Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• The Ph.D. is an intensive, theory-based study of education for scholars who want to pursue careers in research or teaching at colleges and universities
• The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of twenty course units of approved graduate work, with at least twelve course units taken at the University of Pennsylvania
• This degree prepares students to conduct research, engage in evaluation and assessment, or pursue a teaching position in higher education, and many doctoral candidates have had prior professional experience in education
• Doctoral students are expected to become competent in both qualitative (action research, case study, ethnographic methods) and quantitative (statistical data analysis, survey research and measurement) research methodologies
• Students gain hands-on experience and practical competencies through service-based placements, mentorships, and research assistantships, and undertake independent research culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to knowledge about educational practice or policies
• Graduates serve as leaders of social agencies, state boards of education, school systems, and postsecondary education institutions

Requirements and Other Information