An interdisciplinary doctoral program inviting students to explore and contribute to scholarship on education's social and cultural dimensions.
Breaking new ground in the social and cultural dimensions of education.
Rooted in the social sciences and humanities, the Ph.D. program in Education, Culture, and Society provides a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, focusing on social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions.
Following a rich academic curriculum centered on social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and contribute to scholarship on the social and cultural contexts of learning, both inside and outside of schools.
September 1 Application Opens
Fall Entry Term
Full-Time Enrollment Format
16 Courses
4 Years Fully Funded Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship
On Campus Modality
The Education, Culture, and Society, Ph.D. (ECS) program immerses students in a dynamic professional academic community through research apprenticeships, coursework, seminars, cross-cohort collaborations, and research group participation.
This program examines the underlying assumptions about human nature and society that shape both popular and academic understandings of education. By challenging these assumptions, students gain deeper insights into educational problems and prospects.
ECS provides the essential tools to facilitate such interrogation, including:
Students have the flexibility to design an individualized program of study, drawing on elective courses from across the University of Pennsylvania. With faculty approval, they can explore a wide range of disciplines—including Sociology, Law, Anthropology, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Work, Non-profit Leadership, History, Urban Studies, Philosophy, and Linguistics—to enrich their academic and professional perspectives. This customizable approach fosters a multidimensional learning experience and prepares students to be thoughtful, informed scholars in a complex world.
Penn GSE's ECS program has partnership across the University of Pennsylvania that allow students to pursue joint Ph.D. degree opportunities in fields like Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Africana Studies, or History, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives and expanding research collaborations. This flexible and collaborative approach empowers Ph.D. students to explore cross-disciplinary connections, broaden their academic horizons, and develop a well-rounded scholarly profile. Learn more about Joint-Degree options.
Doctoral students pursuing a joint doctoral study with the ECS program and Penn’s Department of History may be eligible to extend their funding through the Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education. Interested candidates should contact Professor Jonathan Zimmerman at zimmj@upenn.edu for details.
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Ph.D. Funding
Penn GSE's Education, Culture, and Society, offers collaborative partnerships across the University of Pennsylvania, enabling joint-degree opportunities in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, and History. These interdisciplinary pathways enrich students' academic experience and broaden the scope of their research.
Penn GSE's Education, Culture, and Society, offers collaborative partnerships across the University of Pennsylvania, enabling joint-degree opportunities in Africana Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, and History. These interdisciplinary pathways enrich students' academic experience and broaden the scope of their research.
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Location: Online
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
The Education, Culture, and Society, Ph.D. program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. Students must complete 16 courses (6 required, 10 electives) and participate in a mentored research apprenticeship. To complete the course of study, students take a set of written examinations in their area of specialization and complete a dissertation on a problem in education.
With approval from your faculty advisor, up to six graduate-level courses completed prior to entering the Ph.D. program may be used to substitute for required courses. However, all students must still complete a total of 16 course units while enrolled at Penn GSE.
For information on courses and requirements, visit the Education, Culture, and Society, Ph.D. program in the University Catalog.
We're happy to help! Contact the program staff below:
Program Manager: Alex Posecznick, alpos@upenn.edu
Program Assistant: Paula Rogers, progers@upenn.edu
Graduates of the program develop the expertise to rethink educational models and drive meaningful change in the field and go on to careers as researchers within universities, research institutes, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
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.
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Jasmine Harris
Kristina Lyons
Ranah McKay
Jennifer Morton
Do you have questions about our programs, admissions requirements, or financial aid? We're here to help!
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