“Coming to Mid-Career has opened my eyes to the world of scholarship and research that is out there.”
Stella Beale, Ed.D., GRD'22
Effective leadership is the key to transformative education.
The Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is designed for accomplished education leaders who are ready to take the next step in their careers by deepening their expertise and expanding their impact. Our program equips leaders with the strategic, analytical, and advocacy skills needed to drive meaningful change in educational organizations while fostering a deep understanding of instruction, learning, and organizational dynamics as they intersect with the rapidly changing demands of education leadership.
Program Details
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Summer Entry Term
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Executive* Enrollment Format
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3 Years Duration
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On Campus Modality
Overview
Our 36-month, cohort-based program is designed for experienced professionals and senior educational leaders who seek to merge theory with real-world impact. Emphasizing collaboration, reflective practice, and problem-solving, the program creates a dynamic learning community where students tackle the complex challenges of their day-to-day leadership roles within coursework.
With monthly on-campus sessions, an annual summer residency, and continuous online engagement, students benefit from a flexible, supportive format. The dissertation process is fully integrated into the curriculum, allowing completion within three years.
A dedicated program coordinator manages logistics—travel, meals, materials, tech access, and more—so students can focus fully on their learning and leadership development.
Financing Your EducationApplicants to the Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership are eligible to receive the Penn GSE Empowerment Through Education Scholarship. |
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Hear From A Student
Hear From A Student
Stella Beale, Ed.D., GRD'22
Admissions Events
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Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Location: Online
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Time: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm | Location: On Campus
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Time: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
Through a dynamic blend of instructional, organizational, public, and evidence-based leadership, students engage with real-world challenges and develop the tools to enhance teaching and learning, manage teams effectively, shape public discourse, and make data-informed decisions. For information on courses and requirements, visit the Educational & Organizational Leadership Ed.D. program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the coursework?
We are here to help! Contact the program staff below.
Senior Fellow and Director: Dr. Bruce Campbell, dbcjr@upenn.edu
Associate Director: Chenelle Boatswain, cboats17@upenn.edu
Our weekend sessions combine structured coursework, community meals, and time for independent or group work. While each weekend follows a consistent rhythm, special events and shared experiences add to the richness of the program.
Typical Weekend Schedule
Friday
- 2:45pm Announcements
- 3-6pm Class
- 6-7pm Dinner
- 7-9pm Class
Saturday
- 8am Breakfast
- 9am-12pm Class
- 12-2pm Saturday Commons
- 2-5pm Class
- 5-6pm Dinner
- 6pm- Saturday Soiree/Independent/Group work
Sunday
- 8am Breakfast
- 8:30-11:30am Class
- 11:30am-12pm Lunch
- 12-3pm Class
- 3pm- Independent/Group work
| Academic Year | Session Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | July 19–26, 2025 August – no meeting September 26–28, 2025 October 24–26, 2025 November 14–16, 2025 December 12–14, 2025 January 23–25, 2026 February 20–22, 2026 March 13–15, 2026 April 10–12, 2026 May 1–3, 2026 June 5–7, 2026 July 11–18, 2026 |
| 2026–2027 | Coming soon |
Outcomes
We are deeply committed to helping our alumni promote their ideas in the world, connecting them with others who can solve practical problems, and supporting them in advancing their careers.
Alumni Careers
- Chief Academic Officer, Literacy Design Collaborative
- Principal, Radnor Township School District
- Director of Technology, Lackland Independent School District
- Pennsylvania State Secretary of Education
- Principal, Bellwood-Antis School District
- Teacher Leader, Greater Latrobe School District
- Head of School, French American International School
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affiliated Faculty
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Michele Mitchell
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Nicholas Morgan
Contact Us
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
