Creative Studies, BAAS

By studying the transformative creations of others in the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which they were produced, you can nurture your own creative expression and develop a deeper understanding of the creative process in action. A concentration in Creative Studies offered by Penn LPS Online combines experiential and applied humanities through the study of the creative arts, expanding your ability to critically analyze, compare, and evaluate the meanings and significance of creativity as expressed across a variety of media. In this degree concentration, you engage in individual and collaborative creative writing and explore a range of creative accomplishments in fields including literature, cinema studies, theater, and other arts.

For more information: https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/bachelors-degree/baas-concentrations/creative-studies

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) recognizes the power of an applied liberal arts education to provide students with strong communication skills, understanding of different cultures and perspectives, and the ability to apply their knowledge to nuanced, complex scenarios with insight, perspective, and empathy.

Overview of degree requirements

30 course units are required for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree.

In addition to course requirements, BAAS students must complete the BAAS 4000: The Art of Work course.

Foundational requirements 

The foundational requirements of the BAAS degree reflect the core competencies and values of Penn LPS Online: the skills and knowledge needed to understand and solve complex problems, the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences and an appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Students can transfer a maximum of 4 course units of foundational courses from a regionally accredited institution. Our program team can also give a preliminary evaluation of transfer credits before students officially apply. Visit the Transfer Preparation & Policies page for more details. 

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Must be taken online at Penn

Concentrations

Just as a college major serves to focus your studies during a four-year degree, the BAAS concentrations enable students to tailor their undergraduate education to specific personal and professional goals. Concentrations progress from introductory-level courses to higher-level courses so that students develop skills and knowledge with greater complexity as they move through the curriculum. Many concentrations are interdisciplinary, to provide students with opportunities to explore their areas of interest from multiple perspectives and develop a flexible approach to solving complex problems in professional as well as academic contexts.

Electives (8 CU's + 1 Penn CU) 

BAAS 4000: The Art of Work (Senior Portfolio Requirement)(1CU) 

Plan of Study for Less Than Full-Time Attendance

This is only a sample plan of less than full-time study. This plan will take approximately six years with no transfer credits with each year looking like the plan below. Students with transfer credits will reduce their time to degree completion. Students who are seeking financial aid should contact Student Financial Services regarding the enrollment requirements for federal aid eligibility. This example plan of study is based on course availability. Note that some requirements are only offered in Fall, Spring, Summer and registration should be planned accordingly. Visit the Penn LPS Online course guide for the latest course offerings.

Plan of Study for Full-Time Attendance

This is only a sample plan of full-time study. Students who are seeking financial aid should contact Student Financial Services regarding the enrollment requirements for full-time federal aid. This plan will take approximately three years with each year looking like the plan below. This example plan of study is based on course availability. Note that some requirements are only offered in Fall, Spring, Summer and registration should be planned accordingly. Visit the Penn LPS Online course guide for the latest course offerings.

This plan would be repeated 3 times for each year.