Student Voices

What would you do with an online Ivy League education at your fingertips? Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree and working adults who completed Penn LPS Online certificates and courses share their experiences of the virtual classroom―and their plans for putting their education to work.

You can filter the stories by credential (BAAS degree or certificate), individual BAAS concentrations, or by individual certificates.

Erica Adhikary

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ’25; Concentration in Organizational Studies

As mother of two, Erica wasn’t sure there was a path for her to finish college. Graduating with a 4.0 and getting accepted to law school were beyond her wildest dreams.

Read Erica’s story >

Shane Coolbaugh

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ’24; Concentration in Leadership and Communication

See how the BAAS program helped Shane Coolbaugh transition from a two-year institution to complete his bachelor’s and sharpen his skills as a leader and communications professional.

Read Shane’s story >

Kelly Gilrain

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania ’24

As chief psychologist at a teaching and research hospital, Dr. Kelly Gilrain employs positive psychology concepts and interventions to support patient care.

Read Kelly’s story >

Fernanda Oliveira

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ’24; Concentration in Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences

After a career in ballet, Fernanda’s next step is law school. Learn how part-time study with the BAAS program helped her pivot.

Read Fernanda’s story >

Andy Lan

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘23; Concentration in Leadership and Communication

The ability to connect with students, appreciate their differences, and collaborate toward a common goal helped Andy gain an appreciation for the expansive Penn network.

Watch Andy’s story >

Ernesto E.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘24; Concentration in Organizational Studies

When Ernesto enrolled to take few writing classes, he didn’t expect the journey to lead to a bachelor’s degree. His experience demonstrated the importance of an education to his young kids and gave him the confidence to expand his studies and career.

Watch Ernesto’s story >

Kirsten Calloway

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania ‘21; Concentration: Individualized Studies

Through grit and determination, Kirsten Calloway earned her BAAS, unlocked her life’s purpose to help others thrive, and kept an important promise.

Read Kirsten’s story >

Halle Sherman

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '22; Concentration in Physical and Life Sciences

As a professional ballerina, an educator, and now a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science, Halle Sherman is a virtuoso at balancing her passions and professions.

Read Halle’s story >

Erwin Benedict Valencia

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania ‘21

Taking classes in the Applied Positive Psychology certificate helped Erwin Benedict Valencia find clarity in his mission at the intersection of physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Read Erwin’s story >

Robert Marshall

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, University of Pennsylvania ‘19

For Robert Marshall, the APOP certificate opened the door to explore mindfulness and resilience strategies for himself and other military veterans.

Read Robert’s story >

Mary Koenke

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania '20; Concentration in Physical and Life Sciences

Mary Koenke (BAAS '20) returned to Penn after more than a decade and synthesized many years of educational, professional, and personal growth on her journey to the degree.

Read Mary’s story >

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