A highly individualized doctoral program with nationally-recognized faculty researching the issues shaping higher education.
Penn GSE's Higher Education Ph.D. program is pioneering research on the most pressing questions in higher education: college access and affordability; race, gender, and inclusion policies on campus; international education; and university governance. Our graduates are prepared to contribute to the field through positions in academia, government, or nonprofit institutions.
What Sets Us Apart
About the Program
The Ph.D. in Higher Education prepares students for an academic career in the field of higher education. Through coursework and a research assistantship with their advisor, students develop the skills they need to conduct quality primary research in higher education.
Fall: 3-4 courses; Spring: 3-4 courses
Transfer courses acceptedUp to 8 with faculty approval
Culminating experienceDissertation
- Full-Time
The Higher Education Ph.D. program is highly individualized, and students work closely with their academic advisor to draw from courses from the division and from other areas on campus that relate to their area of inquiry. Students develop the skills they need to conduct quality primary research in higher education, including understanding research design; program evaluation; and the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program in Higher Education is highly individualized. At least 12 course units of graduate work must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania. The program requires students to complete two methods courses, and Ph.D. students develop a planned program of study in consultation with their academic advisor.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog.
Our Faculty
Higher Education faculty are leading the conversation about how to expand college access, equity, and affordability. These experts are routinely sought by university presidents, foundation leaders, journalists, and policymakers seeking to understand the changing landscape of higher education. Please contact our program for information on selecting a faculty advisor.
Affiliated Faculty
Ross Aikins
Adjunct Associate Professor
Ph.D., UCLA
Peter Eckel
Senior Fellow
Ph.D., University of Maryland
Peter Garland
Executive Vice Chancellor, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Ph.D., Penn State University
Laura W. Perna
Vice Provost for Faculty
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Jason A. Presley
Vice Dean, Finance and Administration, Penn GSE
Ph.D., New York University
Sharon M. Ravitch
Professor of Practice
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Alan R. Ruby
Senior Fellow
Associateship, London Institute of Education
Valarie E. Swain-Cade McCoullum
Provost’s Distinguished Senior Fellow
Ed.D., Temple University
Ann E. Tiao
Advisor to the Dean for Special Projects
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Julie E. Wollman
Professor of Practice
Ph.D., New York University
Our Graduates
Alumni Careers
- Assistant Professor, Loyola University of Chicago
- Assistant Professor, Seattle University
- Assistant Professor, The University of Michigan School of Education
- Assistant Provost for Administration, Bryn Mawr College
- Associate Dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Senior Program Officer, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Senior Policy Advisor, United States Department of Education
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
Ross Aikins
Adjunct Associate Professor, Program Manager
(215) 898-8398
raikins@gse.upenn.edu
Noel Lipki
Program Coordinator
(215) 746-2923
nlipki@upenn.edu
Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.
All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Related News & Research
The Institute for Research on Higher Education (IRHE) is a university-wide research institute that conducts research relevant to policymakers and educational practitioners.
The Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy (Penn AHEAD) is dedicated to fostering open, equitable, and democratic societies through higher education.