Become a Penn-made writer—your way. Designed with working adults and nontraditional students in mind, Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) offers a range of opportunities to study the craft of creative writing with expert faculty and a community of like-minded peers. As a Penn student, you have access to world-class resources including Penn Libraries and Kelly Writers House, as well as personalized advising to help you make the most of your Penn experience.
What’s your story?
Whether you are an experienced writer hoping to focus and polish your work or a beginner exploring the arts of creative expression, Penn LPS workshops, and writing-intensive Proseminars offer inspiration, technique, and constructive feedback. Wherever you are, whatever level of education you’ve achieved, there’s a program for you at Penn.
Beginning or completing a bachelor’s degree?
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree is an accredited degree program that offers an Ivy League liberal arts education—fully online.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree, with the option to complete related certificates at the same time
- Complete 30 courses (or less, if eligible for credit transfer) through full-time study or a part-time flexible pace
- Take immersive, fully online courses from anywhere in the world; does not require residence in Philadelphia
- Tailor your studies with a degree concentration such as Creative Studies, Individualized Studies, or Literature, Culture, and Tradition
- Apply through the standard admissions process, or “prove your way in” by demonstrating academic ability
- Apply for a fall, spring, or summer start
Looking for a graduate degree that isn’t terminal?
The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program allows you to design your own curriculum by choosing courses across the University and combining different disciplines to tackle the question or project that motivates you. Anchored by writing-intensive Proseminar courses, the MLA is ideal for students who wish to draw from different disciplines to approach a creative project or research query.
Designed for students who already have a master’s degree and want a short, focused degree program to extend their studies, the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) program balances all the benefits of the MLA with the independence of self-directed study.
- Earn a graduate degree with the option to complete a graduate certificate in creative writing at the same time
- Complete coursework and a capstone project in one year of full-time study or at a part-time flexible pace
- Take daytime or evening courses on campus, and online courses when available
- A bachelor’s degree in any field is required to apply, and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional
- Apply for a fall, spring, or summer start
Just want to write—without committing to a degree program?
Unlock your creativity from anywhere in the world through accelerated online courses. The Certificate in Creative Writing allows you to choose four courses from a variety of collaborative workshops—including genres such as poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction—to earn a certificate, or a total of six courses to qualify for an advanced certificate. Want to test the waters first? Enroll in individual courses in creative writing without committing to a program of study, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests.
- Earn academic credit with each course, with the option to complete a certificate
- Complete the certificate program in less than one year, or take courses at your own pace
- Fully online and asynchronous; does not require residency in Philadelphia
- No application or prerequisites required; you are eligible if you have attained a high school diploma
- Enroll any time for a fall, spring, or summer start
If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree or higher, the Post-Baccalaureate Studies (or post-bacc) program is a unique opportunity to hand-pick courses from more than 50 academic departments—including creative writing, literature, and related studies.
- Earn academic credit with each course
- Complete coursework through full-time study or a part-time flexible pace
- Take daytime or evening courses on campus, and online courses when available
- A bachelor’s degree in any field is required to apply
- Enroll any time for a fall, spring, or summer start
Already enrolled in a degree program?
If you’ve committed to a degree program at Penn or another institution, you may still have an opportunity to practice writing at Penn.
- Anyone with a high school diploma can enroll as a visiting student during Penn Summer Sessions—no application needed
- Undergraduates can enroll as a Domestic Guest Student to spend a term at Penn
- Penn graduate students can enroll in writing-focused MLA courses as electives
