About PhD Program,
The Education Policy Ph.D. program equips graduates with the knowledge and methodological tools to use, understand, and conduct research on the pressing educational issues of the day. Your program of study will be matched to your specific interests in education policy on the local, state, national, or international levels.
At the heart of the Education Policy Ph.D. program is the research apprenticeship. You will be paired with Education Policy faculty members whose research interests align with your own, and work alongside them in the research process. You will learn to design, conduct, and communicate the results of empirical research, including presenting papers at scholarly conferences and submitting articles to scholarly journals for publication.
In addition to an individualized program of study, our students are required to write a significant qualifying paper and complete a dissertation on an issue in education.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Course units of graduate coursework taken prior to matriculation into the Ph.D. degree program, if approved by both your faculty advisor and the Education Policy Chair, may be substituted for one or more of the above required courses. However, students are still required to complete 16 course units while at Penn GSE.
Our Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in four years—two years of full-time coursework and two years to complete exams and dissertation. The University’s maximum time limit for completion is ten years after matriculation.
At the end of the coursework, students complete a preliminary examination (also known as the qualifying paper or comprehensive examination) covering relevant areas of education policy. Successful passage bestows doctoral candidacy, at which point students appoint a dissertation committee, orally defend their dissertation proposal, and write and defend their dissertation.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Penn GSE is committed to making education accessible and affordable to all of our students. Students use a combination of ways to fund their education, through Penn GSE scholarships, assistantships, private scholarships, and loans.
The majority of our full-time master’s students receive some form of financial assistance directly from Penn GSE. Penn GSE offers various scholarship and fellowship opportunities to master’s and doctoral students to help offset tuition costs.
Application Requirement,
Statement of Purpose:
In 750 words or less, address the factors that have encouraged you to seek an education from Penn GSE. You may also wish to address your background, significant personal and professional experiences related to your program of study, important aspects of your academic record, and your professional goals upon completion of your desired program.
Résumé:
A current résumé/CV is required.
Letters of Recommendation Required:
3
Transcripts:
Transcript(s) from prior undergraduate and graduate institution(s) are required. Review additional information.
GRE:
Required
English Language Exam:
Required
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
If you are applying between September 1 and March 1, the $75 application fee is automatically waived. If you apply outside the fee waiver period, your application may require a fee. Applicants with specific program affiliations may be eligible to receive a fee waiver.
