Features

Talking climate with Michael Mann—and Climate Week at Penn

September 15, 2023

Climate scientist Michael Mann spoke with OMNIA about this summer's unprecedented weather events. Listen to the podcast, and learn more about upcoming climate events at Penn.

Is ethics on your mind? Explore meaningful careers where integrity is essential

August 29, 2023

Explore meaningful career paths where an understanding of ethical principles and the ability to apply ethics to make decisions is not only advantageous, but essential.

Why communication is essential to effective leadership

August 9, 2023

Strong communication skills allow you to inspire and empower the people around you. See the skills that will enhance your leadership and communication expertise through the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

For this BAAS graduate and Dean’s Scholar, Bread Upon the Waters was the bridge

August 7, 2023

For Gabrielle Solair (BAAS ’23), the scholarship helped support her journey from Nashville musician to cultural communications and outreach specialist.

Successful communication requires strong scientific and industry expertise and practical messaging skills.

Why excellent communication skills are vital to a successful science career

July 26, 2023

Successful communication requires strong scientific and industry expertise and practical messaging skills. Explore five strategies for science communication and five rewarding careers in science that you can consider.

7 interesting fall courses that show how everything is connected

July 25, 2023

Our 8-week accelerated courses give you the option to take two exciting courses in succession. See what’s available this fall—and how exploring different disciplines can enhance your experience.

Learn how a concentration in organizational studies can boost your work life with skills to be a better collaborator, communicator, and manager.

Why a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Studies is critical in today’s world

July 13, 2023

Learn how a concentration in organizational studies can boost your work life with skills to be a better collaborator, communicator, and manager.

Learn how to employ the subtle art of communication as a professional writer in a variety of hands-on courses through Penn LPS Online.

6 Notable professional writing careers for newcomers and seasoned wordsmiths

July 10, 2023

Learn how to employ the subtle art of communication as a professional writer in a variety of hands-on courses through Penn LPS Online.

The BAAS degree program provides a flexible, high-impact liberal arts education with career enhancement in mind.

Tips for adults transitioning to online learning

July 10, 2023

Online learning is a growing trend for adults. Learn how to thrive in your educational pursuits with these 6 strategies.

the role of a great leader to inspire and influence their team to achieve excellence

Learn how effective leadership drives success

June 1, 2023

In addition to soft skills like adaptability, critical thinking, and team building, here are seven additional and integral components of leadership that will support the success of your career and of the teams and organizations you serve.

Certificate in Professional Writing courses

In the modern workplace, everyone employs professional writing skills

May 24, 2023

There are as many practical applications for professional writing skills as there are professions—but you can count on practice and support as you develop your abilities in five key objectives.

6 helpful steps to return to an academic mindset after a vacation

May 24, 2023

Getting back from a break or holiday? Penn LPS Online presents 6 strategies to help you successfully re-focus on your studies and get the most out of your coursework.

Did you know you can make yourself into a positive thinker? Explore these strategies to increase the optimism in your life and improve your everyday mindset.

Enhance your life with applied positive psychology

May 15, 2023

Did you know you can make yourself into a positive thinker? Explore these strategies to increase the optimism in your life and improve your everyday mindset.

How well do you know your brain? Read 7 fascinating facts about neuroscience and the brain—and explore our Certificate in Neuroscience to go even deeper.

7 Fascinating facts about neuroscience and the brain: How well do you know your brain?

May 3, 2023

How well do you know your brain? Read 7 fascinating facts about neuroscience and the brain—and explore our Certificate in Neuroscience to go even deeper.

Worried you’re losing creative inspiration? Here are 5 strategies used by creative writers to keep writer's block at bay. Read the full article

5 creative strategies used by seasoned writers to keep writer's block at bay

May 2, 2023

Worried you’re losing creative inspiration? Here are 5 strategies used by creative writers to keep writer's block at bay.

6 certificates you can start this summer

April 21, 2023

These foundational courses, offered in summer 2023, will introduce key concepts and knowledge you can put to work immediately—or deepen by continuing your studies with a certificate.

Why you should customize your degree with the Individualized Studies concentration

Ready to customize your degree? Why you should consider Individualized Studies

March 23, 2023

With the Individualized Studies concentration from the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS), you can customize a unique degree concentration to align with your unique life goals and career aspirations. See how your goals line up.

DEI in the workplace: Why it’s important for company culture

March 22, 2023

Explore the depths of DEI in the workplace with the Certificate in Social Difference, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Read why DEI is so important to company culture.

How earning a certificate can enhance your career and your life

February 14, 2023

Learn how earning a certificate can enhance your career and your life.

Why it’s important to learn about climate change

January 24, 2023

In the Certificate in Climate Change, you learn about the natural and human activities that drive climate change and develop skills to effectively communicate what you know to a diverse audience. See why learning about climate change is so important.

Senior Portfolios illustrate BAAS students’ career readiness and goals for the future

January 17, 2023

The Senior Portfolio is the culminating achievement for BAAS students, connecting their Ivy League academic experiences to workplace readiness.

7 tips to help you achieve academic success

January 11, 2023

How will you achieve academic success this year? Read these 7 tips to help you create clear, actionable objectives and develop good study habits and skills.

Training, development, and growth are key factors to employee satisfaction and retention.

What is upskilling and why is it important for your team?

December 15, 2022

Training, development, and growth are key factors to employee satisfaction and retention. What is upskilling and how can the Penn LPS Online Upskill Certificate get your team to the next level?

Flourish in a career enhanced by positive psychology.

Interested in applied positive psychology? Explore 5 exciting career paths enhanced by positive psychology

December 15, 2022

Flourish in a career enhanced by positive psychology. Read about 5 exciting careers you can explore with a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology.

Penn LPS Online Certificate in Neuroscience

Penn LPS Online Neuroscience Certificate student Kelley Roark writes about the neuroscience of epilepsy in web journal Neuro Central

December 6, 2022

Penn LPS Online Neuroscience Certificate student gets published! Kelley Roark writes about the neuroscience of epilepsy in web journal Neuro Central

Can learning about ghosts help us cope with pandemic losses? This Penn professor says yes.

November 10, 2022

Gods, Ghosts, and Monsters professor Justin McDaniel observed that learning about funerary rites and afterlife beliefs helped his students connect and cope during the pandemic.

Ready to set your sights on a course that will expand your horizons?

9 online spring courses to expand your mind and inspire you

October 28, 2022

Set your sights on a spring course that will inspire you to discover the world, reconnect with your creative passions, or develop new skills with professional and practical applications.

CLCH 2100: Introduction to Disaster Management.

Faculty Spotlight: Zephi Francis

October 25, 2022

As the globe faces an increase in extreme weather events amplified by climate change, Penn LPS Online offers a new course in disaster management.

In today’s digital world, the ability to make data-driven decisions and create strategy informed by analysis is central to successful leadership in any industry.

5 key reasons why data analytics is important to business

October 20, 2022

Learn why you should enhance your data literacy with the Data Analytics Certificate.

The 4-course Upskill Certificate at Penn LPS Online is designed around in-demand professional skill sets that will support your career ambitions

Looking to advance your career? 5 important reasons to upskill with a certificate

October 4, 2022

Whether you’re looking for ways to become more competitive in the job market, revise or rebrand your skill set, or pivot into a new field, you can customize the Upskill Certificate to your ambitions by choosing courses that align with your goals.

Boost innovation, profitability, and employee engagement

Why are diversity and inclusion critical in the workplace?

September 28, 2022

Learn how diversity and inclusion in the workplace improve employee satisfaction, teamwork, and organizational success.

Justin McDaniel is the Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Endowed Professor of the Humanities at Penn

Faculty Spotlight: Justin McDaniel

September 19, 2022

Discover the diversity of religious practices—and why the study of religion matters—with Dr. Justin McDaniel, instructor of RELC 2000: Gods, Ghosts, and Monsters and RELC 2500: Asian Religions.

In addition to providing inspiration and leading by example, good leaders are also passionate about nurturing the strengths and talents of their employees.

7 skill sets every aspiring leader should develop

September 12, 2022

Explore the core leadership skills that can prepare you to effectively make decisions, solve problems, and empower those around you to work toward shared goals.

Sports marketing is an intriguing industry that offers a variety of career paths to choose from, depending on your experience and interests.

Interested in a sports marketing career? Elevate your marketing skills with the Certificate in Digital Strategies and Culture

September 8, 2022

Learn strategies to help improve your technological fluency, build your critical thinking and data analysis skills, and create and manage digital content to compete in this fast-paced field.

The Certificate in Digital Strategies and Culture at Penn LPS Online is designed to help you grow your skills as a critical thinker, marketer, designer, and writer

Interested in all things related to technology? Explore 5 exciting digital marketing career paths

August 16, 2022

What can you do with a Certificate in Digital Strategies and Culture? Explore 5 exciting career paths that benefit from technological fluency and critical thinking about how digital content is used and created.

9 online courses to ignite your ambition this fall

July 29, 2022

Whether you want to explore an unfamiliar subject, add a professional skill to your portfolio, or begin a career-enhancing certificate program, fall is the perfect time to start something new.

In an increasingly data-driven world, organizations in virtually every industry are making decisions and crafting their strategy based on the analysis of relevant data sets.

Interested in data analytics? Explore 7 exciting careers in the field

July 25, 2022

Data-driven careers are on the rise. Learn how the Certificate in Data Analytics at Penn LPS Online can prepare you for this engaging field.

Considering a Certificate in Professional Writing? Explore 6 compelling career options

July 19, 2022

Explore 6 compelling career options that the Penn LPS Online Certificate in Professional Writing can help prepare you for – whether you already have a bachelor’s degree or not.

The Senior Portfolio is a tool to ensure that each BAAS student’s academic studies align with their unique professional goals and personal aspirations

Tell a compelling career story with the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Senior Portfolio

June 16, 2022

The online degree is designed to integrate the traditional methods and values of an Ivy League liberal arts education with opportunities to develop career-enhancing practical and professional skills.

Starting the morning off on the right foot can have a huge impact on your motivation, productivity, and stress levels for the rest of the day

6 healthy habits to help keep you motivated and productive

June 16, 2022

Healthy habits help you balance your professional, personal, and academic obligations in a way that allows all these aspects of your life to thrive. Read about 6 healthy habits to help keep you motivated and productive as you pursue your studies at Penn LPS Online.

Sukalpa Basu is a lecturer and advisor for the Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs.

Faculty Spotlight: Sukalpa Basu

June 14, 2022

Learn how Dr. Sukalpa Basu, recently honored with an LPS Distinguished Teaching Award, makes physics feel accessible and relevant to students of all backgrounds.

LISTEN: Professor of Music guides listeners on a tour of South African music history for OMNIA

June 13, 2022

In the OMNIA episode “Music and Meaning,” Penn LPS Online instructor Carol Muller describes her research into unique musical styles including gumboot dancing, Shembe music, and South African jazz.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) students all take their own unique path to Penn.

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences experience, according to three recent graduates

June 3, 2022

Meet three remarkable BAAS graduates, and discover how our innovative online degree helped them achieve their academic dreams.

Read on for 5 compelling reasons to earn your Certificate in Climate Change at Penn LPS Online.

Ready to make an impact? 5 reasons to pursue a Certificate in Climate Change

May 26, 2022

Pursue a career in sustainability, gain the knowledge to help your organization go green, and learn about the science of climate change with Penn LPS Online. See 5 reasons to pursue a Certificate in Climate Change and get ready to make an impact.

The Creative Studies concentration for the Penn LPS Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program provides the forum to nurture your own creative expression and develop a deeper understanding of the creative process in action

5 benefits to choosing the Creative Studies concentration

May 26, 2022

Nurture your creativity and pursue a career in the creative arts by earning an online bachelor’s degree with a concentration in creative studies. See 5 benefits to choosing the creative studies concentration at Penn LPS Online.

Graduating BAAS students share presentations about their individual journeys toward completing an online Ivy League bachelor's degree.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences students shine in the first annual Senior Colloquium

May 17, 2022

Graduating BAAS students share presentations about their individual journeys toward completing an online Ivy League bachelor's degree.

Penn LPS Online’s Certificate in Professional Writing

4 ways the Certificate in Professional Writing can help advance your career

May 16, 2022

Better job opportunities await! With Penn LPS Online’s Certificate in Professional Writing, you strengthen your writing skills and build confidence as you develop a strong professional portfolio. See 4 ways the certificate can help advance your career

Certificate in Global and Regional Studies

This is why global and regional studies are important—now more than ever

May 10, 2022

In the Certificate of Global and Regional Studies, the world is your classroom. Dive into these diverse courses to understand the most pressing and complex issues that face the world today.

Certificate or degree: 4 questions to help you make your choice

April 26, 2022

Penn LPS Online offers certificates and a bachelor’s degree, but which offering is the right one for you? Here are 4 questions to help you make your choice.

How to create an effective study strategy for your exams

March 30, 2022

Prepping for finals? Don’t stress—planning early, creating study guides, and practicing self-care are all ways to ace that test. Read about 9 effective study strategies Penn LPS Online students use to have successful test days.

earning a Certificate in Creative Writing at Penn LPS Online is an excellent way to upgrade your credentials to pursue—or advance—a career in writing or communications

Five rewarding careers related to creative writing

March 16, 2022

Dreaming of a career in creative writing? The Penn LPS Online Certificate in Creative Writing can help you make it a reality. Read about 5 exciting careers in creating writing that a certificate can prepare you for.

At Penn LPS Online, the concentrations for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) allow you to customize your undergraduate degree to align with your professional and intellectual ambitions.

5 steps to choosing a concentration that aligns with your goals

February 21, 2022

Need help choosing a concentration? Penn LPS Online’s Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences offers 8 to choose from that can advance your career.

What does it mean to study diversity and inclusion—and how do you apply what you learn?

February 14, 2022

Hear from the program team behind the new Certificate in Social Difference, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and learn how students can put this knowledge to work.

Penn LPS Online was created to make a high-quality Ivy League education accessible and affordable to working professionals

8 effective strategies for academic success

January 19, 2022

Adult learners can be challenged by adding academic commitments to their already busy family and professional life. Determination, discipline, and patience can effectively balance all these roles.

The power of the Penn LPS Online community

6 reasons bachelor’s degree graduates are glad they earned an Ivy League education

January 19, 2022

Is the Ivy League worth it? See 6 reasons why Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences graduates are glad they earned an education at Penn LPS Online.

Enhance your personal and professional development with multiple certificates

December 20, 2021

Here are 5 reasons why earning multiple certificates can help you reach your personal and professional goals—whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or realizing your love of lifelong learning.

5 advantages of earning an online bachelor’s degree or certificate as a working adult

December 15, 2021

Designed to enhance your skills and knowledge for career advancement, job transition, or the pursuit of your intellectual interests, Penn LPS Online delivers for working adults.

9 spring courses to cultivate your skills and inspire your curiosity

November 2, 2021

What are your goals for 2022? Explore your intellectual curiosity, enhance your professional portfolio, or start a new course of study by enrolling in one of these spring courses.

The Individualized Studies concentration is just one more way the Bachelor of Applied Arts gives students the flexibility to make the most out of their experience at Penn.

Chart your own course through Individualized Studies

October 18, 2021

The Individualized Studies concentration is just one more way the Bachelor of Applied Arts gives students the flexibility to make the most out of their experience at Penn.

What it means to be Ivy League—and why it’s worth it

September 28, 2021

Selective admissions processes, academic excellence, and world-class programs: Read what it really means to be Ivy League and why it’s worth it to you.

Faculty Spotlight: Clayton Colmon

September 14, 2021

Explore Afrofuturism, digital community-building, and critical futures with Dr. Colmon, Penn LPS Online instructor and instructional designer.

With four new skills-focused certificates in addition to our established programs, there are now even more options to earn an academic credential in less than one year.

Which Penn LPS Online certificate is right for you?

July 27, 2021

With four new skills-focused certificates in addition to our established programs, there are now even more options to earn an academic credential in less than one year.

Faculty spotlight: Yvette Bordeaux

July 12, 2021

Meet Dr. Bordeaux and learn about how she got interested in climate change, why hands-on learning matters, and what happened to Devonian-era brachiopods.

What do you want to accomplish next term? With these exciting fall courses, you can start a new certificate, try out a new skill, or cultivate new habits.

11 immersive online courses to dive into this fall

July 12, 2021

What do you want to accomplish next term? With these exciting fall courses, you can start a new certificate, try out a new skill, or cultivate new habits.

Look no further: 10 practical online courses to enhance your life skills

June 4, 2021

Simply put, practical life skills allow you to deal effectively with the increasing demands of everyday life.

embracing scientifically-sound strategies to enhance well-being, build resilience, and increase our ability to thrive in the face of adversity

Putting positive psychology into practice in challenging times

May 5, 2021

Attending to our own happiness during uncertainty and tragedy can be difficult, but Leona Brandwene, Director of the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology, says that ideas emerging from the science of positive psychology can help.

Whether you are thinking about transferring or coming back to school after a hiatus, here are tips on how to make the most of your transfer credits.

What to consider if you're thinking about transferring colleges

May 4, 2021

Whether you are thinking about transferring or coming back to school after a hiatus, here are tips on how to make the most of your transfer credits.

2021 College of Liberal and Professional Studies Commencement Announcement

March 11, 2021

Following the University announcement about this year’s commencement ceremony, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is pleased to announce that we will again host a virtual celebration to honor our graduates.

focus on topics such as logic, probability, and the history and philosophy of mathematics

Learn how to leverage the power of logic in Mathematics All Around You

March 3, 2021

With a focus on topics such as logic, probability, and the history and philosophy of mathematics and their relevance to contemporary life, this course pushes students to consider “why” math works rather than simply “how.”

The Data Analytics team walks through the structure, applications, and benefits of this practical certificate program.

How to become a data-oriented thinker and problem-solver in the Certificate in Data Analytics

November 19, 2020

The Data Analytics team walks through the structure, applications, and benefits of this practical certificate program.

To succeed in the course, Frei emphasizes that students need to pace themselves and schedule themselves plenty of time to think, reflect, and feel as they go through the coursework.

Why cross-cultural communication is important—and how to practice it effectively

October 29, 2020

ICOM 100: Intercultural Communication helps Penn LPS Online students develop effective communication skills and cultural understanding globally as well as within diverse communities.

To complete a Literature, Culture, and Tradition degree concentration, students take at least four courses from at least two of those subject areas

Literature, Culture, and Tradition: an online degree concentration for students of humanity

October 27, 2020

Learn how this cross-disciplinary humanities degree concentration can sharpen critical skills for work—and for life.

Explore everyday biology and think like a scientist in Foundations of Life Science

September 1, 2020

Basic biology and scientific reason skills give adult students the power to make decisions about their daily lives in this foundational course.

Director of Undergraduate Programs at the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) at Penn, Kathy Urban

For Kathy Urban, a high-quality education means putting students first

July 30, 2020

The LPS Director of Undergraduate Programs discusses the importance of agile thinking and adapting to student needs.

Scholars of digital culture say technical proficiency is now required to participate in society

To thrive in the new digital landscape, you need to be more than just a user

July 29, 2020

Scholars of digital culture say technical proficiency is now required to participate in society—and that we need to know much more about technology tools than we realize to harness their potential.

Meet three of our recent BAAS graduates and learn how their Ivy League education helped them achieve their career goals, ignite new academic passions, and enrich their personal lives.

How our recent graduates put their applied bachelor's degrees to work

July 8, 2020

Meet three of our recent BAAS graduates and learn how their Ivy League education helped them achieve their career goals, ignite new academic passions, and enrich their personal lives.

Informative, introspective, and inspiring: 12 interesting Ivy League courses you can take online this fall

June 18, 2020

Whether you want to learn more about the world, get on top of your game at work, or unlock your creativity, Penn LPS Online has a fall course for you.

Achieve your unique goals with flexible degree requirements and a custom Penn experience

June 8, 2020

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences is structured for students to build individualized pathways to academic excellence and professional growth.

Penn LPS Online staff and students offer tips on how to prepare for online classes and become a successful online learner.

Tips on how to succeed in an online class

May 20, 2020

For those new to online learning, the virtual classroom may feel like uncharted territory. Penn LPS Online staff and students offer tips on how to prepare for online classes and become a successful online learner.

a certificate program offers the best opportunity to specialize in a particular area of expertise without a steep investment of time.

What are certificates—and why do working professionals increasingly find them worthwhile?

May 13, 2020

For some students, a certificate program offers the best opportunity to specialize in a particular area of expertise without a steep investment of time.

Remote work offers flexibility for employees and cost savings and increased productivity for employers—a win-win.

We’re all virtual collaborators now… but do we know how to be?

May 6, 2020

Collaborating successfully in the virtual space is harder than it may seem. Learn what remote teams need to do their best work together.

Learning from Penn faculty in an immersive multimedia platform

Online learning isn’t a replacement for the campus classroom. For some students, it’s better.

April 22, 2020

For the many Penn LPS Online students with professional and family responsibilities, the most obvious benefit of taking college classes online is flexibility.

Tips for remote working and learning

April 9, 2020

This spring, more and more people find themselves learning and working remotely—in many cases for the first time.

The importance of lifelong learning

April 8, 2020

Professional success is just one of the many benefits of lifelong learning. Others include building confidence through mastery, staying intellectually stimulated, and discovering new passions and perhaps your life purpose.

Penn LPS Online’s Certificate in Creative Writing student

Skill, style, and substance: How creative writing workshops fuel personal and professional growth

March 12, 2020

Human beings have a fundamental desire to connect through expression. For both experienced writers and those new to the craft, that desire is often confounded by what's missing: support, structure, and accountability.

What is climate change, and what should we do about it?

March 5, 2020

The conversation around climate change has taken on new urgency in the last few years. As we see more superstorms, floods, droughts, and fires in the news and our own lives, more people than ever before feel drawn to understand this complex topic.

Julia is the Faculty Director of Penn LPS Online’s Certificate in Creative Writing

With ‘The Sacramento of Desire,’ creative writing professor Julia Bloch completes a personal trilogy

March 4, 2020

Penn LPS Online’s Creative Writing Faculty Director’s most recent book of poetry focuses on her desire for making a family as a member of the queer community.

Penn LPS Online student studying before work

Penn LPS Online students on how to balance school, work, and family

January 28, 2020

According to a 2019 report from the McKinsey Global Institute, lifelong learning programs play a key role in connecting workers with new opportunities, supporting career changers, and helping specialized practitioners adapt to evolving technologies.

The liberal arts major is “about to make a major rebound.”

Demand is growing for liberal arts majors

January 27, 2020

Whenever a new decade rolls around, we tend to reflect on the social, economic, and other forces that shaped the world over the last ten years.

After a US drone strike killed Iran’s most powerful military commander this month, both nations braced for the possibility of war. How did we get to this point, and what is the path forward?

A history of US-Iran relations

January 10, 2020

After a US drone strike killed Iran’s most powerful military commander this month, both nations braced for the possibility of war. How did we get to this point, and what is the path forward?