SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Sharpen any skill you practice in Penn’s Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts
“I think a liberal arts degree is the best degree you can have,” says Jeffry Mulrain Jr. (Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts ’25). “It’s the ability to learn as much as you want, about as much you want, and really sharpen your instruments.” Jeffry began looking for an advanced degree when he retired from his career in national intelligence due to an injury; having previously completed degrees in science, law, and a master’s degree in liberal arts, flexibility was what he valued most in the next chapter of his life. “I love to learn, and I was trying to find a program where I could just pick whatever I want,” he recalls. Penn’s Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) gave Jeffry the freedom to explore new topics and the flexibility to study them from anywhere in the world—while honing his writing skills to a fine point.
In the spirit of discovery, Jeffry leapt at the opportunity to study abroad MPhil-style: a summer course called Sweden: Strategies for the 21st Century brought a group of Penn graduate students overseas to study Swedish institutions and culture. “That little excursion changed my entire trajectory,” he says. “Right after the Sweden trip, I knew that I had to write about NATO and Sweden. It can’t be more timely from an intelligence perspective, a legal perspective, and a liberal arts perspective.” This topic became the focus of Jeffry’s MPhil thesis project: a paper that drew on his study abroad experience and professional background as well as organizational ethics. “It's the best thing I've written,” says Jeffry. “I was sharpened like a diamond by the time I was done writing.”
Jeffry also discovered a passion for screenwriting in a graduate writing workshop. “To have someone read my script out loud and then get feedback from amazing professors and people with multiple master’s degrees…. That was surreal. That really got me motivated.” Jeffry even pitched his spy thriller directly to Netflix; while the screenplay hasn’t yet been picked up, the opportunity has only made him more determined to keep writing scripts. “I'd never written screenplays before, and by the end of a few weeks, I was far more than competent,” he reflects. “What this program allowed me to do was to sharpen my skill set so much that I can do whatever I want. It gave me confidence.”
To prospective MPhil students, Jeffry advises: “Reach out. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pastore or any professor from any class that you think would be fun to take.” One of the major distinctions of the Penn community, says Jeffry, is that Penn faculty are far more engaged and approachable than he had experienced in other institutions. “The professors are accessible and friendly, and they want to see you succeed. I didn’t expect that—you can go to a top 10 school, and the professors are there for you,” he adds.
Ideal for lifelong learners who previously completed at least a master’s degree, the MPhil offers the independence of self-directed study with the expertise of world-class faculty and advising. Whether you want to explore new subjects, pursue a passion project, or prepare for academic or professional advancement, the MPhil program can connect you with courses across the University that develop your interests and fit your schedule. Contact our program director, Dr. Christopher Pastore, to schedule an appointment to review your current research and explore your options for pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts at Penn.
(215) 898-7326
lps@sas.upenn.edu
www.upenn.edu/mla-mphil
