Application Process

Step 1: Complete the online application form.

All degree applicants must complete an online application. Please be sure to indicate the degree you are seeking and the program in which you wish to study.

Step 2: Complete the essay section.

The online application system supports the electronic submission of the essay section of the application, previously entitled the "statement of purpose." Please answer both of the following questions:

1. "Identify a critical incident in your leadership experiences, an incident occurring at least a year ago but no more than five years ago. Describe the incident, the critical issues it presented, and how you acted. Reflect on lessons you learned from that incident, and describe any ways in which you might analyze or act differently now if a similar incident presented itself." (750- 1,000 words).
2. "How do you see this program furthering your aspirations?" (250-500 words).

Step 3: Submit a copy of your résumé.

The online application system supports the electronic submission of the résumé. Applicants should submit a résumé with details of relevant work and other experiences.

Step 4: Request three letters of recommendation.

The online application system supports the electronic submission of the letters of recommendation. Applicants should request letters of recommendation from three individuals who can speak to your ability to complete the program and to your career potential.

Step 5: Standardized test scores

The GRE is not required for admission to the program; however; the admissions committee reserves the right to request your GRE scores as an additional admissions criteria.

Step 6: Collect all academic transcripts.

Admission requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate and master’s degree at an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent. Arrange for official academic transcripts from all higher education institutions you have attended, or are currently attending, to be sent to you or directly to Penn GSE. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope from the school's registrar office in order to be accepted. Transcripts should be mailed to:

Penn Graduate School of Education
Mid-Career Doctoral Program Office of Admissions
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216

Step 7: On Campus Interview 

All applicants who have submitted an application will be asked to attend an on campus interview. This interview will take place on February 16th, 2013.

Additional Materials

You may elect to submit additional materials that provide direct evidence of you leadership practice, in support of your statement of purpose. This is not required, and the materials will not be returned. We strongly recommend that applicants avoid submitting materials not clearly linked to their statements. All supplementary materials should be clearly labeled as such when submitted. There is no application fee for the program. If you accept our offer of admission, there will be a deposit required to hold your place in the class.

International Applicants

International Applicants should first consult Penn GSE’s general guidance on international applications located on GSE’s main website. The Mid-Career Doctoral Program has additional program-specific requirements.

While the program examines a variety of factors in any admission decision, applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree from a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction must take either the TOEFL or the IELTS exam and submit their test scores with their application for admission.  The Mid-Career Doctoral Program requires a performance of at least:

•  7.0 on the IELTS, with 7.0 minimum on listening, speaking, and writing; and 6.5 minimum on reading; or

•  100 on the iBT (internet based test) version of the TOEFL, with no section score lower than 24 in reading, listening, and writing, and a 26 or above in speaking. 

Scores must be sent directly from ETS (for TOEFL) or from IELTS; self-reported scores will not be accepted.

The program is a linguistically demanding academic program, and there are limited resources for second-language support. In rare cases, outstanding applicants may be considered who would need highly-focused language support in selected technical areas.

The deadline to submit applications for Summer 2013 is Monday, February 11, 2013. Supplemental application materials will be accpeted until 5pm EST on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.