, economics, and psychology. Nursing and engineering programs are also consistently popular. This balance between Wharton’s business strengths and the college’s liberal arts and sciences makes sure that UPenn’s most popular majors span multiple disciplines.

Takeaways

The most popular majors at UPenn reveal both the university’s academic strengths and the opportunities available to students. Here are the key points to remember:

• Business continues to lead the list of the most popular majors at UPenn, thanks to Wharton’s global reputation and inimitable alumni network. Students graduate well-prepared for leadership in finance, management, and entrepreneurship.
• Biological and Life Sciences remain a keystone among the most popular majors at UPenn. Students benefit from access to Penn Medicine, CHOP, and specialized programs like Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences.
• The most popular majors at UPenn also include Social Sciences and Computer Science, which offer pathways into government, policy, technology, and international careers, supported by strong rankings and hands-on opportunities.
• Engineering, Philosophy and Religious Studies, and Health Professions show how the most popular majors at UPenn balance technical depth with interdisciplinary flexibility, which make them strong stepping stones to advanced study and professional success.
• Choosing among the most popular majors at UPenn can feel overwhelming, but expert support makes the process clearer. A college admissions consultant gives you personalized guidance so you can choose the academic path that best fits your goals and future career plans.