Our master’s program prepares you to be an educator or scholar with a critical understanding of school in society, using approaches from anthropology, history, and philosophy.
Under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty advisor, students in the Education, Culture, and Society master’s program undertake individualized and interdisciplinary programs of study in the social foundations of education. The program provides students with a nuanced understanding of education as a social, cultural, and historical phenomenon in the U.S. and around the world.
What Sets Us Apart
About the Program
The M.S. Ed. in Education, Culture, and Society (ECS) blends theory and practice to explore the role education plays in reproducing and potentially transforming barriers to equal opportunity and access—in the U.S. and around the world.
Under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty advisor, students undertake individualized and interdisciplinary programs of study in the social foundations of education. Working in small cohorts, students explore and build a unique vision for the program through collaborative dialogue, intensive writing, and critical inquiry. The program prepares students for careers in school administration, educational non-profits, higher education, community advocacy work, and educational consultancy, as well as for doctoral study.
Fall: 3.5 to 4.5 courses; Spring: 3.5 to 4.5 courses; Summer: 2.0 courses
Culminating experienceMaster’s research paper
Duration of program12 to 15 months full-time; 2 years part-time
Dual degree optionsMaster of Social Work (MSW)
M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Concentration optionsCommunity Action and Social Change
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
The master's program in Education, Culture, and Society (ECS) is committed to fostering meaningful community engagement, activism, dialogue about the state of our world, and participatory research. Students will critically examine education as a profoundly social, cultural, political, and moral endeavor. Faculty members challenge students to reflect on the fundamental structures and purposes of education in society while also empowering them to actively participate in shaping educational practices through meaningful engagement. This program cultivates and values a wide range of interests, perspectives, life paths, and goals in its students.
The program design allows students to individualize their studies around topics and disciplines for which they have an intellectual passion. Students may take their electives in ECS, across other education programs at Penn GSE, or in other departments across the University of Pennsylvania. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of domains and gain a broader perspective through courses in Sociology, Law, Anthropology, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Work, Non-Profit Leadership, History, and many others.
ECS takes pride in its individualized and flexible approach, offering students a range of joint programs and options to tailor their academic journey to their specific interests and career goals. For those on a more academic path, a rigorous academic paper serves as the culminating capstone for students, demonstrating students' critical thinking, potential for scholarly contributions to the field, and deep understanding of their chosen area of focus. For those dedicated to Community Action and Social Change concentration, a community-based digital portfolio highlights their impactful community projects and fosters connections with a wide range of stakeholders in the field. Others may consider joint programs with our partners, including Non-Profit Leadership, Social Work, and Public Administration.
Curriculum
The master’s program includes four core courses as well as six electives. The core program provides a common, academic foundation, while electives allow students to individualize the program of study. For example, in conversation with a faculty advisor, ECS students identify elective coursework not only in education, but also in other fields across the university such as social work, political science, sociology, public policy, and so on. All course selections should be reviewed in consultation with a faculty advisor. The program culminates in a robust academic master’s paper.
For information on courses and requirements, visit the Education, Culture, and Society M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
Sample Courses
Core Courses
- School and Society in America
- Master’s Seminar in Education, Culture, and Society
Diciplinary Courses
Disciplinary Foundations courses critically bring to bear a disciplinary perspective on the understanding or practice of education. Students should select any one of the following:
- Philosophical Aspects of Education Policy
- Anthropology and Education
- American Education Reform: History, Policy, Practice
- History of American Education
Research Methods Courses
Methods courses prepare students in both the practical and theoretical implications of collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and presenting data on the human condition broadly—and education/learning in particular. Options include (but are not limited to) courses such as:
- Qualitative Methods: Principles and Techniques Ethnographic Filmmaking
- Advanced Qualitative and Case Study Research
- Ethnographic Research Methods
Elective Courses
In conference with a faculty advisor, students are encouraged to identify graduate level courses that align with their planned program of study from across the university. As such, electives may be taken in Education, Culture, and Society, other programs in the Graduate School of Education, or from programs across the University of Pennsylvania. Options include (but are not limited to) courses such as:
- Politics and Education
- Basic Education in Developing Countries
- Global Citizenship
- Merit and America
- Education and the American Metropolis
- The Social and Political Philosophy of Education
- Examining the School to Prison Pipeline
- Culture Wars and American Education
Program of Study
Our recommended course of study is to complete the program in 1.5 years (fall, spring, summer, fall). This allows students to build relationships with faculty and make the most of their time at Penn. We also offer an expedited option (fall, spring, summer), which is very intensive, or a part-time option across two years. Students are expected to work closely with their advisor in planning their course of study.
Concentrations and Dual Degrees
Although many students find that the one-year master’s program is well-suited to achieving their goals, others feel that a second year of focused study can powerfully shape their career path. For such students, a second year in one of our dual-degree programs can solidly ground students in two communities of practice.
Or, for students who do not want to add a second year, the concentration in Community Action and Social Change is an option. This concentration focuses on community advocacy, activism, educational non-profits, or other forms of community engagement.
Learn more about Dual and Joint Degrees at Penn GSE.
Program Option | Degrees Obtained | Length of Study | Capstone Experience | Distinguishing Features | Contact for more information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECS Program | M.S.Ed. | 10 courses | Master’s Paper | The core program maximizes flexibility and is suited for a variety of career paths. | GSE: Dr. Alex Posecznick (alpos@upenn.edu) |
ECS Program with a concentration in Community Action and Social Change | M.S.Ed. with transcript notation | 10 courses | Master’s Paper focusing on relevant topic | The concentration requires specific electives: (1) academically based community service course and (2) community-centered electives from across different schools. | GSE: Dr. Alex Posecznick (alpos@upenn.edu) |
Dual Degree Program in ECS and Social Work | M.S.Ed. and M.S.W. | 22 courses | Master’s Paper Extensive and Field Experience | The dual degree program with Social Policy and Practice allows students to blend their educational studies with work on child welfare, social policy, clinical social work, prisoner reentry, etc. | GSE: Dr. Alex Posecznick (alpos@upenn.edu) Social Policy and Practice (SP2): Mai Le (mtle@upenn.edu) |
Dual Degree Program in ECS and Non-Profit Leadership | M.S.Ed. and M.S. | 14 courses | Master’s Paper | The dual degree program with Social Policy and Practice provides students with additional expertise in leading social enterprises, NGOs, social services and institutions with a civic mission. | GSE: Dr. Alex Posecznick (alpos@upenn.edu) Social Policy and Practice (SP2): Adam Roth-Saks, (adamsaks@upenn.edu) |
Dual Degree Program in ECS and Public Policy and Administration | M.S.Ed. and M.P.A. | 14 courses | Master’s Paper | The dual degree program with the FELS Institute of Government prepares students to take on a leadership role in policy, government administration, and civil and public service. | GSE: Dr. Alex Posecznick (alpos@upenn.edu) FELS Institute of Government: Mindy Zacharjasz (mindyzac@sas.upenn.edu) |
Our Faculty
The program faculty oversee and are responsible for the curricular and intellectual integrity of the academic program. Please contact our program for information on selecting a faculty advisor.
Affiliated Faculty
Our affiliated faculty members are valued as part of our intellectual community, and students are encouraged to take their courses and to connect on research matters and for mentorship.
Asif Agha Nikhil Anand Mia Bay Camille Z. Charles Amitanshu Das Karen Detlefsen Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher Mauro F. Guillén Amy Gutmann Emily Hannum Jessie Harper Jasmine Harris Nancy H. Hornberger Richard M. Ingersoll John L. Jackson, Jr. Jerry A. Jacobs Annette Lareau Kristina Lyons Ranah McKay Jennifer Morton Hyunjoon Park John L. Puckett Sharon M. Ravitch Rogers Smith Deborah Thomas Greg Urban Daniel A. Wagner
Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Associate Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., Stanford University
Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professor of American History, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., Yale University
Walter H. and Leonore C. Annenberg Professor in the Social Sciences, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles
Senior Fellow and Director
M.A., New York University
Vice Provost for Education
Ph.D., University of Toronto
Senior Lecturer
Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University
William H. Wurster Professor of Multinational Management, The Wharton School
Ph.D., Yale University
Penn President Emerita
Ph.D., Harvard University
Professor of Sociology and Education, School of Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Lecturer, MSW Program, Penn Social Policy & Practice
Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
Professor of Law, Penn Carey Law
J.D., Yale Law School
Professor Emerita of Education
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of Education and Sociology
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Provost
Ph.D., Columbia University
Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., Harvard University
Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of California, Davis
Associate Professor of History and Sociology of Science, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., Stanford University
Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor of Philosophy
Ph.D., Stanford University
Korea Foundation Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison
Professor Emeritus of Education
Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Professor of Practice
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., Harvard University
R. Jean Brownlee Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., New York University
Arthur Hobson Quinn Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences
Ph.D., University of Chicago
UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Our Graduates
The M.S.Ed. program in Education, Culture, and Society is particularly well suited for students interested in educational research and doctoral study. Other students aim for careers in consulting, teaching, community advocacy, educational non-profits, practitioner-orientated inquiry, higher education, evaluation groups, community work, or broad leadership roles in education.
Alumni Careers
- Director of College and Career Counseling, YSC Academy
- Assistant Director of Enrichment, Mastery Charter Schools
- Associate Director of College Counseling, Horace Mann School
- Civics and U.S. Government Teacher, New Orleans Charter School
- Director, Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem
- Ph.D. Student, Harvard University
- Ph.D. Student, Oxford University
- Ph.D. Student, University of Pennsylvania
- Ph.D. Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Ph.D. Student, Vanderbilt University
- Social Worker, Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania (dual degree program with social work)
- Student Involvement Coordinator, University of Colorado, Boulder
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 us if you have any questions about the program.
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
Alex Posecznick, Ph.D.
Program Manager and Associated Faculty
(215) 573-3947
alpos@upenn.edu
Paula Rogers
Program Assistant
(215) 898-5023
progers@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.
Related News & Research
Convened by the Center for Urban Ethnography at Penn GSE since 1980, the Ethnography in Education Research Forum is the largest annual meeting of qualitative researchers in education.
The Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education journal is an electronic, student-run publication and interactive forum to investigate critical issues in urban education.
