“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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February 1 Application Deadline
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Summer Entry Term
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Executive Enrollment Format
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27 Course Units
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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: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 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
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
| 2025-2026 | 2026-2027 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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
Our affiliated faculty are valued members of the Penn GSE community and are leaders in their fields and disciplines across higher education and in the private sector. In addition to teaching students, many of our affiliated faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student mentors.
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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!
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Kemi Oyewole’s past studies in economics and organizational structures and experience in the Boston Teaching Residency stoked a passion for improving educator professional development.
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This year’s theme, “The Leadership Moment,” addressed significant challenges in the field, from the enrollment cliff to school mergers and acquisitions and speech freedom.
Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore has worked with the UN, established a foundation advocating for youth and women’s rights, and now works as a research scholar. She says Penn CLO’s practitioner–scholar approach has had a profound impact on her work.