Application Instructions
Thank you for your interest in Penn GSE! Please read all instructions and complete each step carefully.
Because Penn GSE appreciates your commitment to pursuing a career in the field of education, we do not have an application fee.
- Application Steps
- Attention: International Applicants
- Non-degree and Undergraduate Applicants
- Questions?
- Non-discrimination Policy
Application Steps
Step 1: Complete the application form.
Applicants should check the application deadlines prior to applying. Please note that we guarantee a faculty review for applications that are complete (including receipt of all supplemental materials) by the deadline. We encourage you to apply early.
Step 2: Write a statement of purpose.
The online application system supports the electronic submission of the statement of purpose. All applicants to degree and certification programs are required to write a statement of purpose, which should be no more than 750 words (no more than 1000 words for PennCLO). It should address the factors that have encouraged you to seek an education from Penn GSE. You may also wish to describe 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.
Specific program instructions:
- Counseling and Mental Health Services and School and Mental Health Counseling: Applicants should address their interest in the field of professional counseling and future professional goals.
- M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling: Applicants should answer the following question: What clinical strengths have you developed as a professional and what areas for further development would you like to address during your enrollment in the PC program?
- Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management: Please submit a single document of no more than ten double-spaced pages. That single document should be divided into two parts, each not more than five pages.
- Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership: In the statement of purpose, applicants should:
> For Part I, please submit a statement of purpose that describes what attributes of the program have led you to apply to the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management. Please address how your previous professional and educational experiences have prepared you to succeed in an accelerated doctoral program, and how these experiences will contribute to learning in a cohort-based instructional model.
> For Part II, please submit an essay addressing the following question. From among the most significant issues and opportunities in your institutional sector or functional area of higher education, what do we not know about this issue and why do we need to know it? Please be specific, rather than referencing broad, general problems.
> Identify a critical incident in your leadership experiences, an incident occurring at least a year ago but no more than 5 years ago. Describe the incident, the critical issues it presented and how you acted. Reflect on lessons you’ve learned from that incident, and describe any ways in which you might analyze or act differently now if a similar incident presented itself. (750-1000 words)
> How do you see this program furthering your aspirations? (250-500 words)
Step 3: Submit a copy of your resume.
The online application system supports the electronic submission of the resume. Applicants should submit a resume 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 people who can speak to your overall ability to study and practice in the field of education. Be sure to carefully read the "Agreement of Confidentiality" in the applicant's section of the form. If you are willing to relinquish your right of access to these recommendations, please make certain you indicate that, since the response of the recommender may be affected by whether or not you relinquish your right of access.
Specific program instructions:
- Executive Doctorate in Higher Education: Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Med Ed program: 2 letters of professional recommendation are required.
- PennCLO program: 2 letters of professional recommendation are required. We also encourage applicants to submit a nomination letter from a superior within the organization who can attest to how the applicant's responsibilities fit within the organizational structure, including the candidate's reporting relationship.
- Professional Counseling and Mental Health Services (M.Phil.Ed.): Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a supervisor who can attest to the applicant's clinical/counseling skills.
- (Reading/Writing/Literacy) Reading Specialist - Certification Only: Submit two letters of recommendation.
- School Leadership - Certification Only: Submit two letters of recommendation.
Letters become property of Penn GSE and will not be released.
Step 5: Request that an official copy of your standardized test scores be sent directly to Penn GSE.
You must arrange to have your standardized test scores sent directly to Penn GSE using the institutional reporting code 2943 for the GRE and TOEFL tests.
All applicants must take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) with the exception of those applying to the following programs:
- Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management
- Executive Master's in School and Mental Health Counseling
- Med Ed
- Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- PennCLO
- Reading/Writing/Literacy (M.S.Ed and Reading Specialist - Certification)
- School Leadership (Certification only)
- Teach for America
Please note that GRE Scores are valid and reportable within a 5 year period from the original test date.
All international degree applicants must take either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, with the exception of those who hold an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction. Applicants to the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management are also exempt from this requirement.
Please note that TOEFL scores are valid and reportable within a 2 year period from the original test date.
Step 6: Request all academic transcripts.
Admission to Penn GSE requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent. Arrange for all academic transcripts from all higher education institutions you have attended, or are currently attending, to be sent directly to Penn GSE from the issuing institution in which you have been enrolled. These must be official copies, signed and sealed by the institution(s) in English. The envelopes must be sealed when they are received at Penn GSE. If you are currently enrolled in an academic institution, a final transcript will be required prior to your matriculation into a degree program.
Applicants with undergraduate degrees from institutions in People’s Republic of China must submit verification reports for all graduation certificates, degree certificates, and academic transcripts. The reports and verified transcripts must be sent directly to Penn GSE from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center:
China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC)
B-17, Tongfang Scientific Plaza
No.1, Wangzhuang Road
Haidian District, Beijing 100083
China
Tel: 010-82379480
Fax: 010-82379491
Email: cqv@cdgdc.edu.cn
Website: http://cqv.chinadegrees.cn/
International applicants for whom the issuing institution will not release a transcript to Penn GSE directly are required to submit an evaluation from World Education Services.
Institutions should mail transcripts to:
Penn GSE Office of Admissions
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
All transcripts submitted become property of Penn GSE and will not be released.
Step 7: Request an Alumni Interview (OPTIONAL)
Penn GSE will now offer alumni interviews as an optional component of the application to our master’s degree programs. The interviews will serve as an opportunity for applicants to get a better sense of GSE from one of our alumni and an opportunity for GSE to get a different perspective of our applicants. Please click here (http://www.gse.upenn.edu/admissions_financial/alumni-interview-request) for more information and to request an interview. Please note that February is the last month that students will be able to request Alumni Interviews.
Step 8: Click Submit!
Be sure to click submit once you've entered all of the required information. Once you submit your application online, you will not be able to make changes.
Attention: International Applicants
International applicants should not leave their home country before gaining admission to Penn GSE.
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.
Foreign language transcripts must be submitted with a word-for-word English translation. If the issuing institution does not provide a word-for-word translation, applicants must employ a service recognized by the American Translators Association to produce the translation.
International applicants for whom the issuing institution will not release a transcript to Penn GSE directly are required to submit an evaluation from World Education Services.
International applicants to master's programs are strongly encouraged to file all admission materials 12 weeks in advance of the stated program deadlines.
In order to obtain a student visa, international applicants must be able to prove that they can pay the full costs of their tuition and residency in the United States. This information should be submitted to the University of Pennsylvania Office of International Programs with the visa application forms after admission.
Non-Degree and Undergraduate Applicants
General Admission
Students who wish to enroll in one or two courses at the Penn Graduate School of Education to further their career development or to explore a new field of interest may apply for general admission. Submit the application with an official transcript from the baccalaureate. (Please see section above on academic transcripts for requirements.) Non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents cannot be accepted for general admission from abroad.
Applications must be filed a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of the term.
Submatriculation
For Penn Undergraduate Students:
Penn undergraduates who want to submatriculate into a master's degree program must do the following:
- Submit written approval from their undergraduate advisor
- Meet with a Penn GSE academic advisor in the program to which they are applying
- File all application materials required by their master’s program at Penn GSE at least three weeks prior to the start of the term
For Bryn Mawr and Haverford Undergraduate Students:
Bryn Mawr and Haverford undergraduates who want to submatriculate into the teacher education program should follow the steps outlined above for Penn undergraduate students.
Questions?
The staff of the Penn GSE Office of Admissions is available to assist you with questions about admission requirements and the application process Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EST.
Call us at 877-PENN-GSE (877-736-6473) or (215) 898-6415, or email us at admissions@gse.upenn.edu.
Non-discrimination Policy
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).