A master’s program that places high value on quality of evidence, statistical analysis, assessment, and psychometrics, as well as the use of research technology in producing evidence to inform policy and practice. 

The Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology (SMART) master's program is designed to prepare individuals for work in research and assessment organizations focused on education, as well as psychology and social services.

What Sets Us Apart

 Get practical experience in research apprenticeships 
  Qualify for the STEM OPT extension for students on an F-1 visa
 Be part of a vibrant Ivy League community of researchers and practitioners

About the Program

The program provides understanding and skills in data collection, management, and processing; measurement theory and test construction; survey design; design and execution of randomized controlled experiments and quasi-experiments; assessment strategies; and statistical analysis and reporting.

Application deadline
Closed for Fall 2024. The application for Fall 2025 will be available September 1, 2024.
Entry term(s)
Fall
Course requirements
10 courses (7 core Quantitative Methods courses, 2 electives, and 1 distribution course)
Typical course load

Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 Courses; Summer: 2 courses

Culminating experienceA general examination 

Schedule
  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
Overview

The 10-course-unit minimum makes it possible to complete all degree requirements in 1 academic year or 1 academic year plus 1 summer session of full-time study. Part-time study is also an option.

In addition to coursework and a written general examination, students in this degree program are strongly encouraged to undertake a research apprenticeship.

Curriculum

Our Faculty

Penn GSE Faculty Robert F. Boruch
University Trustee Chair Professor of Education and Statistics
Ph.D., Iowa State University
Penn GSE Faculty Wendy Chan
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Northwestern University
Penn GSE Faculty Paul Austin McDermott
Professor
Ph.D., Temple University
Penn GSE Faculty Michael Rovine
Senior Fellow
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University

Affiliated Faculty

Eric T. Bradlow
K.P. Chao Professor, The Wharton School
Ph.D., Harvard University

Timothy Victor  
Adjunct Associate Professor, Penn GSE 

Dual Degree

A dual Master’s of Social Work degree is available with Penn’s School of Social Policy. Learn more about Dual and Joint Degrees at Penn GSE.

Our Graduates

Graduates of the SMART program go on to become researchers and statistical analysts in organizations such as school districts, government agencies, research centers, educational testing companies, and educational research institutes.

Alumni Careers

  • Community Analyst Fellow, Education Pioneers/Dell Foundation
  • Founder, Edumize, Inc.
  • Policy and Data Analyst, New Jersey State Department of Education
  • Statistical Analyst, Walmart
  • Statistics Methodologist, IMS Health

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements, as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact Information

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Office of Admissions and
Financial Aid

Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-6415
admissions@gse.upenn.edu
finaid@gse.upenn.edu

Program Contact

Christine P. Lee
Program Manager
(215) 898-0505
cplee@gse.upenn.edu

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.