Writing, BAAS

The Concentration in Writing integrates professional and creative writing into a unified course of study that emphasizes clarity, creativity, and strategic communication. Students develop advanced skills in business writing, brand storytelling, and audience engagement while exploring literary forms such as fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and screenwriting.

Coursework combines scenario-based writing exercises with workshop-style feedback to support both individual and collaborative learning. The program prepares students to write effectively across professional, academic, and artistic contexts, with applications in communications, marketing, content development, and the arts.

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.

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

Overview of degree requirements

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

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.

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.

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Creative Writing Courses: https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/bachelors-degree/baas-course-blocks/creative-writing 

Professional Writing Courses: https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/bachelors-degree/baas-course-blocks/professional-writing

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.