Prospective Students
At the College of Arts and Sciences, you can pursue a curiosity-driven education, go deep to master a subject that excites you, and put your learning into practice to make the world a better place.
The College is the heart of Penn’s undergraduate experience, where tradition meets innovation. It offers courses of study spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with world-class faculty and a curriculum designed to foster exploration, real engagement, and individual choice.
Learn with Us
Beginning with the Class of 2031, students in the College will follow an innovative Arts & Sciences curriculum featuring:
- Foundations: A small set of core courses that facilitate exploration of all Penn has to offer, including the shared first-year experience of Kite and Key
- Distribution: A simple framework for ensuring breadth of coursework across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, with plenty of room for electives driven by student curiosity
- Major: One or more area of specialization where students pursue deeper study
As a whole, the curriculum supports the mission and educational aims of the College of Arts and Sciences by preparing students to gain deep knowledge in at least one chosen area while learning to communicate and connect their expertise across boundaries. It provides opportunities to follow their curiosity, embrace complexity, seek solutions, and become better prepared to lead thoughtfully engaged lives.
What can you study in the College?
Campus Visits and Information Sessions
Student Presentations about the College
Led by enthusiastic volunteers, the College Cognoscenti give presentations to families in small groups about what it means to be at Penn from an academic and co-curricular perspective. Independent of undergraduate admissions, the Cognoscenti are a great resource for prospective students to learn about the curriculum, student research experiences and other academic details specific to Penn's College of Arts and Sciences. Register for a virtual presentation here. In-person information sessions can also be registered for through the Undergraduate Admissions website.
Admissions Information Sessions and Tours
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers prospective students and their supporters a variety of resources to learn more about Penn and the admissions process, including virtual tours and in-person information sessions. Visit the Undergraduate Admissions website to learn more.
There are many ways to do the College
Students describe their College paths.
living the arts and sciences through mathematical economics, drawing and creative writing.
on how a creative writing course and a modern view of John Milton's Paradise Lost deepened his appreciation of language study.
on how an Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) course inspired her decision to major in Health & Societies.
on her path from studying medicine to following her passion and love for art and becoming a Design major.
Listen to the College Voices Podcast
Step inside the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and discover what it's really like to be a student in the College through our official podcast. You'll get unfiltered stories about campus life, how to overcome the challenges of balancing academics and social life, and the rewards of earning a degree in the College.
Who Studies in the College?
Explore. Connect. Create.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the academic experience at the University of Pennsylvania.
Open up a world of possibilities.
Virtual Campus Tour
Explore campus virtually!