Fully Funded PhD in Education at University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, renowned for its rich history and commitment to academic excellence, offers a prestigious PhD in Education program that stands at the forefront of educational research and practice.
With a legacy dating back to 1903, the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Penn has consistently been a pioneer in shaping the future of education through its innovative research, outstanding faculty, and dedicated students.
The PhD in Education program at the University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of areas of specialization, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific research interests and career goals.
Here are some of the common areas of specialization available within the program:
- Educational Linguistics
- Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development
- Quantitative Methods
- Learning Sciences and Technologies
- Literacy Studies
- Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education - Education, Culture, and Society
- Education Policy
- Higher Education
PhD in Education Program Requirements
Admission to Penn GSE requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent prior to your matriculation into any program.
PhD Funding Coverage
The vast majority of our students receive some form of financial assistance directly from Penn GSE. Whether you are a master’s student or a doctoral student, Penn GSE offers various scholarship and fellowship opportunities to help offset your tuition.
1. Dean’s Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship
The Dean’s Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship provides full funding to Ph.D. students. Support includes tuition and fees, health insurance, and a living stipend. All incoming Ph.D. students receive a fellowship and research apprenticeship package, which covers four years of study and requires that students maintain full-time enrollment.
Additional funding is available on a case-by-case basis for those students who wish to continue their research and teaching apprenticeship in the summer months.
There is no application for Dean’s Fellowships and Research Apprenticeships; award decisions are made by the academic division based on the application and communicated at the time of the admissions decision.
2. IES Predoctoral Training Program
The University of Pennsylvania offers the IES Predoctoral Training Program, a collaborative initiative among the Graduate School of Education, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Social Policy and Practice, and the Annenberg School for Communication.
This multi-year training program is designed to prepare Penn Ph.D. students committed to learning rigorous methods for conducting actionable, equitable field-based research to inform policy and practice.
This program offers financial and skill-building support for selected fellows for two to three years. Students are eligible to apply for this program after completing their first year of doctoral studies.
Application Requirements
Admission to Penn GSE requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent prior to your matriculation into any program.
1. 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.
2. Résumé: A current résumé/CV is required.
3. Letters of Recommendation Required: 3
4. Transcripts: Transcript(s) from prior undergraduate and graduate institution(s) are required.
5. GRE: Required
6. English Language Exam: Required
7. Application Fee: $75
Application Deadline
The deadline for all applications to the Ph.D. in Education program is December 1 for study beginning the following fall term.
Application Fees
For the current application season the application fee is $75.00. We encourage applicants seeking an application fee waiver to begin an application and complete as much as possible without submitting a payment.
