Penn State liberal arts student graduates with four degrees and global perspective

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Fiona Combs is one of just two Penn State students graduating this semester with four degrees — a feat that reflects both her intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic exploration. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she will earn bachelor’s degrees in English, Spanish, medieval studies and art, along with a minor in global and international studies. Combs will serve as the medieval studies major marshal as part of Penn State’s spring 2025 commencement activities.

Throughout her time at Penn State, Combs has embraced every opportunity to explore her wide-ranging interests — in the classroom and around the world.

What began as a love for reading, writing and storytelling quickly evolved into a passion for history, culture and the visual arts. For most students, a double major and minor might seem ambitious — but Combs saw Penn State’s academic offerings as a chance to go further, she said.

“I decided to pursue a quadruple major because I have a wide range of interests and enjoy reading and writing,” she said. “My summer study abroad experiences allowed me to take more classes within my four years at Penn State.”

Balancing four majors has come with its challenges. With 18-credit semesters as the norm, Combs has spent the past four years refining her time management skills.

“Being invested in the subject matter obviously makes this a lot easier,” she said. “Additionally, I would recommend planning ahead each semester by scheduling the courses for the following semester as soon as possible. For me, Schreyer Honors College priority scheduling was highly beneficial in ensuring that I was able to take all the classes I needed and those that interested me.”

Her academic journey has taken her across disciplines — from medieval manuscripts and art studios to Spanish literature and global history. It has also taken her around the world.

Combs studied abroad in Dublin, Athens, Puebla and Lima, Peru — experiences that deepened her academic focus and helped bring classroom material to life.

In Ireland, her studies centered on art and English with medieval ruins lurking in the background — several of her core academic interests. Walking through ancient ruins and engaging with centuries-old artifacts added dimension to her coursework in ways a textbook couldn’t replicate.

Next, she’ll travel to Cambodia for two weeks through an embedded program with the Schreyer Honors College. There, she’ll explore Southeast Asian art, history, architecture and culture — expanding her global perspective.

“I want to broaden my understanding of Asian architecture and the artistic traditions of Cambodia,” she said. “It’s a way to continue building on what I’ve studied while also learning something entirely new.”

International travel while pursuing four degrees would not have been possible, she said, without financial support from Penn State. Combs received enrichment funding from both the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and the Schreyer Honors College, enabling her to participate in several education abroad opportunities without significant financial strain.

“Without that support, I probably wouldn’t have been able to study abroad as much,” she said. “The funding has allowed me to take advantage of these opportunities and make the most of my education.”

Her global experiences have informed her academic work in meaningful ways. In Ireland, she said, her experiences directly supported her honors thesis.

“Each education abroad experience has added something unique to my studies,” she said. “Each trip has complemented and informed my studies at the University Park campus.”

As she reflects on her time at Penn State, Combs encouraged students to follow their interests — especially when considering multiple majors.

“For students interested in pursuing multiple majors, I would highly recommend pursuing only majors they have a strong interest in,” she said. “To accomplish four majors, I had to take a heavy courseload each semester. Being invested in the subject matter obviously makes this a lot easier.”

She offers similar advice to students considering studying abroad.

“I recommend choosing a program in a location that interests you and talking with someone who has participated in the program or thoroughly researching the program, so you have a sense of what to expect,” Combs said. “At the same time, I believe it’s important to go into a program, knowing that events will not unfold exactly as you expect. Be open-minded and flexible in your plans for the program.”

As graduation approaches, Combs is looking toward the future with the same curiosity that shaped her undergraduate journey. She hopes to continue exploring the intersections of art, history and global studies — whether through further education, research or creative projects.