Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences, BAAS

The Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences concentration offers the opportunity to improve your data literacy while developing strategies that support personal, organizational, and community well-being. In this degree concentration, you learn how well-being is measured, what activities can increase human flourishing, and how to apply analytical and statistical methods to effectively interpret and communicate data.

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.

Requirements
Foundational Requirements8
Concentrations12
Electives10
Total Course Units30

In addition to course requirements, BAAS students complete a Senior portfolio.

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.

Foundational Requirements
Ethical Reasoning
Select 1 Ethical Reasoning course1
Qualitative Analysis
Select 2 Qualitative Analysis courses2
Quantitative Analysis
Select 2 Quantitative Analysis courses2
Scientific Process
Select 1 Scientific Process course1
Writing
Select 1 Writing course 11
Cross-Cultural Interactions & Diversity
Select 1 Cross-Cultural Interactions & Diversity course1
Total Course Units8
1

Must be taken 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.  

Data Analytics
DATA 1010Introduction to Data Analytics1
DATA 2100Intermediate Data Analytics1
DATA 3100Introduction to Statistical Methods1
DATA 4010Advanced Data Analytics1
Applied Positive Psychology
APOP 1000Introduction to Positive Psychology1
APOP 1200Human Flourishing: Strengths and Resilience1
APOP 2000Positive Psychology at Work1
APOP 2200Flourishing with Others: Building Thriving Relationships1
Electives
Select 4 additional courses with attribute BBDP 14
Total Course Units12
1

With input from an academic advisor. Choose four additional PennLPS Online courses (https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/courses) to complete this degree concentration. Up to three courses can be transferred in with approval of your advisor 

Electives 

Electives are courses that do not apply toward your foundational or degree concentration requirements. You may choose to deepen your field of study by taking additional classes within your concentration, develop a new skill by completing all of the courses within a course block outside of your degree concentration, or discover new interests and abilities by taking individual courses that appeal to your interests. Students choose 10 electives from any of Penn LPS Online's areas of study. Transfer students can apply a maximum of 8 course units from a regionally accredited institution toward this requirement.

Senior Portfolio Requirements

Throughout the BAAS degree, students draw on their coursework to build a digital collection of materials, or Senior Portfolio. The Senior Portfolio is a powerful tool to ensure students are aligning their academic studies with their individual professional, personal, and academic goals. Developing the Senior Portfolio provides students with the opportunity to reflect on selected assignments and discover how they can be applied to the broader context of their current and future careers. Students can share their Senior Portfolio with prospective and current employers to provide evidence of the skills and knowledge they have developed through coursework.

BAAS degree students who are working on their Senior Portfolio and seeking to connect with other students about the process can do so on our virtual discussion boards through the Canvas Senior Portfolio website. Ask a question, answer a question, and meet other talented, career-focused students.


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.