Here to prepare researchers and teacher educators for universities and colleges.

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education is designed for scholars who seek to advance education through rigorous research and theoretical inquiry. Students engage deeply with both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, developing expertise in action research, ethnographic study, statistical analysis, and survey research. Focal areas include teaching and learning, research and practice in teacher education, mathematics education, science education, and the study of urban education and urban contexts. 

Program Details

  • Fall Entry Term

  • Full-Time Enrollment Format

  • 4 Years Fully Funded Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship

  • On Campus Modality

Hear From Our Alumni

“Penn taught me, Penn GSE especially, that if you have the right combination of ingredients—commitment from the structure, mentors, and colleagues—then risk-taking, innovation, and progress will for sure ignite.”

Justice Toshiba Walker, Ph.D., GR'19

Hear From Our Alumni

Justice Toshiba Walker, Ph.D., GR'19

Overview

The Ph.D. program in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (TLTE) is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeships, and professional academic activities to build a complete professional experience. Students address a range of practice-based and theoretical problems in schools and community settings from sociopolitical, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical perspectives. 

Taking an interdisciplinary stance, faculty and students explore issues of equity, social justice, and educational change in a range of formal and informal educational settings. Field-based research and collaborative projects with practitioners in schools or other educational settings are central to the program. A key component of this professional experience is the Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC), which supports students in developing, conducting, and presenting original research. As part of the Professional Experiences strand, RAC is structured around students’ research interests and fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants contribute to scheduling activities, leading discussions, and shaping the agenda to reflect the collective needs of the group.

The program also emphasizes mentorship, with students at different stages of their doctoral journey guiding one another under faculty supervision. Beginning in the spring of the first year, students engage in the RAC and continue their participation until the completion of their dissertation. Graduates of the program go on to pursue teaching and research positions in institutions of higher education, leveraging their expertise to advance educational scholarship and practice.

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Application Requirements and Deadlines     Tuition and Fees     Ph.D. Funding

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Curriculum

The Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, Ph.D. is structured around 12 course units. Students will enroll in three course units in the Fall and three in the Spring during each of their first two years. They are expected to be in residence and participate in practicum activities, courses, and other academic experiences throughout this period.

For more information about courses and requirements, visit the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog.

Do you have questions about the coursework or research?

We're happy to help! Contact the Program Manager, Noemí Fernández, noemif@upenn.edu.

Outcomes

Our graduates are prepared for research and academic careers in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

Alumni Careers

  • Adjunct Professor, Moore College of Art and Design
  • Associate Professor of Special Education, Villanova University
  • Assistant Professor, Montclair State University
  • Assistant Professor, Utah State University
  • Associate Director, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
  • Director, Out of School Time Resource Center
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University
  • Senior Associate, Great Schools Partnership 

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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

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Program Faculty

Our 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 faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student advisors.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about our programs, admissions requirements, or financial aid? We're here to help!

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

Penn GSE

215-898-6415

admissions@gse.upenn.edu

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