Programs at a Glance

Applied Psychology – Human Development Division (APHD)

Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development

M.S.Ed. The study of the social, cognitive, and physical aspects of human development, with a special focus on underprivileged, urban populations. 

Ph.D. The study of the social, cognitive, and physical aspects of human development, with a special focus on underprivileged, urban populations: emphasizes preparation for careers in scholarship.

Executive Master’s in School and Mental Health Counseling (Certification and/or Licensure)

M.S.Ed. This two-year executive program is designed for working professionals embarking on careers as either school or mental health counselors.

Professional Counseling & Psychology (Licensure)

M.Phil. Emphasizes supervised clinical skills, while addressing the emotional and behavioral health of individuals and group clientele in school, neighborhood, and community settings. Prepares students for professional licensure and for work in education and mental health fields. 

Counseling & Psychological Services (PA State Counseling Certification)

M.S.Ed. A one-year program that prepares students to work as mental health specialists, therapists, and researchers; field placements concurrent with coursework for the entire year. Post-masters school counseling certification available. 

 

Foundations and Practices of Education Division (FPE) 

Education, Culture & Society

M.S.Ed. Examination of the foundations of education from the perspectives of the academic disciplines. The program offers two areas of emphasis: Educational Foundations and Teaching and Learning.

Ph.D. Prepares students for careers in scholarship and research, studying education from the perspective of the academic disciplines; emphasis on socio-cultural foundations and anthropology of education.  

Educational Leadership

Ed.D. The Educational Leadership Program prepares students to become instructional leaders in public and non-public schools, state agencies, and new entrepreneurial ventures. Students gain a deep understanding about the context of American education from anthropological, historical, and sociological perspectives and about the central elements of instructional, organizational, public, and evidenced-based leadership.  

School Leadership

Principal Certification The School Leadership Program for Principal Certification is part of the overall School Leadership Program and educates students to conceptualize and lead school improvement efforts. Its unique cohort model focuses on helping students acquire the competencies, habits of mind and knowledge required to become effective instructional leaders.

M.S.Ed. Program for current public, independent, and charter school employees to develop knowledge and skills for leadership in public or independent schools. This cohort program emphasizes leadership for instructional improvement and the relationship of research and practice.

International Educational Development

M.S.Ed. Students become sophisticated analysts of global education and development projects through the application of theory and research. Prepares students for work in the U.N. family of institutions, international aid agencies, and NGOs.  

Learning Sciences and Technologies

M.S.Ed. Focuses on emerging technologies in educational settings and prepares students for success in information-rich environments. Students learn how to effectively assess, design, and implement technology in a wide range of learning environments.  

Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Ed.D. Accelerated Ed.D. program for mid-career professionals in K-12 administration, emphasizing core management strategies and applied research skills. Prepares students for the superintendency and other leadership positions.  

Teacher Education (Elementary & Secondary Certification)

M.S.Ed. Ten-month, intensive masters/certification program with mentored student teaching throughout; commitment to urban education, social justice, and cultivating an inquiry stance toward teaching and learning.  

Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

Ed.D. For those pursuing senior-level careers in educational practice; focus is on understanding the complex interrelationships of teaching, learning, and curriculum across school and community contexts.

Ph.D. For those focused on careers in research and teaching in the academy; students will gain an in-depth understanding of the complex problems in schools and community settings from a sociopolitical, cultural, and philosophical, and psychological and historical perspectives.

Higher Education Division (HED)

Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management 

Ed.D. Accelerated Ed.D. program for executives and senior managers in higher education, emphasizing core management strategies and applied research skills.  

Higher Education

M.S.Ed. Foundational knowledge of the system of higher education in the U.S. and how colleges and universities are organized and managed; emphasizes decision-making skills for entry- and mid-level managers.

Ed.D. Advanced study of higher education institutions, their management, and the policy and social contexts in which they operate, with focus on knowledge and applied research skills for careers in management.

Ph.D. Advanced study of higher education institutions, their management, and the policy and social contexts in which they operate, with focus on research preparation for careers in scholarship.  

Language and Literacy in Education Division (LLE)

Educational Linguistics

Ph.D. Ph.D. program focusing on the study of language as it is used, taught and learned in educational contexts. Students gain a solid foundation in linguistics and research. Preparation for careers in the academy.  

Intercultural Communication

M.S.Ed. Examination of language use as it relates to communication between cultural groups.  

Language and Literacy (Reading Specialist Certification)

M.S.Ed. Prepares already-certified teachers to meet the needs of English Language Learners in diverse classrooms. Prepares students to acquire a reading specialist certification and a TESOL certificate.  

Reading/Writing/Literacy (Reading Specialist Certification)

M.S.Ed. Exploration of literacy in its broadest sense, through four program strands: K-12 Literacy; Post-Secondary Literacy; Adult, Family, and Community Literacy; and Literacy Studies.  Leads to Reading Specialist certification.

Ed.D. Advanced study of literacy learning and teaching with focus on preparation for careers as literacy leaders in practice.

Ph.D. Advanced study of literacy learning and teaching with focus on preparation for careers in the academy.  

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESL Certificate)

M.S.Ed. This internationally renowned program provides in-depth study of teaching English to speakers of other languages with a special emphasis on practical application. Students take advantage of GSE’s strong partnerships with local schools to engage in observation, field work, and internships.

 

Policy, Measurement and Evaluation Division (PME)

Education Policy

M.S.Ed. Study of educational policy and policy analysis with a firm grounding in historical and current issues, and intensive training in research design and methods.

Ph.D. Focuses on the preparation of scholars and researchers; equips students with tools and knowledge to conduct multi-method investigations and analyses of educational policies in settings from pre-K through higher education.  

Policy Research, Evaluation, and Measurement

M.S. Prepares students in the use of statistical and psychometric methods for educational and social research.

M.Phil.Ed. A six-course, research-intensive advanced master's degree designed to prepare students for careers in advanced applied quantitative research.  Previous relevant master's degree required.

Ph.D. Prepares students for careers in research and scholarship; emphasis on advanced statistical and quantitative methods for the evaluation of educational and social policies and programs.

Teacher Preparation Programs

Teacher Education Program (TEP)

Ten-month, intensive masters/certification program with mentored student teaching throughout; commitment to urban education, social justice, and cultivating an inquiry stance toward teaching and learning.

Teach for America (TFA)

In collaboration with Teach For America (TFA), GSE offers TFA corps members placed in Philadelphia with the opportunity to pursue certification and/or a master's degree. The academic program is designed to support the corps member's work in the School District of Philadelphia by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for urban classroom teaching.

Undergraduate Programs: Urban Education Minor

Three seven-course minors, each with a specific focus, lay the groundwork for undergraduates interested in pursuing further study in education; teacher certification is available through an additional ninth semester.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

This internationally renowned program provides in-depth study of teaching English to speakers of other languages with a special emphasis on practical application. Students take advantage of GSE’s strong partnerships with local schools to engage in observation, field work, and internships.

Executive Programs

Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management 

Ed.D. Accelerated Ed.D. program for executives and senior managers in higher education, emphasizing core management strategies and applied research skills.  

Executive Master’s in School and Mental Health Counseling (Certification and/or Licensure).

M.S.Ed. Based on the ASCA national model, this two-year executive program is designed for working professionals aspiring to careers as school counselors.

Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Ed.D. Accelerated Ed.D. program for mid-career professionals in K-12 administration, emphasizing core management strategies and applied research skills. Prepares students for the superintendency and other leadership positions.  

Teach for America (TFA)

In collaboration with Teach For America (TFA), GSE offers TFA corps members placed in Philadelphia with the opportunity to pursue certification and/or a master's degree. The academic program is designed to support the corps member's work in the School District of Philadelphia by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for urban classroom teaching.

Work Based Learning Leadership, Executive Program in (with Wharton)

Ed.D. Prepares senior-level business executives to succeed as learning leaders. Whether the executive is a chief learning officer, vice president of human resources, or training director, this Ed.D. program develops the expertise needed to form a culture of learning within an organization. 

 

Other Programs

Work-Based Learning Leadership, Executive Program in (with Wharton)

Ed.D. Prepares senior-level business executives to succeed as learning leaders. Whether the executive is a chief learning officer, vice president of human resources, or training director, this Ed.D. program develops the expertise needed to form a culture of learning within an organization. 

Teach For America (TFA) Urban Teacher (Certification)

M.S.Ed.  In collaboration with Teach For America (TFA), GSE offers TFA corps members placed in Philadelphia with the opportunity to pursue certification and/or a master’s degree. The academic program is designed to support the corps member’s work in the School District of Philadelphia by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for urban classroom teaching.  

Joint/Dual Degrees

GSE master’s and doctoral students may enroll in courses across the university to earn a joint degree (one degree in two fields at once) or a dual degree (two degrees in two fields). Advance permission and acceptance into both programs is required.

 

Non-Degree Options

General Admission

For to students who wish to enroll in up to two education courses for personal or professional development without applying to a degree program.  

Post-Graduate Studies

Alumni who hold degrees from the Graduate School of Education may enroll in courses any term after graduation by special arrangement with the Associate Dean.

 

Undergraduate Options

Submatriculation

An accelerated program of master’s degree study for Penn undergraduates in their junior or senior year. Submatriculation into the Teacher Education Program is also available to Haverford and Bryn Mawr undergraduates in their junior or senior year.  

Undergraduate Programs: Urban Education Minor

Three seven-course minors, each with a specific focus, lay the groundwork for undergraduates interested in pursuing further study in education; teacher certification is available through an additional ninth semester.